It is autumn my friend, and the talk of Colorado being THE place to visit this time of year is absolutely true. I’ve always thought, oh sure, but it can’t be that good, after all, Montana has Tamaracks. I was wrong! The color across the rocks; the ground cover everywhere including the tundra; the huge, dense aspen groves in every shade of yellow/gold/orange/red. WOW–let’s go!
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.
Let’s go . . .
Moving to a new home means lots to do. For me finding a chiropractor is top priority–it is a life-long issue. Moving to a new state means visiting DMV–for hours. Registering for upcoming elections, unpacking and stowing boxes, organizing everything everywhere, getting insurance squared away, finding fave food stores, cafes, and good local coffee, well, you get the idea. I’ve lived here just over two weeks, still busy settling in, but the mountains are calling! It is autumn in Colorado, world-famous for glorious golden quaking aspens. Only 40 minutes to Mueller State Park, just the other side of Pikes Peak. Let’s take a break from the mundane and revel in nature’s glorious fall show!
Deep breath, relax, enjoy . . .
Third time is a charm. Today we WILL get to the base of the falls on Holland Creek which connects Upper Holland Lake and the much larger 416-acre Holland Lake. The hike to the upper lake is about 12 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,600 feet. The hike to Holland Lake Falls is 3.3 miles round trip with a 750 foot elevation gain. Guess which one we are doing–remembering I’m wimpy.
I’ve walked this trail before but could never find access to the base of the falls. Today I will not be denied, and although it is mostly cloudy, rain is not forecast, the sun peaks through here and there, the smoke from fires north and west has subsided, and it is only in the upper 60s. What a day for a pleasant late morning hike. Sitting at the base of Carmine Peak in the Swan Mountains, welcome to Holland Lake!
Grab your gear, let’s go . . .
