When we made plans to visit my daughter in Colorado, we also made plans to do some hiking while we were there. That means we packed our hiking shoes and layers in case we could figure out some 1/2 day hikes to pass the time while our daughter was working.
We got our start mid-morning, after having a hearty breakfast with our daughter. It was a grey day, but we still got to enjoy some lovely views.
View down the canyon side:
View looking out over Boulder:
My husband isn’t thrilled about selfies,
but he understands that they are part of the deal. 😉
This was a 3.5 mile hike with a 1320 foot elevation gain. Boulder already is 5500 feet above sea level, and we definitely felt the effects of the altitude. Hiking up Mount Sanitas took us about 2 hours with photo stops.
I was hoping to hike Horsetooth Rock the next day, but a rainy evening put those plans into question. When the Weather Channel App promised clear skies in the morning, we decided to be optimistic and headed to Fort Collins to the Horsetooth Mountain trailhead.
It was really foggy driving up the mountain,
and a bit drizzly as we started our hike.
Still, the scenery along the trail was fantastic!
The trail guide promised “unabated panoramas across the eastern plains, lower foothills, reservoir, and Rocky Mountains,” but this was our “view” from the top.
Visibility was only a few feet!
Since we had made good time, we decided to hike over to Horsetooth Falls.
The fog was lifting so we did get to see more of the surroundings.
The falls, however, were just a trickle.
Horsetooth Falls?
Overall, we hiked 6.6 miles in about 3 hours. The hike up to the top of Horsetooth Rock had a 1850 ft elevation change, taking us from about 5,700 feet above sea level to to 7200 feet above sea level.
[Tweet “Foggy #hiking in #Colorado #fitfluential #sweatpink”]
Although it wasn’t an ideal day for hiking, we had a good time. I’m glad the Weather Channel App was wrong, because if it had predicted drizzly fog, we probably would have stayed in our hotel room. Instead, we got to challenge ourselves climbing up Horsetooth Rock and “see” another part of Colorado.
What’s the most fun you’ve had in bad weather?
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Nice to make the most of the weather and your trip. We hiked out in Aspen last year. The altitude is not joke out there.
I look at these pictures and I wonder why I live in Illinois! Colorado is so gorgeous. So many people think of Colorado and skiing but there is just so much more to do.
Yep. Hiking, cycling, rock climbing, white water rafting …. Very outdoorsy!
Great Job! We love hiking in Colorado and finding new trails. Its wonderful getting outside. We live in Denver but Hike in Boulder area sometimes also.
Oh, wow. I just pick your brain for places to go for our next visit.
Love Colorado! I did’t hike last time I was there but we did sight see through the Rocky Mountain park. So fun. Most fun I’ve had in bad weather? Ragnar definitely! 🙂
But of course – and you had some BAD weather for Ragnar!
I have never been to Colorado, but hear that it is PERFECT for outdoor sports. I’d love to visit there and take a few hikes.
Oh wow I have never been to Colorado but I so want to go! It looks like you had a great time on the hike! I would love to do this! Thumbs up to hubby for participating in the selfies! 🙂
Yeah, he’s a pretty good sport. Colorado is a great place to visit – just pick a season based on what you want to do. 😉
Looks like fun!
When we were in Ireland, we hiked Skellig Michael on a super foggy day. The views were a big disappointing, but the benefit was that my kid who is scared of heights wasn’t freaked out…
As I was hiking I was dreaming up bucket list hikes and Ireland was the first place that came to mind! LOL on the fog view/fear trade-off.
I’ve never been hiking, but I hope to start late fall. I hear Colorado is beautiful. I’m glad your enjoyed yourself despite the weather!
Looks like you had a lot of fun! Colorado is on our bucket list (mostly for Denver Bronco’s game) but also for all the outdoorsy stuff! Thanks for sharing.
Hah! The Broncos would be a good reason to visit too.
I think the most fun I’ve had in bad weather was Ragnar 🙂 We lived in CO for 4 years and never did any hiking in Boulder. I’m kicking myself now!
i try not to workout in bad weather because I’m scared of catching a cold but your views are great.
Beautiful place to hike.
Love Colorado!! We spent some time in Boulder and loved it.
I definitely want to go back and hike there.
Your hiking adventure looks like so much fun!
We once got caught in a big snow storm in Park City. It was awesome! 🙂
Oh I adore this.
And I nee the heat here to break so we can hit the hiking as well (or I need to go visit your daughter? I bet she’d love that! :0))
xo
This hike looks fantastic! I def need to get back out and hike some more.
Looks absolutely amazing! I ran. 5 K once in torrential rain with my best friend and it was great!
Love the photos! I’ve never been to Colorado long enough to go hiking – it looks absolutely beautiful!
Too bad the conditions were not ideal, but still looks like a great hike.
Gorgeous! I haven’t been hiking/visiting in Colorado in years… I need to make it a point to go back and hike and explore. SOON!
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