How can I resist a walk in Garden of the Gods on such a lovely afternoon. Living only two miles away, the temptation is too great. A short loop hike with great views east and west on a gorgeous blue-sky day. Let’s explore along Ridge Trail Loop.
Lovely dappled shade across a few switchbacks. They will help us get up the 100 feet incline over a short distance.
Pinyon or piñon pines (Pinus edulis) seem like the primary tree here, getting gnarly as they grow older. You know those expensive pine nuts in most pesto recipes? These are the trees that produce them.
The Pinyon is a Southwest icon, growing primarily across the Four Corners states. It is New Mexico’s state tree. Want some great trip ideas? Look up Four Corners and see all the amazing landscapes, parks, recreation areas, and events. There is one caution–the blistering hot summers, but oh those red rocks and canyons! Thankfully there are three other seasons. 😉
What views from the top of the trail! Looking north is the south end of Gray Rock, also called Cathedral Rock. It is composed of white sandstone of the Lyons Formation with some layers of gypsum. Many of these rocks are from the ancient Lyons Sandstone or Lyons Formation. The colors result from a mix of iron in varied amounts with the sand as they were reworked over millennia.
Isn’t it amazing how the pines survive on the edge of rock? Pinyon’s grow and thrive in arid climates, areas with precipitation between 10-18 inches a year. Pinyons, along with big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and junipers, create the characteristic woodlands of the Colorado Plateau which covers a good portion of Four Corners.
Looking east, most of city view is obscured by these hills. I wanted to determine if I could see my apartment complex, and yes, there it is. Zooming in, you can make out a few rooftops behind those expensive homes with a great view.
Ahh, the view west is the keeper. No matter where you go in Colorado Springs, you see Pikes Peak. It is the mountain that inspired “America the Beautiful”.
This One-seed Juniper (Juniperus monosperma) appears to be struggling to survive. Since they can live for 1,000 years, maybe it’s just tired.
Turning southwest to head down the trail, wait, where is the trail? We are walking on rock. Makes the trail tough to find. A few years ago we walked on slickrock in Utah, but no one talks of slickrock here. Need to ask a geologist, and I know one in the Visitor’s Center. Great to have contacts who know the cool stuff.
Turning back north to look for the trail, Sleeping Giant is the massive formation right next to . . .
. . . Gray Rock which I love. This massive formation runs north to south, so from here we are looking at the south end. The colors, the life in the crevices, the jagged edges, love it.
The trail sign says go left, but I still can’t see the way down. Let’s walk left and see what’s what.
Geocaching event? Getting “lost” can result in interesting discoveries.
I could have sworn the trail was this way, but we have a beautiful view!
This trail is a deadend. Let’s go back an try again. Ahh, love the red rocks.
Another wrong turn–another great view.
OK, here we go, just walk up and over the rocks (looking back from where we just walked). By the way, slickrock is not slick. It feels like your boots are grabbing the rock as you walk. Stepping on gravel or sand you may slip, but otherwise a solid, non-skid hike. We’ll stay clear of sandy gravel as we go.
Wow, can you make out the trail looking back? Thank goodness it is a short loop, no getting lost for real.
A bit of a rock garden? That pine tree looks like a bonsai.
Walking down and out of the woods, we see Pikes Peak once more before heading east to the parking area. This is a lovely walk worth doing again, and now we know the way down to avoid spinning in circles. Then again, those circles offered some great views.
So until next time my friend, slow down and look around for the wonders where you live!
