It’s springtime in Colorado! The snowshoes and snowboard have been put away in our “fun closet” until next winter. Yes, I said “fun closet”….haha. It’s filled with bocce balls, Kubb (a Viking yard game), frisbees, football, basketball, fishing pole, disc golf gear, scuba gear, skis, snowboards, ice skates, camping gadgets, and snowshoes. What can I say? We like to play outside. Oh, and we really need a garage. (I want bigger toys! 😜)
Anyway, it is once more time to explore the hiking trails!
I have my 10 essentials packed plus my Yak Trax. They are always great to carry on spring hikes. They weigh almost nothing and can easily attach to the outside of your pack. You never know when you might come across some ice in shaded canyons.
Just 30 minutes southwest of Denver is a very popular and scenic Colorado State Park: Roxborough State Park.
A couple of things to know:
1. Unlike many other state parks, pets are not allowed. Sorry Scarlet 🐶 and Tira 🐱.
2. Admission is $7 for a day pass. I was planning to get an annual pass but decided not to when I learned that the pass is tied to only one car (we usually alternate between the cars we take on adventures). I much prefer the annual National Park Pass. Those passes are associated with a driver’s license so it doesn’t matter what car you are driving that day. You can purchase a second State Park pass at a discounted rate, but for us and how often we visit, it just didn’t make financial sense.
3. Great park for photography! The geology here is spectacular.
4. The park has a lot of different terrain/trails which makes it very accessible for all types of people. I saw a lot of families on the trail that I hiked this particular Sunday.
There are some pretty amazing overlooks just off the main trails. They are well marked.
5. There is some cool history to the property.
I wonder if these early hikers in the park were prepared with their 10 essentials? I see lots of hats for sun protection, so that’s one. 👍🏻
6. Be on the lookout for wildlife!
On this particular hike I saw a hawk soaring through the blue skies. No snake sightings. Phew!
Across from the bench I was sitting on enjoying my snack, I discovered a few deer enjoying a snack too.
A few more deer grazing along the trail completely oblivious to us hikers.
7. I love seeing wildflowers sprouting up along the trails in the spring and early summer.
8. The visitor center has helpful maps to plan your day and educated, friendly Rangers to ask questions. The trails are well marked and fairly easy to follow.
This particular day was just a little “warm up” for bigger hikes to come. I’ve been getting out quite a bit so stay tuned as I catch up with my posting!
One final note…get yourself some convertible pants! Mornings can start out a little chilly this time of the year, but as soon as the temps begin to rise, it’s so easy to unzip off the legs. Poof! You now have shorts! Magic. This particular pair is Columbia brand. They are also really great at wicking away moisture from rain for example or spilling your water bottle on yourself. I’ve never done that. Ever. 😉
Final final note…
Read the signs at trailheads. They are loaded with really useful info. Would you know what to do if you encountered a rattlesnake on the trail?
Stay safe and happy hiking!
Following Your Nose 
Leave a Reply