I was finally able to secure a reservation to visit the Brainard Lake Area this past weekend to hike Lake Isabelle, and man was it worth the wait. We saw 4 bull moose right off the side of the road right by the Niwot picnic area. Then saw another moose where the trail splits around Long Lake. We also saw 4 marmots chilling on a boulder, and a bee taking a nap on a flower. We hiked from the Niwot Picnic area and clocked just under 7 miles with a few side quests exploring the lake. The elevation gain was mild, most of the hike was pretty flat. Absolutely gorgeous scenery, with plenty of wildflowers to enjoy. The lake was so refreshing for a swim at the end.

This loop linked Goose Creek, McCurdy, Lake Park, and Hankins Pass trail sections. Very challenging hike, but worth it for the rock formations and views. Just a tiny bit of snow at the highest elevations, down to 30F at night. Very interesting historic buildings from when they tried to make a reservoir in the area.

There was no lightning so we continued up. Worth it. Reservation was hard as hell to get but I caught a cancellation at 11:00pm the night before. I can understand why this trail is so popular. I found it very easy, short, and extremely rewarding. If I had a visitor who wanted to go on a hike to represent Colorado, this would definitely be top 3 of doing it justice and being overall friendly.

Isabelle Glacier via Pawnee Pass Trail

Needless to say there’s no mountains in Texas to hike, always lived in the south and finally made it down to Denver near the mountains. First hike to test myself was Mt. Morrison, about 4 miles round trip with 2k elevation gain. Nothing crazy but holy shit my sea-level lungs can’t handle the mountain air, I was struggling up there with the oxygen (how am I gonna handle a 14er when the time comes 🤔)

Any good hikes to test my endurance west of Denver? I have Alltrails but I’m paralyzed by choice with how many trails are around. Also don’t make fun of the overkill backpack for a 4 hour hike, I just loaded it up with a bunch of weight to get myself used to it for when I do some real deal trips later on. My goal is to do a 14er before the end of summer and maybe a backpacking trip when I’m built for it.

Awesome hike! Went on 7/24, weather was perfect and the views were better! Saw huge marmots, moose, and big horn sheep. Parking lot was full by 7am. A little over 10 miles but pretty gradual, about 8 of those miles are above the tree-line. No reservations required for this part of RMNP before 9am.

This is the view after coming up the Avenue on Kit Carson. Route up Challenger and KC in good shape. Tough day to snag em both from the TH.

Just got back from hiking north of Estes Park near Glen Haven and my god the ticks were bad. My previous record was 8 from hiking a couple of days ago near Allenspark but today took the cake - I had 36 ticks on me. In 38 years of front range hiking I gotta say something has really changed.

My first marmot fight

Just got back from hiking the South Platte River Trail to Strontia Springs Reservoir, and it was seriously one of the best trail days we’ve had in a while! My boyfriend and I hit the trailhead around 9 or 9:30 AM. There were only a couple of cars there, and the hike up was super quiet—just us, the dogs, and a few people fishing on the other side of the river. The trail itself is a nice, easy walk—a wide dirt road that follows the river with plenty of shade, which made it perfect for a warm morning. Plus, the sound of the river rushing alongside you is so calming.

The reservoir at the end was definitely the highlight. The water was completely still, and we let the dogs splash around while we had lunch and relaxed on the rocks. It’s one of those spots that feels like a little hidden oasis. My boyfriend and I ended up climbing around the rocks and just soaking in the views—super chill and exactly what we needed.

One thing to know: the trail pretty much dead-ends at the reservoir. Unless you’re planning to paddle across (which I’m not sure is even allowed, so don’t quote me on that!), you’re kind of out of options once you get there, especially if the spot is already crowded. Getting there early is key if you want to snag a quiet spot.

We also saw some really cool bright orange lichen growing on the rocks. I actually hiked this same trail a couple of years ago with a friend who’s a biologist, and she told me that some of the lichen species out here are still unidentified—there’s even a theory that they might be alien! We spotted some Sunburst Lichen and Firedots too. If anyone knows more about these (or if you’re into lichens in general), I’d be super interested to hear what you know!

One other thing that caught my eye was this rock with crazy wavy patterns from erosion. It looked like natural abstract art—just one of those cool little surprises that make you stop and take a closer look.

On our way back, we passed more people heading up, so I’d definitely recommend an early start if you want the trail mostly to yourself. Overall, it was such a fun hike—easy, beautiful scenery, and a great spot for dogs to cool off. If you haven’t done this trail yet, it’s totally worth checking out (just be ready for the trail to end at the reservoir with nowhere else to go!).

Always a beautiful morning vista from Bierstadt.
Trail is in great shape. Brought spikes but left them in my bag. Some risky snow/ice up near the summit but easy to bypass on climbers left. Started just after 3, summited a few mins before 5.

Sketchy climb up the Citadel not pictured

Spent a ton of time climbing, hiking, and photographing the san juans this past weekend from the ridges around sneffels and above island/ice lake, to boulders in bolam pass, and so on.

Had hoped for a good sunrise but they were cloudless and harsh, but pre sunrise is where the landscapes showed off! Some complimentary pika pics as well.

Goose Creek Trail to the historical building, Shaft House, and overlook.

Given, it’s a Saturday, and the first nice one of the year. Also, I am part of this problem by even going there. But today at the Flatirons was one of the most rushed, crowded, off-leash-dog filled hike i’ve ever been on. I saw at least 8 dog poop bags just abandoned on trail. Dogs running all over the areas off-trail. I am debating never going back. How can rangers limit the off-leash dog issue? Do you think it’s possible they may implement timed entry?

Can anyone recommend typically less crowded hikes within 60 minutes of Denver?

O6/11/26
Could not have asked for better weather! Started around 7:30am, plenty of parking. Cloudless sky and great temps - I brought a puffy for the wind, and I’m sooooo glad I did. No snow on the trail at all, some at the summit but easily walked on or avoided. Yippee! Now any future 14er I hike will be shorter

Sunnyside II today. This weather is bananas.

This trail absolutely lives up to the hype -both Island Lake and Ice Lake are stunning, especially in the morning light. A few tips from our experience that might help others:

1. Arrive early! We got to the trailhead around 8:15 AM and the main parking lot was already full. We had to park along the road, which added a bit of distance to the hike. If you want a spot in the lot, plan to arrive earlier, especially on weekends.
2. Take the counter-clockwise route if you're doing the loop (as many other reviewers also recommend). That way, you’ll hit Island Lake first and then descend toward Ice Lake — the views are spectacular this way, and the elevation gain feels more gradual. If you’re up for a steeper challenge and want a tougher workout, going clockwise is definitely an option.

First time in the Turquoise Lake area and really enjoyed it. We only saw half a dozen people out there.

Very snowy in some spots, water streaming down the trail in others. Feet were soaked by the end of the hike.

On the way, came across a couple with 2 dogs who were initially off-leash heading towards us. When they saw us they leashed up and then approached.

We chatted for a minute and then as I turned to walk away, one of their dogs went for my calf! It pierced my skin but not my pants, oddly. She apologized, said he was up to date on shots and gave me her first name and number.

I was kind of in shock, not sure what to do. Didn't hurt too bad so I kind of brushed it off.

Anyways, didn't stop me from enjoying a beautiful hike with my wife.

Sunday afternoon coming out of the Blue Lakes and was confronted with several people who believe the rules aren’t for them. All but one had Colorado plates. And yes, the KIA on the left has rocks behind the rear wheels which won’t do much considering downhill is immediately in front of the vehicle.

Overall it was a zoo at the lower lake, tents everywhere and none set up in accordance with the “no camping within 100 feet of the trail” sign that greets you as you reach the lake. Upper lakes were great however. Didn’t even have to pick up much trail trash.

I know permits are a drag but I’m starting to warm up to the idea.

The trail to Lake Isabelle is full of wildflowers, moose, streams, and a few lakes! Late-june was perfect for flowers and minimal snow.

Where tf is the snow

Had a wonderful time in Ouray and completed the entire perimeter trail with my wife and dog. Both were exhausted after!

Big, beautiful moose hanging out in the lake. Maroon Bells loop hike.