Kyle C

From Jefferson follow 35 north to 54 and drive up 54 as far as possible ending a few miles before Georgia pass.  Depending on the snowpack and drifts on the unplowed road, you could hike as few as 5 miles round trip or as many as 10. If the snow blocks you from driving past Michigan Creek Campground it might be worth it to turn back and take the first left and follow that road as far as possibl...

This hike starts on Lake Como Road with the goal of eventually reaching Lake Como.  If you have a modified 4WD car you can get all the way to the lake in it, but if you do not feel like risking damage to your vehicle park as low as you deem necessary to do that.  Most 4WD stock vehicles can make it quite a ways up the road. The total mileage and elevation gain depend on how far you get on this ...

Looking for a place to hone your crack climbing technique?  Turkey Rocks is the place with some old school ethics and stiff grades. Turkey can be accessed from the town of Westcreek north of Woodland Park.  From here, head west on Abbey Road and then south on West Creek Ave.  About a mile down the road you can turn right before a fire station.  This is stump road and turn to Forest Road 360 at...

While Florrisant is known mostly for its history and collection of fossils, it is also one of the darkest places in the Colorado Springs area.  While the park closes daily at dusk, it has Night Sky Programs monthly which allows visitors to view the stars with the help of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society.  The times and dates vary depending on the time of year, but the night starts with...

This canyon requires an Arches Canyoneering Permit, two 60m ropes, 100 ft of webbing, and your normal canyoneering kit. To reach the parking for the canyon, drive five miles or so into Arches until you reach a bridge.  Shortly after the bridge, there will be a pull-off to the left where you can leave your vehicle.  From the parking lot, follow the wash directly west towards the cliffband.  Ski...

Lumpy Ridge is mostly a traditional climbing area with most climbs being two or more pitches after a mile to 3+ miles of mostly flat walking.  From climbers left to right the larger areas consist of Sundance Buttress, The Bookend, The Bookmark, The Book, and Twin Owls.  There are smaller formations between these that are worth exploring as well. Sundance Buttress is the highest of the cliffs a...

This trail starts out of Limekiln Trailhead in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. This is a large, obvious trailhead with bathrooms and water. From the trailhead follow the Talon trails on flatter terrain for the first 3 or so miles until it starts to steepen and turns to Dixon trail. These first few miles can be great areas for wildlife. Dixon takes you through switchbacks in forested terrain with ...

For this descent you will need two 60 meter ropes, an Arches National Park canyoneering permit, be comfortable with 4th class slick rock, and have your usual canyoneering kit.  This canyon does require some basic chimneying and canyoneering climbing techniques as well. The trailhead can be reached with a high clearance car in most conditions as long as it has not rained recently. From the park...

Shelf Road, which was once a toll road from Cripple Creek to Canon City, is now a maintained dirt road that most high clearance two wheel drive cars can make.  It will take over an hour to travel the 25 miles or so, and it can be completed going from north to south or the opposite.  I will explain the route from south to north. From the town of Canon City, follow Highway 9 north.  You will go ...

For this descent you will need to be comfortable with 4th class slick rock, have two 60m ropes, and an Arches National Park canyoneering permit along with your usual canyon kit. MMI Canyon can be accessed with 4WD/AWD as long as it has not rained.  The pin on the map will take you to this location.  There is a 2WD trailhead that almost doubles the length of the route that is a few miles northw...

Skaftafell  is a large campground in the largest national park in Iceland. Grass for tents is located on the east side of the campground and gravel is on the west side for vans. You are situated very close to plenty of hiking trails that you can reach from the campsites themselves. Some of the more popular hikes include Svartifoss and Sjónarnípa. There are obviously many others. The camping is...

Asticou Azalea Garden is a portion of 1400 acres managed by Land & Garden Preserve.  Here, you park at a small parking lot on the east side of 198 close to the intersection of Peabody Dr. and 198.  Parking is limited so if it is full come back in a bit! From the parking lot you can follow a trail south winding through trees and ponds on a gradual walkway.  You can explore the moss garden, ...

Manitou Springs is home to eight mineral springs all fairly close to the main shopping strip of Manitou. The springs were originally utilized by the Native Americans. In the 19th century, they were utilized by visitors from all over the world due to their supposed health benefits. They all taste different based off of their mineral content, and most of them have some degree of carbonation. The ...

This waterfall was designated a historic site in 2016 due to its rich history dating back to the Native Americans and more recently the locals of Manitou Springs.  The bridge itself that crosses over the falls was created in the early 20th century and was an architectural marvel during the time. Parking can be tight especially during the summer.  There are a few sites at the hairpin turn on Se...

NOTE: As of September 2021, Mount Lindsey has been closed to public access indefinitely. (Source)  At 14,042 Mt. Lindsey is not one of the tallest 14ers, but it is a fun objective regardless. The Lily Lake trailhead can be somewhat difficult to access without a high clearance car, but most cars can probably make it. There is quite a bit of private property along the road so just be careful if ...

Red Rock Canyon Open Space was made public in the early 00's after years of use as a quarry and landfill. Some of the stone quarried from the area have even been used in some of the downtown buildings. Getting there is straightforward, heading West on 24 there is an obvious turn off left between 31st street and Manitou Springs. From the entrance of the park, you can turn right to a small parkin...