The Green Hiker

Ask anyone what comes to mind with a mention of “Pikes Peak”, most will respond with “hill climb”, “mountain”, “race”, “cave of the winds”, or even “suzuki escudo”. (Look it up.)

Then ask, “What’s the best way around Pike’s Peak?” ….. and just wait for an answer.

Still waiting ….

Unless you live in Colorado or you’re one of the Friends of the Peak, it’s unlikely you’ll respond with, “Ring The Peak Trail”.

When completed, the almost eighty mile hiking trail will wrap around Pikes Peak snug as new engagement ring. You can experience the newest section between FourMile Creek and HorseThief Gultch. (Gotta love Old West history.) Detailed maps are here.

If you’ve got nine minutes, there’s no better Ring The Peak hiking trail preview than this fine video from Steve Bremner

Steve starts, “On Friday, Oct 23rd [2009] I set out with great optimism …. 25 miles later in deep snow ….

Additional Ring the Peak Trail info:

USDA Forest Service Decision Memorandum

Now Go Outdoors!

The next two hiking trails we’ll discover together are both in Colorado:

• Ring the Peak Trail, and

• Continental Divide Trail

Pikes Peak

It will be a November post.

Now wipe down your snowshoes. Find the other glove …. and

Now Go Outdoors!

Our first Spring hikes are just days away. Even in Upstate New York.

What follows is a quick review of hiking happenings across the U.S.

• Ed Parsons offers a great perspective on revisiting favorite hiking trails throughout the year. His seasonal reminiscences of New Hampshire hiking trails are perfect as we transition from Winter to Spring.

• The U.S. Forest Service upgraded and standardized the blazing and signage in the Chattahoochee and Oconee National forests (Georgia). Green for horse trails and lime green for hiking trails. I assume all horses will be tested for color recognition skills.

• Deb Stanley in the Denver Hiking Examiner has her Spring hiking list in order. 16 great day hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Grand Canyon. Deb, beautiful photo of Solitude Lake.

• Amy Hotz of the StarNewsOnline roams the Ev-Henwood Preserve south of Wilmington. N.C. Fifteen hiking trails and a 1,000 year old cypress tree named “Gus”.

Now Go Outdoors!

Since May, Homeless Gear founder Ken John has collected outdoor gear and then distributed it to the homeless throughout Colorado.

If you live in Colorado, Ken needs volunteers.

Any service organization can replicate the Homeless Gear model. It offers an immediate, hands-on way to help others in your community.

And let us know if you are starting a similar program. We’ll highlight your efforts here.

Now Go Outdoors! (And Help Someone Else Stay Warm)

Can hiking, skiing and hunting coexist with Colorado’s surging energy industry? Check out David William’s article in realvail.com. Green and Black Gold?

Now Go Outdoors!

Bike or Hike a Rail Trail for Fall Fun by Jeanne Grunert
The rails to trails movement is sweeping the country, transforming retired railway lines into superb hiking and bicycling trails.

Fall Arrives At Mount Hood
Fall is also a great season to go hiking … it may be a bit colder, but the views are just as good and the fall colors on the hillsides are worth the pictures you’ll take. Plus the trails are a bit quieter this time of year, …

Fall Hiking in Silverton, CO
With the fall colors peaking at this time of the year, there is no better place to hike than Southwestern Colorado, and no finer place in Southwest Colorado than the majestic high country surrounding Silverton: Christ of the Mines Shrine, Cement Creek, Kendall Mountain, and Lackawana Mill.

Berkshire Leaf Peeping
To the Northern Berkshires for a last hike of the year. Sadly, the photos don’t do justice to the Massachusetts fall foliage …

Favorite Fall Hikes In Wyoming
Fall can be fleeting in the American Rockies but when it cools the day and colors the leaves there is little that compares to filling your lungs with the fresh air of a Wyoming short hike in Autumn. For those who seek simple trails not …

Blue Ridge Fall Hiking
If you’re in Nashville, check out Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Backpacking 201 October 16^th through November 6^th. Courses include navigation, wilderness safety, and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.

Maine’s Great Pond Mountain Hike
Forget about your stock portfolio and other woes for a few hours and take in the striking beauty of a splendid Maine fall day. Here is a favorite coastal hikes that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Washington State Fall Hiking
There are more great fall hikes in the Gorge than you can shake a stick at. Try the Pacific Crest Trail going either direction from the Columbia River. If you go north, you will get to Table Mountain (and see some pretty lakes along the …

Gearing Up For The Fall Hiking Season
Keeping warm on your Fall hike ….

Fall Hikes Around Chicago
Chicago hosts many great fall hiking options including Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Geneva Lake Shore Path, and Marengo Ridge Conservation Area.

Fall Hiking at Seneca Creek West Virginia
If you are looking for a wonderful place to enjoy the Autumn scenery, the Seneca Creek Trail has some of the most wonderful fall foliage ….

Fall Hiking in the Northwest
John D. Carr’s recommendations for Fall hikes in the Pacific Northwest. The trails he highlights are known to showcase some of the best wildflower and tree colors the season has to offer. They include Salmon Butte Trail, Vista Ridge Trail, ….

Fall Adventures Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The longest footpath in the nation offers beautiful scenery, is within a day’s drive of 67% of the US population, and serves as an escape from the “everyday”. The Trail provides hiking challenges for varying skill levels ….

Fall Hiking and Camping by Bill Sassani
Fall is a time for camping and hiking to take advantage of autumn colors, while at the same time being aware of changing temperatures, fluctuating weather, and hunters.

Now Go Outdoors!