When Kevin and I are not beetling off in our truck, Arnie for fun and adventure on our road trips we take the time to explore and savor trails right on our door step. Boulder County Trails and Open Space have a wide selection of trails and hikes within easy reach of communities in Boulder county and surrounding areas. For example, from Erie we are only a short way away from Boulder’s South Mesa Trail. Imagine packing a day pack of some water and maybe a few energy bars and snacks. A quick 30 minute drive and we are at NCAR’s parking lot, changing into our hiking boots and making sure we have all our equipment. And then we are off. Over the last three weekends we have hiked South Mesa Trail at various spots. Our favorite is to begin at the NCAR parking lot.
We have enjoyed being in the out doors no matter the weather. The South Mesa Trail system had enough trails to explore and keep one interested. There are always people around; people trail running, families carrying their strollers; couples with their dogs; and once Kevin and I even came across a woman walking her pet alpaca (this was at another trail head in Boulder County.)
Last weekend we were overcome with a burst of energy and we hiked on both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday we began at the NCAR parking lot and followed the trail to the Mallory cave. This trail has numerous switchbacks leading through the forest. The trail is well worn, and leads to various rock climbing access points. The Mallory Cave trail ends at a near vertical rock face. Kevin pretended to be a mountain goat and scampered up the last bit to Mallory cave. He assured me that it looked a lot worse than it was. I was not convinced and found a spot for my rump on a well worn rock. A hiker and his young lab managed to climb up much to my embarrassment. But then the dog has four legs!
From various points along the South Mesa Trail you can have quite spectacular vista’s of Boulder and developments stretching out over the Eastern plains. The weather has been perfect – not too hot, and not too cold. Extra jackets and a warm hat are recommended in case the weather changes for the worse.
For more information about the Boulder County Trails and Open Space check out their website here.
I will be posting some photographs in the next day or so. So check back soon.
