Tag: happy trails
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Happy Trails: A sweet, newer loop not to miss at North Cheyenne Cañon in Colorado Springs
Editor’s note: As of this writing, roads into North Cheyenne Cañon Park were closed due to damage and debris from rain. Check for updates on Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services social media. Sweetwater Canyon Trail It was Saturday morning — time for trailhead parking lots to fill in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. We…
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Happy Trails: One of the best summit hikes in the Colorado Springs area
Red Mountain Trail Overlooking Manitou Springs, Red Mountain would be a good place for a scenic railway. So went the thinking of a company that started construction in 1912, according to a history posted at the base of Red Mountain Trail. The sign continues: “Unfortunately, the Red Mountain Incline’s grades were extremely steep, and its…
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Happy Trails: A favorite loop at Stratton Open Space in Colorado Springs
Meadows Trail Stratton Open Space is a poster child of Colorado Springs’ Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) initiative, which voters approved in 1997. That set aside a portion of sales tax revenues to preserve natural areas 一 an early example being this hilly mosaic of meadows and woods between the neighborhood and North Cheyenne…
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Happy Trails: The latest stretch of long-dreamed trail in Clear Creek Canyon west of Denver
West of Denver, Clear Creek Canyon has been home to one of Colorado’s biggest outdoor recreation developments in recent years. Right off U.S. 6 approaching downtown Golden, perhaps you’ve seen the Gateway Trailhead, so named for the paved path starting at the mouth of the canyon. This big parking lot opened in 2021 as part…
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Happy Trails: A scenic tour around base of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs
As the trail toward the summit, Dixon Trail might claim the most signature experience at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. But it is far from the only memorable experience — nor is it for everyone, as it requires a steep, out-and-back venture spanning 15-plus miles. In the meadows and woods around Cheyenne Mountain’s base, Talon Trail…
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Happy Trails: Getting to know the growing sides of Blodgett Open Space in Colorado Springs
Amid Colorado Springs’ mountain backdrop, Blodgett Peak is a regal standout. People have long gotten to know the open space near the pointy peak’s foot. In more recent years, they’ve gotten to know the open space that has expanded south. And this summer, they could get to know a whole new side. Trails are expected…
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Happy Trails: Honoring the colorful beauty of Palmer Park in Colorado Springs
In a quiet nook of Palmer Park, a sign recalls Edna Mae Bennett’s “inviting love for the out-of-doors.” Yes, just as she loved this park of colorful bluffs near the heart of Colorado Springs, she loved sharing it, inviting others to it. Hence the school program she hosted here, according to the sign posted by…
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Happy Trails: Honoring the colorful beauty of Palmer Park in Colorado Springs
In a quiet nook of Palmer Park, a sign recalls Edna Mae Bennett’s “inviting love for the out-of-doors.” Yes, just as she loved this park of colorful bluffs near the heart of Colorado Springs, she loved sharing it, inviting others to it. Hence the school program she hosted here, according to the sign posted by…
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Happy Trails: Colorado Springs’ Geologic Column is a colorful, hidden gem
A hidden corner of Monument Valley Park teaches about Colorado Springs’ human history and its much deeper natural history. Welcome to the Geologic Column. The hillside is streaked by multi-colored rock, representing various formations that rose hundreds of millions of years ago. The geologic story starts with Pikes Peak granite, that grayish line followed by…
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Happy Trails: A wild slice of Garden of the Gods, plus a premier rock formation
Cabin Canyon Trail, Garden of the Gods With the traffic along the road running through the park and the picture-taking tourists scattered throughout, it can be hard to find the wild side of Garden of the Gods. But if you know where to look, you might just find it — some peace and quiet between…