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Hiking in Colorado

Mueller State Park

What a wonderful place. A small section of this quiet park is set aside for campers

but the vast majority of the park is used by hikers, cross-country skiers and people looking

for a  beautiful and serene place to snowshoe or hike. There are over fifty miles of designated

trails that will take you through thick stands of aspens and pines. The park boasts outstanding

views of Pikes Peak. The park also has fabulous bird watching and day use areas for picnics.

This is definitely one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. Come in winter and have it nearly to yourself.

Website:  ‘Parks.state.co.us/parks/mueller

Daily vehicle pass $6.00         Colorado State Parks Annual Pass $60

The entrance to Mueller State park is 9 miles from Whispering Pines and 6 miles from Little Rocky.

Pikes Peak Area

 Every year people climb, drive or take a train to the top of 14,110 foot Pikes Peak. Awe inspiring!

There are numerous breathtaking trails that vary in length and difficulty on the mountain.

As with any hiking in Colorado your physical condition, experience, and the altitude

combined with natural hazards and animal life should be given the utmost safety considerations.

Take plenty of drinking water, a map, and a jacket even in summer. Stay on the trails and seek

the appropriate shelter if you see lightning or hear thunder. Have fun but hike smart and don't forget plenty

of film because you will certainly want a record of your amazing excursion up Pikes Peak.

The road up Pikes Peak begins in Manitou Springs, about twenty to twenty-five minutes from the cabins.

Crystal Reservoir along Pikes Peak Highway

Lake Catamount along Pikes Peak Highway

The train coming up to the top of Pikes Peak.

Pike National Forest

Over one-million acres to explore. Yes, parts of this beautiful forest did burn in the

2002 Hayman Fire but the vast majority did not. Loads of hiking trails. Try cutting and pasting

the link below into your address bar for some of the trails to explore. I am not much of a hiker

but this seems like a good source for information with details on length and degree of difficulty.

''http://www.sangres.com/colorado/national-forests/pike/trails/index.htm

Don't even think about trying to go over Mosquito Pass when snow covered!

I went in July one year and we got stuck and had to use winches to get out.

Red Rocks of Woodland Park is just a very small rock outcropping located just

north of Woodland Park off of Highway 67 North. Go mid-week and you may be alone.

Agnes Vaille Falls

There is plenty to see and do in the Pikes Peak region but if you are planning on spending a week

or so in the area and you want to branch out and spend a day driving about you might want to make

the ninety or so mile trip out to see Agnes Vaille Falls. June or July would be the best time to see them.

The trail head is easy to reach and near the town of Nathrop. It is a short hike that is less than a mile in length

round-trip and climbs only about 455 feet in elevation. Much of the year it is snow covered.

 The best time to see the falls would be in June with the spring run off higher.

If you have come out this far you might want to continue on to the old town of St. Elmo. Not much remains in

St. Elmo but it is in a lovely area and there is a small company in the town that rents ATVs in the summer.

St. Elmo

St. Elmo

Snow Skiing, Snowshoeing and Snowmobile Rides

Breckenridge Downhill Skiing

 World famous Breckenridge is the closest ski area for downhill skiing.

Breckenridge usually opens about the first week of November and remains open

through the first week of April. Even if you don't ski, the town of Breckenridge

makes a great day trip. The town is lovely and the scenery is beautiful.

You will also find wonderful shopping and many, many superb restaurants.

 Website:  ‘www.breckenridge.snow.com

  Breckenridge is 90 miles from Little Rocky and 85 miles from Whispering Pines.

 Discount Lift Tickets

The Safeway grocer in Woodland Park will sell discounted lift tickets to Breckenridge.

Check the refund policy but remember there are no discounted lift tickets once you arrive at Breckenridge.

 Equipment Rentals

It might pay to shop around ahead of time if you plan to rent ski equipment.

Website:  ‘www.breezeski.com

Website:  ‘www.ski-breckenridge.com/equipment_rental.html

Snowmobile Rides

Buena Vista is about an hour west of the cabins and has several companies

that offer snowmobile rides some of which are guided and some not.

Beautiful and peaceful Mueller State Park in Divide has fifty miles of cross-country

skiing trails and snowshoeing trails open if the snow conditions are appropriate.

The trails are not groomed. You will need to bring your own equipment. 

Website:  ‘Parks.state.co.us/parks/mueller

Daily entry fee of $6 or possession of a valid Colorado State Parks Pass required.

 Mueller State Park is about 9 miles from Whispering Pines and 6 miles from Little Rocky.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding in Garden of the Gods 

Academy Riding Stables offers one and two hour rides through the Garden of the Gods.

The Garden of the Gods is a beautiful city park near Colorado Springs with towering red rock

formations and views of Pikes Peak. Academy Riding Stables offers rides throughout the summer

months and from Labor Day through about the third week in May you  can take a perimeter ride. 

I got the worst sunburn I have ever had on the back of a horse in our mountains. Bring protection.

Website:  ‘www.arsriding.com

Contact Academy Riding Stables at 719-633-5667

 Garden of the Gods is 29 miles from Whispering Pines and 24 miles from Little Rocky.

McNamara’s Working Guest Ranch

Would you rather take a horse out in a more secluded location?

Check out McNamara’s Working Guest Ranch on the outskirts of Florissant.

On their web site they state “NO nose to tail riding.”.

 Website:  ‘www.mcnamararanch.com

 Contact McNamara’s at 719-748-3466.

 McNamara’s is 26 miles from Whispering Pines and 32 miles from Little Rocky.

Gold Belt Tour

The Gold Belt Tour, a designated Scenic By-Way, is 135 miles in length that takes,

on average, about six hours to drive. It follows old railroad and stagecoach routes.

The route is broken up into segments with road conditions that vary greatly.

Large parts of the tour are unpaved and narrow with very steep drop offs.

Some sections are extremely dangerous in wet or snowy conditions and may only

be passable with a four-wheel drive, if at all.  Make no mistake about it,

the roads that go from Cripple Creek down to Canon City do not form a short cut.

While on the tour you will pass through the town of Cripple Creek, elevation 9,494.

It is a National Historic Landmark and noted for its gold mining history.

Many of the buildings are over a hundred years old and have been restored and

turned into limited stakes gambling casinos. The country-side is dotted with

old mines like the one above providing excellent photo opportunities.

If driving the Gold Belt Tour is part of your vacation plans, make certain that your

gasoline tank is full and that you take plenty of drinking water with you.

More information about the Gold Belt Tour and driving it safely at the link below.

Website:  'www.goldbeltbyway.com

Train Rides

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is just under nine miles long and takes three hours and

ten minutes to make the round trip. The train departs in Manitou Springs and makes the

climb to the top of Pikes Peak. The train passes along cascading streams, forests of

Engleman Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce and Ponderosa Pines. You will also see an area

of Bristlecone Pines with some trees estimated to be over 2,000 years old. Bighorn sheep

are frequently seen on the trip along with deer and the Yellow-bellied marmot. The train

spends approximately thirty minutes at the top of the mountain before making the climb down

giving you a chance to get out, stretch your legs and take some terrific photographs. 

Website:  ‘www.cograilway.com

Caution!

This is a trip to a very high altitude.

You may wish to do an internet search on altitude sickness or consult your physician

prior to making this trip especially if you have an underlying medical condition. 

Distance from Whispering Pines is 25.2 miles and 19.5 miles from Little Rocky.

The Royal Gorge Route

Another fun train ride is on the Royal Gorge Route in Canon City. Canon City is south of the cabins

and best reached by going through Colorado Springs. The train takes you through the Royal Gorge

and alongside the Arkansas River. Varying classes of service are offered including coach,

glass topped domes, lunch rides, four course dinner rides, and murder mystery rides among others.

Website:  ‘www.royalgorgeroute.com

 Reservations highly recommended. Call 888-724-5748

 Distance from Whispering Pines to Canon City is 79 miles and 73 miles from Little Rocky.

 The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Open air cars pulled by a 100-year old steam locomotive. The train departs in Cripple Creek

every forty minutes from mid-May through mid-October. This forty-five minute round-trip

train ride is narrated and also stops for points of interest. Great photo opportunities. 

Website:  ‘www.cripplecreekrailroad.com

 Call 719-689-2640 for more information.

 The train depot is 23 miles from Whispering Pines and 20 miles from Little Rocky.

Donkey Derby Days

Watch this donkey race in it's 79th year.  Enjoy games, entertainment and competitions.

Admission is free. Held in Cripple Creek June 26th and 27th of 2010.

Wild Things

This is black bear country. I had the pleasure of watching these two from a safe distance

and the good fortune to have a strong telephoto lens with me. There were four bears

resting in the tree. Chances are you won't see any bears but remember never approach\

the wildlife, never frighten or threaten it, and don't feed or attempt to pet.

The Yellow-bellied Marmot

The Yellow-bellied Marmot is also known as a Rock Chuck. Yes, he looks big but

fully grown this member of the marmot genus weighs only about six pounds.

Marmots make their homes under rocks to keep safe from their predators.

Look for them in groups but not to be mistaken with the smaller prairie dogs.

Big Horn Sheep

I'm thinking that both of these Big Horns are male with one being a youngster.

I came across them when driving to a friend's home for a barbeque near Cripple Creek.

Apparently, you can tell whether one is male or female by the curvature of their horns.

The female horns are shorter and don't have as much of a curve as the males.

In the fall the males will duel for dominance with other males in the form of head butting.

Look high on rock ledges if you want to catch a glimpse of these characters.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is home to over 750 animals.

The Zoo claims that their African Rift Valley is as close to Africa as you can

get without a passport and their primate exhibit is the envy of other zoos.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts the largest holiday light show in the area from

just after the first week in December to the end of the month.  They have nearly one-

million lights, over forty animated light sculptures and toasty fires to warm by.

The zoo is 28 miles from Little Rocky and 34 miles from Whispering Pines.

Website:  'www.cmzoo.org

July 4, 2010 Fireworks in Cripple Creek

Free to the public.

The Royal Gorge

About three millions years ago, the Arkansas River began cutting this canyon through the granite.

Building of the Royal Gorge Bridge began in 1930. Finished, the bridge is the highest suspension

bridge over water in the world at 1,053 feet above the river. The canyon is over 1,200 feet deep in

some places. It is very beautiful and often called a miniature version of the Grand Canyon.

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is a theme and wildlife park. At the park, you can

take the world's longest single-span aerial tram over the canyon. That is a whopping 1,178 feet

above the canyon floor. Or, take the Incline Railway down to the river where you can see very skilled

rafters navigate rapids with names like Wall Slammer and Boat Eater. The Incline Railway

travels to the bottom at a 45-degree angle and takes less than six minutes each way.

Website:  'www.royalgorgebridge.com

The Royal Gorge is about 80 miles from Whispering Pines and about 74 miles from Little Rocky.

The Royal Gorge is best reached by going through Colorado Springs and taking Highway 115

to Canon City. However, if you prefer to make a long day of it and want to combine trips, you can

consider taking one of the sections of the Gold Belt Tour from Cripple Creek down to Canon City

and then making the return trip through Colorado Springs. Take this section of the Gold Belt Tour

in the summer and ONLY when the roads are dry. Going through Cripple Creek and taking one

of the legs of the Gold Belt Tour to reach Canon City is definitely not a short-cut.

Colorado Fishing

Colorado has rivers, lakes and reservoirs to fish in.

There are often booklets where licenses are purchased that

provide valuable information about fishing in our state.

A Colorado fishing license is required for every person fishing.

Licenses, bait and supplies can be purchased at Wal-Mart in Woodland Park.

*2010 fees for a Colorado fishing license

One-day license (resident or non-resident) $9.00

Five-day license (non-resident) $21.00

Annual license (resident) $26 and annual license (non-resident) $56.00

Eleven Mile Reservoir

Fish for trout, salmon and pike from a boat or from the shoreline.

Boat rental information through 11 Mile Sports. You can contact them at 719-748-0317. 

Website:  ‘Parks.State.Co.US/Parks/Elevenmile

Website:  ‘11MileSports.com (boat rentals)

Eleven Mile State Park entrance fee $6.00         Colorado State Parks Annual Pass $60

(An annual pass might be a great idea if you are planning on touring several of our

state parks or visiting often in the year. Passes are available at most state parks but

you may be able to purchase one on line for your vehicle if done far enough in advance.

Eleven Mile State Park is 18 miles from Whispering Pines and 24 from Little Rocky. 

The entrance to Eleven Mile State Park and the reservoir is reached from Lake George.

South Platte River Eleven Mile Canyon

Tail water fishery. Fish for brown and rainbow trout.

The South Platte River flows or of Eleven Mile Reservoir and into 11 Mile Canyon.

Segments are designated gold medal catch-and-release.

This is still a lovely side trip with rock tunnels, huge rock outcroppings,

Pines, firs, and beautiful pools of clear and cold mountain water.

There is a small entrance fee to the canyon.

The fee does not get you into Eleven Mile State Park.

Eleven Mile Canyon is reached from Lake George.

The entrance to this stretch of the river is just a few miles north of Eleven Mile Reservoir.

Cave of the Winds 

Cave of the Winds offers cave tours almost every day of the year with a guide that

discusses the interesting geological formations, crystals, stalactites and stalagmites.

The tours are three-quarters of a mile in length and last approximately forty-five minutes.

 Website:  ‘www.caveofthewinds.com

 Cave of the Winds is 24 miles from Whispering Pines and 20 miles from Little Rocky.

Florissant Fossil Beds

Florissant Fossil Beds is known the world over for its fossilized plants and insects.

Thirty-million years ago volcanic eruptions buried the insects and plants in mud and ash.

There was once a large lake in the area. The insects and plants were buried by the water

and compacted into the shale and were preserved. The terrain looks very different today. 

Website:  ‘www.nps.gov/flfo

Florissant Fossil Beds is 18.5 miles from Little Rocky and 12.5 miles from Whispering Pines.

Seven Falls 

Seven Falls is the only waterfall listed in the National Geographic list of International Waterfalls.

The crashing water is beautiful as it barrels down 181 feet of granite. Seven Falls is lit for Christmas.

There are interpretative dances in summer, hiking trails, snack bar, and a gift shop. 

The waterfall is often frozen in winter but still beautiful.

Website:  ‘www.sevenfalls.com

 Seven Falls is 34 miles from Whispering Pines and 28 miles from Little Rocky.

River Rafting

Imagine river rafting down the Arkansas River with cliffs that are 1,200 feet

tall rising above you. It could be you rafting beneath the Royal Gorge Bridge

this summer. An internet search for “river rafting Buena Vista Colorado” or

“river rafting Canon City Colorado” will reveal numerous companies that

offer rafting trips for nearly every skill level down the Arkansas River.

Take a look at several. Talk to them about your skill level and what you

want from a rafting trip. Find the perfect river rafting trip just for you. 

Buena Vista is about an hour west of the cabins and Canon City is about an hour south of the cabins.

Molly Kathleen Gold Mine

Descend a 1,000 foot vertical mine shaft and explore a real gold mine.

The Molly Kathleen Gold Mine was discovered in 1891 and offers

mine tours today that are one hour long and underground.

Molly Kathleen was the first woman in Cripple Creek to to have a gold claim in her own name.

Website:  'www.goldminetours.com

Gambling in Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek, elevation 9,375, is home to just under twenty gambling casinos.

Most of the casinos are in restored buildings, many of which are over a hundred years old.

Most of the casinos are now open twenty-four hours.

Slots, roulette, craps tables and $100 maximum bets.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Prehistoric Native Americans or Anasazis are known for their pottery and construction styles.

They often built their homes into the sides of cliffs. Some dwellings were only accessible by a rope.

While most ruins are located in the four corners region of Colorado you can visit an authentic

Anasazi cliff dwelling in Manitou Springs. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are open almost all year.

There is a museum, a gift shop, a nature walk and a snack bar that is open in summer.

 
Website: 'www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com

Approximately 25 miles from Whispering Pines and about 20 miles from Little Rocky.

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

Everyone that I know that has taken this tour comes back......moved.

One hour educational tour where you will learn all about the wolves and where these came from.

A VIP tour is also offered where you get to interact more closely with the animals right down to kisses.

It is suggested that you make your required reservations one week in advance.

Go to their web site.  They have so much more wonderful information.

They even offer full moon tours. Wolves and full moons.  Oh my!

Located just two miles outside of Divide.

'Website:  www.wolfeducation.org/default.htm

Rent and ATV

There are quite  few places to rent an all terrain vehicle out in Buena Vista or Salida but

if you don't want to travel that far you don't have to. Rockhound ATV Rentals and Sales in Cascade rents

both one person and two person ATVS. I don't know a lot about riding these fun looking vehicles but the

folks at Rockhounds seemed to. They were very friendly and happy to help.

You can rent an ATV for half a day, a full day or overnight. They have trailers if you don't have one

and apparently can even rent you a tow vehicle, too. Check out their web site.

Website:  'www.rockhoundatv.com

719-684-2408

Bishop's Castle

If you are in the Royal Gorge area you may wish to combine a trip to the

Bishop's Castle. He has been building this castle for nearly forty years including

hauling the rocks and welding the iron by himself. It truly is amazing and not to be missed.

Approximately 120 miles from the cabins in the town of Rye.

Click here to see more pictures of this work in progress.

Cripple Creek Ice Festival

Every February spanning a two week period local ice sculpters come to Cripple Creek

and carve ice blocks into intricate designs. Absolutely beautiful at night!

"The Wilderness Act of 1964"

"In order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and

growing mechanization does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States...leaving

no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition, it is hereby declared

to be the policy of Congress to secure for the American people of present and future generations the

benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness."

Lost Creek Wilderness Area

Located in the Pike National Forest and spans nearly 120,000 acres. Lost Creek

meanders through the forest and disappears several times in the granite rock piles

only to reappear farther downhill. Elevation ranges from 8,000 feet to well over 12,000 feet

above sea level and there are some 100 miles of trails to explore. Lots of wildlife.

Great Sand Dunes Wilderness Area

Not exactly in the neighborhood but for those that don't mind a drive you

might want to include this area in your plans. These are the tallest sand dunes in

North America rising to 700 feet high and at the base of the Sangres mountains. You can

also include a side trip to Zapata Falls. Google it.  You will be glad you did.

Cruise Above the Clouds

September 11th and 12th of 2010

The Cruise Above the Clouds Car Show came to exist in 1991. It now benefits

local Colorado charities and is held in Woodland Park. Come see between 200 and 250 custom

or classic cars and motorcycles. Entertainment, food and vendors. Cripple Creek will host the

continuation of the event on the following Sunday.

Miramont Castle

Father Jean Baptiste Francolon had this castle built about 1895.

. Experience Victorian times. Beautiful gardens. Unusual rooms. Ghost stories.

Web Site:  'www.miramontcastle.org

Wine Tasting

Come to a wine tasting in Manitou Springs but bring a designated driver.

Held  June 5, 2010 in Memorial Park from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Over twenty-four wineries will have samples to taste of what they produce.

Approximately $30 per person. Cash or checks only.  500 block of Manitou Avenue.

Pikes Peak International Auto Hill Climb

June 27, 2010

This race to the summit of Pikes Peak has been held since 1916.

It covers over twelve miles and 156 turns.

Road opens at 4:00 a.m. but you have to be there before the closing of the road at 8:00 a.m.

Five miles west of Manitou Springs.

Web Site:  'www.ppihc.com

ATV Rentals

There are numerous companies that rent all terrain vehicles but if you are

looking for one in the Cascade/Divide/Woodland Park area you might try the following.

http://www.rockhoundatv.com/

Fourth of July Buffalo Bar-B-Q

Soda Springs Park, Manitou Springs

Food, entertainment, crafts.

No charge for admission only.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 3rd and 4th