We’ve hiked in Red Rock Canyon before, but today we will explore a trail I’ve never done, Quarry Pass Trail, a west to east walk across the park. First, though, we have to get to the trail so let’s go!
The trail starts on the south side of the parking area and we will walk around the edge of the park, in the shade (brrrrr), to enter. There are not many places in the park where you can see Pikes Peak, but the parking lot is one area. Yes, those are all homes in the town of Manitou Springs, but Colorado Springs owns this 1,476 acre open space. Don’t worry, we will quickly be in beautiful landscapes minus houses.
Here we are and finally the sun! It is about 18° out here so the sun is welcome. Let’s stand a minute and do a cormorant. OK, OK, what’s a cormorant? It is a fishing bird that is in much of the USA (Double Crested that is). It is known for standing with its wings spread to dry. They don’t have much preen oil so they don’t easily shed water from their feathers like ducks. Since they hunt for fish underwater, having less oil in their feathers makes them faster swimmers. Without that oil, however, they must air-dry their wings. They are so interesting, so check them out. I was playing cormorant with arms spread, to catch the warm sun rays that is.
This is Sand Canyon Trail, the first part of our hike. Not exactly sure where the canyon is, but this section of the trail has interesting sandstone on trail’s edge.
There are various types of sandstone here but we won’t get into that because I can’t tell the difference. The ancient history of this area is being at the bottom of a shallow sea with lots of sand, mud, and ocean creatures. Then came the waves of serious upheaval that not only formed the Rocky Mountains, but can be seen in the twists and turns in these rock formations, not to mention the possibility of finding fossils.
Now I know why there are so many pebbles all over the trails. Pebbles can be a real hazard when negotiating a steep downhill trail! Luckily these are still in their sandstone home.
Cactus in winter are a sorry sight. This one is holding on for dear life, even sending a shoot off to the right. We will have to check back next summer when they should be in their glory.
To our right, west, are hogback formations. A hogback you ask? We have many in the Springs. They are steep-tilted rocks with about the same slope on both sides and often called ridges. Let’s be geologically astute, they are hogbacks. 😉
A closer look.
Here is our trailhead, Quarry Pass Trail. Up we go!
Wow, wide open views west, north, and northeast. This part of the trail obviously doesn’t get much winter sun. Snow and ice are still urging caution going forward.
There is Garden of the Gods. Yes, another city park but it is about 1,341 acres of wonderful trails and amazing geology. See the hogbacks at the far right edge of the picture? They are along Ridge Road, the southern most entrance to Garden of the Gods.
Lichen certainly stand out in the grays of winter. This is Colorado Rock Frog or Rock Shield lichen (Xanthoparmelia coloradoensis). Much of the lichen we see grows on tree bark, but this lichen only grows on rock. Notice the pink rock? No, I didn’t do any fancy editing to get it pink. It is pink granite, the same rock the makes up Pikes Peak. So, know you know. Pikes Peak is really pink at heart.
Heading south and sharp turn up ahead.
This is our usual colorful lichen. What are they? I’m still working on that research. If you know, let me know? In winter we’ll just enjoy the colors.
Heading east.
As we begin heading downhill, we can see one of the two ponds near the open-air pavilion. These ponds were built by the land’s last private owners who had planned to build a home in that open space between the rocks across the pond. Both ponds are filled only by rain and snow melt. They are significantly shrinking in size. In 2003, the city of Colorado Springs purchased the property to be the public open space we now enjoy.
It is always amazing that trees thrive growing on rock! They send roots into every nook and cranny to find soil. In this case the tree is also sending roots down off the rock.
There’s the quarry, sunlit at left. Isn’t the red rock gorgeous in the early morning sun?
An unexpected surprise. A large milky quartz just sitting on the side of the trail.
Watch your step!
This large Ponderosa pine may be in jeopardy as the soil continues to erode at its roots. Let’s hope it survives, perhaps with some help by the Friends of Red Rock Canyon group?
Really watch your step on this very rocky, narrow trail up into the quarry.
Ahh, here we are. This sandstone rock, which is very hard regardless the name, was quarried and used nationwide as building and decorative stone from about 1888 to 1915. Demand diminished as cement and steel became the building materials of choice. If you are interested in the history of this stone quarry, take a look.
Still using original steps and at bottom jump to ground. Well, why not? I’m not that old!
From up here we get a great view of Red Rock Canyon’s east wall and the tree-lined trail we will be walking soon.
To the trail down . . .
It is always nice to take my own advice: Slow Down and Look Around. Where we just walked from.
Be careful, this trail down is steep and gnarly. Can’t forget my poles I leaned against the left tree. It took me a while before I was willing to use hiking poles. After I bought them in Bozeman, I didn’t unpacked them for three years. Somehow is was an indication I’m a wimp. However, in Montana I hiked with kids age 10 and up using hiking poles! Well, gives your upper body a bit of a workout and really helps with trails exactly like this. Rather an arrogant wimp for not using them but using them all the time now.
At the switchback for last trail section down and we see the original stairs to the quarry area. Wow, I’d never walk down those. Hard to tell but so steep you could walk up one stair holding on to the next. Hmmm . . . maybe need to rethink the wimp thing. 😉
Here we go! Watch your step and be careful.
Now this is a nice flat, wide, slightly down trail on which to end our hike. Red Rock Canyon Trail, the main trail in the park and used by many that choose not to explore the higher, steeper, more challenging hikes here. At a little over one mile to its end then back, this is a great exercise walk and many people of all ages do just that!
Not to mention the fascinating canyon walls along the way.
Here we are near the open-air pavilion where various talks and group meetings take place all summer. For us another peek at Pikes Peak. From this view it is hard to tell, but remember, Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet high and none of the mountains in front are even close!
What a great morning in beautiful Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Until next time my friend . . .
Almost forgot . . . HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!
