I started this hike at the parking lot below Summit Road and began the ascent towards Bald Knob Campground. The trails were in bad shape from having been frozen rapidly. Ice crystals shot up out of the ground, making walking on trail a little difficult as the ice would occasionally collapse. It would be really easy to twist an ankle on this terrain. There is a huge tree down across the trail once on trail 130 just after Deadman Creek before the campground. I was able to climb over it, but had to get my pants wet in the process. After the campground, continuing on trail 130 to the Cooks Cabin, the trail was a mix of snow covered, ice crystals and mud. My goal was to get to the summit, but my pace was slow and I was running out of daylight. I turned around at the Cooks Cabin, hiked back to the campground and had lunch. From there I walked Summit Road back to my car, where I left my trekking poles in the parking lot. Let me know if you find them.

I arrived at the parking lot below the Summit Road around noon on this birthday Wednesday. No one else was on trail today. I walked leisurely for the first mile of trail before the ascent to the lookout. The grade was pretty easy. The trail was a mix of muddy ice and frozen ground, but not too bad. The fall colors were beautiful. The lookout was boarded up for the winter, so I wasn't able to go up on the deck, but the view from the quartz outcropping was a nice lunch spot.

With some pretty intimidating weather fronts moving in, I started this hike in the late afternoon. Luckily the rain moved East just South of me, and I enjoyed a dry evening hike to the Rocks of Sharon. The trail was in pretty good condition, although there is some rutting on the ascent here from mountain bikes. The view was beautiful, as always, and clear enough to see Steptoe Butte out in the distance. I had originally planned on completing the loop, but with the setting sun, I opted to take the ridge back to the trailhead. This route allowed me to use the last of the daylight, although I did have to use my headlamp for the last half mile. Coyotes yipped and crickets sang as I made my way back to my car in the pink light of the evening. After the hike I made my way to TT's Old Iron Brewery and BBQ for dinner before heading home.

This is a beautiful 3 mile climb to summit Mount Kit Carson. I parked at the lot at Mount Kit Carson road and steadily climbed my way to the top. The trail was clear and well maintained. Both water crossings had a bridge, so my feet stayed dry and mud-free. Fall colors were only beginning to show. The forest is open, with ferns and cedars. At saddle junction, before the summit, there is an outhouse available. After that it is a short climb to hit the summit. The view is impressive, with plenty of rocky places to sit for a while and take it in.

I arrived at Colonial Creek Campground the day before, I slept in later than intended, but I still hit the trail early enough to beat the rush. I had the trail to myself as I worked my way up the switchbacks through the lush forest. The forest opens up and becomes exposed to the sun for the last half of this hike. Bring sunblock or a hat. The first overlook provided a great view of Colonial Peak. Hiking on, through the dry pine, dropping down around a small pond and then up again to the last lookout, I heard buzzing of flies but was not bothered by them. Making it to the end I saw the bright blue Diablo Lake below. I sat in the shade before heading back down, passing at least 10 groups of hikers. This is a very popular trail!

I arrived late afternoon for an overnighter in Colonial Creek Campground. After setting up camp, I headed south along Thunder Creek. This easy evening walk was flat and green with the relaxing sound of flowing water. I hiked to the bridge over thunder creek and headed back as I was losing daylight. I want to return and overnight at Thunder or Neve camp next year.

I chose this hike to ease my body back into being active after a two month recovery from an injury. This was a good choice with this hike's short distance, minimal climb and beautiful scenery. This was my first time to Mckenzie Conservation Area, and was delighted with how forested it is. The hike started through cedar and ferns and opened up into a pine forest as it dropped down to Newman Lake. The mosquitoes were pretty bad. Turtle Rock offers a nice little beach and a place to have a snack before heading back. The climb is gradual as you walk by the open meadow and cedar and birch tree forest. I encountered two deer on the trail, as well as a small snake. Overall, I am in love with this hike and want to go back immediately.

This trip starts on the south side of the bridge over Rock Creek on Belsby road. At first you may be discouraged as you have to paddle through a cow pasture and it is a little unpleasant smelling and intimidating to paddle next to the large animals. Shortly, the pasture gives way to a wet-land creek surrounded by tall reeds. To the left is a natural bridge in the cliffs and to the right there is a waterfall tucked into the rocks. Once through the creek the water opens up to the long narrow lake. This place is a dream for bird nerds like us. We saw yellow headed black birds, red winged black birds, a bald eagle family, turkey vultures, ducks, mergansers, blue herons and fresh water pelicans! yep! pelicans! We paddled about halfway up the lake to a small island with campsites. I named this island Bug Island as the mosquitoes were so bad we quickly returned to our kayaks and fled. One safety note: beware of rattlesnakes!