Erina Wells

Erina Wells

Hike the Canyon View Nature Trail, Castlewood Canyon

02/21/16

Castlewood Canyon is definitely one of my favorite places to break in my hiking season. I usually don't go out on self-hikes until mid March for safety purposes , however, I was itching for my fresh Colorado outdoor trek. I couldn't stay away any longer. Well this excursion was a challenge. I began at the Inner Canyon trail (K). There was plenty of run off from the remnants of snow which caused the beginning of the trail to be a slippery, dangerous path of pure thick ice. Getting down to the bridge was a struggle and took way longer than it would normally take. After you get to the bridge and cross over the trail is fairly clear. I did run into a portion of the trail that was completely flooded, luckily there was a path made by other hikers so it was easy to get around. After some time I made it around to the beginning of the Rim Rock trail (M) where I walked out and sat on the dam ruins for a bit to take in the vast and beautiful countryside. Amazing! Upon heading back I had planned to take the Lake Gulch trail (L) up and around to the parking lot. To my surprise the stream running through became quite ferocious. There was no way for me to cross safely and, again, I was trekking alone. I ended up just retracing my steps and going back to the treacherous beginnings of trail head K (cuz, Hey, if I got down it I can get back up ..... right?). I made it back up and completed my journey safely despite the thick suction mud, slippery smooth ice and raging run off ^_^ IT WAS PERFECT, CHALLENGING and at times HEART PUMPING .... all in all Exactly what I needed to dust off my hiking boots <3 As a side note during late spring and summer time I always take my little goddess with me to Castlewood Canyon. She is 2 and absolutely adores the outdoors. Even more reason to love this place it's kid friendly WooHoo! Happy Trekking fellow Humans <3 ^.~

5.0