New Hike in Red Rock Canyon Open Space

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!

This will be fun!

SNAP*Shot: Mule Deer

Living in the mountain west the deer we see most often are Mule Deer ((Odocoileus hemionus). Indigenous across the western US, they can be identified by their oversized ears resembling those of a mule, their black-tipped tail, and distinctive dark forehead. Lovingly called Muleys, outside of the mating season (rut), they tend to be calm and not particularly bothered by our presence. However, kept my distance from this big boy. I’ve seen Mule Deer all over Montana and Wyoming the last seven years, but this Muley is massive, the biggest I’ve ever seen. The largest males (bucks) can weight 460 pounds, and I think this boy is there!

Click to discover more about Muleys

Respite from Sheltering: Ute Valley Park

I am praying you are well! Staying home even if gritting your teeth over isolation, staying safe, and even taking time to re-explore hobbies and learn new ones. Now is the time to catch up on all types of things busyness has pushed out of sight and out of mind.

Last Friday, this Monday and Tuesday, I took sunrise walks in Ute Valley Park, a 200-acre city park 2 miles from home. It has wonderful vistas, fascinating geologic formations, and lovely bird-filled meadows. Although our city mayor and governor encouraged us to be outside, staying 6 feet apart and spreading across the many parks available, Tuesday afternoon that changed. We can still enjoy all the outdoor spaces, as long as access is a SHORT WALK away. Sigh . . . Well, here is lovely Ute Valley Park which I won’t be visiting for a while. Doing the right thing is more important now, so let’s enjoy the views from earlier this week.

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