Author: Joe Lafleur
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Sandstone Ranch transformed from cow paths to hiking trails | Take a Hike
Just west of Larkspur and the I-25 corridor the Sandstone Ranch Open Space awaits exploration, where the historic ranching operation has transformed from cow paths to hiking trails. From the Palmer Lake area north of Colorado Springs, drive north on Highway 105 aka South Perry Park Road. The road travels through rolling grassland at the…
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Blame Shakespeare for starling invasion? | Words on Birds
Species introductions, whether intentional or accidental, almost always result in negative consequences. Non-native plants and animals introduced to a new area tend to die out or take over, rarely do they blend in naturally with the preexisting species. The European starling is an invasive species that has had a negative impact on native birds through…
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Escape crowded slopes with Grouse Creek snowshoe diversion | Take a Hike
If winter wonderland adventures find you in the mountain town of Vail, escape the crowded ski slopes with a more isolated snowshoe diversion along the West Grouse Creek Trail. From Vail travel west on I-70 to Exit 171 then continue south on Highway 24 towards Minturn. After about 1.5 miles park at the Grouse Creek…
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Escape crowded slopes with Grouse Creek snowshoe diversion | Take a Hike
If winter wonderland adventures find you in the mountain town of Vail, escape the crowded ski slopes with a more isolated snowshoe diversion along the West Grouse Creek Trail. From Vail travel west on I-70 to Exit 171 then continue south on Highway 24 towards Minturn. After about 1.5 miles park at the Grouse Creek…
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Snowfall summons snowshoers to Sawmill Loop
When snowpack sustains overall depths of over six inches, the relatively flat terrain at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a great option for snowshoeing. Chilly winter mornings are the best time when the snow is dry and fluffy. Early spring can be good too but the snow tends to be wetter and may clump…
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Snowfall summons snowshoers to Sawmill Loop
When snowpack sustains overall depths of over six inches, the relatively flat terrain at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a great option for snowshoeing. Chilly winter mornings are the best time when the snow is dry and fluffy. Early spring can be good too but the snow tends to be wetter and may clump…
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Golden-crowned kinglet thrives in thin mountain air
Despite its tiny size, the golden-crowned kinglet thrives in the thin air of the higher mountains. They prefer spruce-fir forest from about 10,000 feet up to treeline and I consistently observe them along the western slopes of Pikes Peak. During the cold of winter, some will migrate to lower elevations, possibly showing up in Colorado…
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High Creek Loop delves deep into Booger Red Hill area
The Booger Red Hill BLM lands south of Florissant allow hikers to explore the southwest corner of Teller County. When snow levels are minimal I have been able to access and hike this area into early December, however this route can be difficult to follow when there are a few inches or more of snow…
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High Creek Loop delves deep into Booger Red Hill area
The Booger Red Hill BLM lands south of Florissant allow hikers to explore the southwest corner of Teller County. When snow levels are minimal I have been able to access and hike this area into early December, however this route can be difficult to follow when there are a few inches or more of snow…
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Familiar mallard common everywhere including Teller | Words on Birds
The male Mallard is easily the most recognizable duck species. His glossy green head is well known from ponds in city parks, but they also occur in wilder areas. They are the most common duck in Teller County, partly due to their diverse aquatic habitats, ranging from lakes to ponds to marshes and also creeks…