HIking Classes Offered in Aurora

Do you live in the Denver metro area?

Do you enjoy the outdoors?

If you do but you're are not sure what you need in terms of gear, clothes, and other essentials, before going to the trail head, read on.  Everything you need to know about hiking can be obtained with a phone call.

Co-instructors, Ed Blum and Gary Alleman prepare for class.

The Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA) is offering in-depth hiking classes that will answer questions related to this great outdoor activity.  It doesn't matter if you are a beginner (never hiked before) who would like to take up hiking or a seasoned hiker just looking to brush up on a few things, these classes will have something for everyone.  Classes will be taught by two experienced guys who have decades of experience.

The following overview will give you an idea of the detail these classes offer.

• Session #1:  Introduction to Hiking: Tues., Feb. 12th.,  9 to 11 a.m. Topics include back country ethics, behavior, and etiquette, plus pre-hike conditioning including recommended workout plans.

A hiker enjoys the view from the rim of Castlewood Canyon.

• Session #2:  Pre-Planning/First Aid:  Tues., Feb. 19th, 9 to 11 a.m.  Topics include what to do and what to know before you go on trail, learn how to hike based on trail conditions, learn how trails are rated, basics of back country safety, and first aid including how to make your low cost personal FA kit.

Waterfall on Cow Creek Trail, RMNP.

• Session #3:  All about Footwear: Tues., Feb. 26th., 9 to 11 a.m.  Topics include things to know before you buy socks, boots, gaiters, plus lots of helpful tips.  Also information on Colorado gear manufacturers, and where to get your boots repaired.  This session will include a comprehensive display of the latest footwear (provided by REI) for hiking in Colorado.

Diamond Lake

• Session #4:  All about Clothing:  Tues., Mar. 5th., 9 to 10:30 a.m.:  Topics include things to know before you buy, how to layer clothing, plus lots of helpful tips.  This session will include a comprehensive display of the latest clothing items (provided by REI) for hiking in Colorado.

The trail in Herman Gulch.

• Session #5:  All about Gear:  Tues., Mar. 12th., 9 to 10:30 a.m.:  Topics include how to choose the right day pack, how to load a day pack, organizing your gear, plus lots of helpful tips.  This session will include a comprehensive display of day packs.

Hikers enjoy the back country after visiting Lost Lake.

• Session #6:  All about Poles:  Tues.,  Mar. 19th., 9 to 10;00 a.m.:  Topics include things you should know before you buy, why we use poles, a demonstration of the proper use of poles, and plenty of tips on various uses for poles.

Hiking in Sanistas Valley, outside of Boulder.

• Session #7:  Essentials of a good hiker:  Tues, Mar. 26th., 9 to 11:00 a.m.:  Topics include making an equipment checklist, introduction to map reading, introduction to navigation, basic survival skills, and keeping a trail journal, plus lots of tips on gear manufacturers, where to get gear repaired, and more.

Hikers on trail to Crater Lake.

If you are a resident of Aurora, Colorado, classes are $8.00 each ($10.00 for non-residents).  The value for your money is unmatched.  Nobody offers a full series of in-depth classes like this for $8.00 anywhere.

Plus you will get the benefit of information on things to do or not do before, during and after a hike plus tips learned from personal experience from two guys who have been hiking and backpacking for decades.

After the last session, students will be offered the opportunity to hike with the instructors.  If you are looking for an opportunity to get involved in a low stress, low cost, high reward outdoor activity, take advantage of these classes.

You will not be disappointed when you get to that first trail head, because you will have a wealth of information to begin your journey to a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Call a friend to join you for a class.

Tell a neighbor about the classes.      

Seats for classes are filling up each week so call ACAA today and register for one or all classes offered.  Register at: (303) 739-7950

The Aurora Center for Active Adults is home to the High Country Hikers, a group of over age 50 men and women who enjoy the friendship of others who have similar interests.  The group hikes every week beginning in early April.  Transportation is provided from the ACAA parking lot at 6th. Avenue and Del Mar.

If you have registered for classes mentioned above, don't miss this opportunity to get outside and enjoy the Colorado back country.  Every week is a different landscape.  Every week is an adventure.  Every week is another awesome story you can tell your grandchildren about.

The images in this piece were captured on day hikes the group experienced in 2012.  Don't miss an opportunity to experience places like these yourself in 2013.  Call ACAA and register for a hike with the group.  There are limited seats on the bus so don't wait to call.

If you are new to this activity, join the classes before you go on trail.  You'll be glad you did both. 

It's all about the journey!

Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle - # 7

Manage Depression:

This is the final installment of this series on ten ways to live a healthy lifestyle.  Managing depression is actually #7 on our list.  Over the course of the last eighteen months, we have randomly selected one of the ten elements to address to our readers.

I visit my neurologist every three months.  After the initial question, How are you doing? comes, Are you depressed?  To the first, I could say, well doctor, I have discomfort in my joints in the morning, and continue with a list of things that are just not perfect

Top 10 Snowshoe Hikes - # 10

Dual Loops: 1 - Lakes Loop Trail
                    2 - Twisted Trail

1 - An easy short O&B trek that is scenic to two frozen lakes.
2 - Shoe through forests on this short moderate loop.

Getting there:  Same for both hikes.
In Boulder, take Canyon Blvd./Highway # 119 to Nederland.  Go south on highway # 72 about 1 mi. then turn right on CR 130 and follow 2 mi. and turn left on CR 140, uphill to Eldora Resort.  Turn left to the Nordic Center.

Difficulty:  1- Easy to Moderate
                2 - Moderate

Skill level: Both novice

Elevation gain:  1 - 286' Lakes Loop/139' Peterson Lake 
                        2 - 200'

Map:  Eldora Mtn. Resort and Nordic Center

Contact:  Eldora Mtn  Resort (303) 440-8700 X267

Top 10 Snowshoe HIkes - # 9

Echo Lake

Enjoy this easy flat route to a frozen lake surrounded by vast views of the peaks of the front range.

Getting there:  Take I 70 west to exit # 40 (Mt. Evans).  Take highway # 103 south about 19 mi. to Echo Lake Picnic Area or go 1 mi. more to Echo Lake Campground.  A loop can be done from either TH.

Trail:  Starting at the picnic area, go counter clockwise.  In .25 mi. is a sign for Chicago Lakes Trail, go straight.  Echo Lake Trail goes left.  Both trails have good photo ops.

Difficulty:  Easy

Skill level:  Novice

Elevation Gain:  50'

Contact:  Clear Creek Ranger District (303) 567-2901

Snowshoe Devils Thumb Ranch

If I had to pick one place to snowshoe that offered spectacular views of the continental divide, awesome landscapes of the Frazer Valley, top shelf accommodations, a comfy spacious lodge, and good food, Devils Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa is it.

When I arrived just after 7 a.m., the bus was parked, idling in the middle of the parking lot as always.  I stashed my gear on one of the seats then went inside the Mally Rec. Center to sign-in and see other members of the group.

By half past the hour, everybody had boarded the bus and we were on our way.  Or so we thought.  As he pulled out of the lot, Mike, our driver, realized there was a problem with the throttle.  After stopping along the curb, he informed us of his inability to get the engine to properly respond and that we would be going to the Englewood Fleet Maintenance Center.

Top 10 Snowshoe HIkes - # 8

Rainbow Lakes

You are likely to find no traffic on this trek in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.  Visions of these rugged peaks will remain with you a long time.

Getting There:  Follow Rt. 36 into Boulder to Canyon Blvd/Highway # 119.   Follow it west about 14 mi. to Nederland.  There take highway # 72 north for about 6 mi.  Turn west on Rainbow Lakes Rd./CR 116.  The parking lot is about 1 mi. on the left.

Trail:  Caution, it is 3 mi. one way to the TH.  Plus 1 mi. to the first lake.  Be sure to allow adequate time for your trip.

Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate

Skill Level:  Novice

Elevation Gain:  800'

Map:  TI # 102 Indian Peaks - Gold Hill

Contact:  Boulder Ranger District (303) 541-2500

Top 10 Snowshoe Hikes - # 7 Lost Lake

This one can be done as a side trip after skiing at Eldora Resort or go straight to the TH.

Getting There:  Follow the Peak to Peak Highway #72 out of Nederland, one mile and turn onto County Road #130.  Pass by the turnoff to the resort on your left at about 2 mi., cotinue throug the village of Eldora to the Hessie Road and TH.

Trail:  The early part of this trail snakes through areas of Aspen and Engleman spruce for just over a mile.  Switchbacks take you up about 400' over the next  mile before leveling off.

Difficulty:  Moderate

Skill:  Novice

Elevation:  923" RT

Map:  TH # 102  Indian Peaks, Gold Hill

Contact:  Boulder Ranger District, Roosevelt National Forest (303) 541-2500 

# 6 St. Mary's Glacier

This outing is not for beginners or even a novice snowshoer.  When you have experienced a few moderate to challenging winter hikes, this is one to put on your "To Do" list.

Getting There:  Take I70 west to Fall River Road/St. Mary's/Alice exit then follow the signs north about 8 mi. to the St. Mary's Glacier parking lot.  Be sure to being small bills for the pass machine.

Trail:  From the TH its a .5 mi. hike to St. Mary's Lake.  Elevation gain is only 200' in this span. In another .5 mi. you will be at the foot of the glacier.  For the inexperienced, this is your turn around point.

For those who are prepared to continue it's another 1.5 mi. and 1.000' gain to 11,600' and a saddle.  There you can view James Peak if it's a clear day.

Level of Difficulty:  Option 1 = Moderate to base of glacier
                             Option 2 = Challenging to James Peak

Skill Level:  Option 1 = Novice to glacier base, Intermediate to top of glacier
                   Option 2 = Expert to the peak

Elevation:  Option 1 = 600'
                 Option 2 = 2,700'

Map:  TI #103 Winter Park, Central City, Rollins Pass

Contact:  Clear Creek Ranger District, Arapaho Nationa  Forest (303) 567-2901 

# 5 Michigan Ditch

This day trip offers something to beginners and experienced snowshoers alike.  Trail is almost level, with spectacular views of the Never Summer Mountains.

Getting There:  Take U.S. 287 north from Fort Collins for about 10 miles and exit onto Highway 14 at Ted's Place.  Follow Rt. 14 about 65 miles to the top of Cameron Pass.  TH is on the east side of the road.

Trail:  Option 1; is virtually flat as it follows a jeep road for about 1 mile where you can turn around at some cabins.  Option 2; If you have the time and sufficient food and gear, continue on to Michigan Lake in 2.25 mi.  You can continue another .25 mi. to Thunder Pass for a 10.3 mi. RT.

Difficulty:  Option 1 = Easy
                Option 2 = Challenging

Skill Level:  Option 1 = Novice
                   Option 2 = Intermediate to expert

Elevation  gain: Option 1 = 960'
                        Option 2 = 960' to Michigan Lakes, 1,50' to Thunder Pass  

Map:  TI #200 (RMNP)

Contact:  Colorado State Forest (970) 723-8366 

10 Health Tips for 2013

If you are over 50, you've already read this in the January/February edition of AARP Bulletin.  If you are under age 50, read on.

Personally, I do enjoy reading this newspaper for seniors especially the articles on health.  One I found most interesting was written by Nissa Simon, titled, "10 Tips for Better Health."  This is not the typical article suggesting special diets, or workout routines.  These are things you can integrate into a routine for better overall health.

Snowshoeing Frisco

Another week of limited snowfall in the Frisco area, however, cold temperatures have kept snow on the ground from melting.

After dropping one downhiller at Copper Mountain Resort, we returned to the nordic center outside Frisco.  Few vehicles in the parking lot indicated it would be a quiet day on trail.

At the front desk, we were given a break on trail fees because we are members of a group.  After scanning the trail map and level of difficulty, I decide to take the 1.5 KM (.9 mi.) Green Mallard trail along Lake Dillon.

Frisco Nordic Center

Trail is well packed as it wanders through sparsely populated pines, to a junction with Frisco Bay XCountry Trail.  There, I follow the Bay Trail another .9 KM (.5 mi.) to a picnic area.  Tables and BBQ grills are partially hidden by a few inches of snow.

Buffalo Mountain (12,777'), in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, as seen from Green Mallard trail.

Snowshoe Keystone

Light snowfall east of the foothills made me question there wold be sufficient powder at 9,000'.  My skepticism continued as I rode the bus west on I-70.  The previous weeks outing was cancelled for just that reason, insufficient snow.

As the bus exited the interstate, I noticed slopes surrounding the resort were snowcovered, although exposed bolders dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see.

River Coarse Nordic Center at Keystone.  Ingrid and Sharon (right) are ready for trail.

As we walked across the snow covered parking lot, the surrounding terrain looked as if sufficient powder was on the ground. 

All doubts were erased as I stood on the steps of the nordic center, seeing nothing but a blanket of white in all directions.


Soon daypacks and snowshoes were secured and we were on trail.

Unlike summer hiking, pace is a non-issue for me when on snowshoes.  After leaving the TH, it's more about awareness of my surroundings.  One thing I've learned is to fully enjoy time in the backcountry.  That means stopping often to focus on the glistening virgin powder, watch a squirrel jumping from branch to branch overhead, or follow the vapor trail left by a jet plane.

Snowshoer climbs to the ridge on Buffalo Trail.

ToTop 10 Snowshoe Hikes - # 4 Deer Mountain (RMNP)

This hike in winter will reward you with views of the Continental Divide and Longs Peak for very little effort.  Great views start early and continue throughout the day as you climb.

Getting There:  Take I 25 north to Rt. #66, then follow it west to and through Lyons and North to Estes Park,  Allow 90 min. for the drive.

Trail:  Begins in a stand of ponderosa pine then meanders across the base of Deer Mountain before switchbacks take you to bigger and better views.  Longs Peak to the north and all the rest of RMNP peaks are in full view.

Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate

Skill:  Novise to Intermediate

Elevation:  1,075'

Map:  TI # 200 RMNP

Contact:  RMNP Backcountry Office (970) 586-1242

Top 10 Hikes - #3 Red Rock Lake/Brainard Lake

This is a favorite for a number of reasons.  The ride from Boulder through Boulder Canyon to Nederland brings you only half way to the TH.  Along the way, canyon walls, miles of serpentine roads, and the tumbling waters of Boulder Creek creates the feeling of already being in Colorado backcountry.

The nine-mile drive on the Peak to Peak Highway (CO Rt. 72) has it's own claim on scenic beauty.  At the town (not really) of Ward, you will find the Braiunard Lake Recreation Area sign.  There, follow Brainard Lake Road 3 miles to a fee station and parking lot.

At the Red Rock TH, continue past the CMC trail to the snowshoers only trail leading to Red Rock Lake and options beyond.  All options are rated easy, and landscapes in winter are outstanding on all of them.

Option 1:  A quick easy 1.5 mi. RT jaunt for novices to Red Rock Lake.  Elevation gain: 100'

Option 2:  To Brainard Lake and back.  Novices will find this easy hike around the lake one you will remember.  My second visit to this lake was one of the most memorable of my 35-year hiking career.  A bull moose walked by me, 20 yds. away, as I crouched in a stand of aspen.  My heart was pounding out of control in my throat as I snapped the shutter of my camera again and again.  This loop is 5.8 mi.RT with a 300' elevation gain.

Map:  Trails Illustrated #102  Indian Peaks, Gold Hill; USGS, Ward

Contact:  Boulder Ranger District (303) 541-2500

Top 10 Snowshoe Hikes - #2 Alberta Falls and The Loch

This hike was #1 on my summer top 10  list, but slipped to a close second for snowshoeing.  Another of the ideal winter outings for families with small children.  If you are hosting out of town guests and want a day in the Colorado back country, this day trip will secure you a spot on your guests all-time favorites list.

A runner competes in snowshoes.

Getting there:  From Main street in Estes Park, there is a sign at the tghird traffic llifgt, directing you left to RMNP.  Follow signs to Beaver Meadown Entrance Statioin.  Once in te park, take the first left on Bear Lake Road adn follow it to teh shuttle bus lot.  You will be taken (no charge) directly to the Glacier Gorge TH.  You will have options to snowshoe to seven lakes and four different falls from this trailhead.

Option 1: It is 1.2 mi. RT to Alberta Falls.

Option 2:  Trail continues from the falls to The Loch at xxx' elevation, a 5.4 mi. RT.

Option 3:  Trail again continues to Embryo Lake, Timberline Falls, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond, all within another mile from The Loch.  RT from TH to Sky Pond is 6.4 mi.

Option 4:  The Back Lake Trail junction is 1.5 mi. from the TH.  Follow it .25 mi. to Glacier Falls Trail.  Continue another .25 mi. to Mills Lake, a 4 mi. RT.  At the north end of Mills Lake, it's .5 mi. to Jewel Lake and 2 more mi. to Black Lake, 8 mi. RT.

Difficulty:  Options 1 and 2, easy to moderate; Options 3 and 4, moderate to challenging.

Skill Level: Options 1 and 2, novice to intermediate; Options 3 and 4, novice to exspert

Elevation gain:  Option 1, 160' to Alberta Falls; Option 2, 940' to The Loch; Option 3, 1,540' to Sky Pond; Option 4, 700' to Mills Lake, 710' to Jewel Lake, 1,380' to Black Lake

Map: All options - Trails Illusrated #200 (RMNP)

Contact: RMNP backcountry office (970) 586-1242

Top 10 Snowshoe Hikes - #1 Wild Basin

One of many great snowshoe hikes in RMNP is in the area known as Wild Basin.  This O&B day trip provides exceptional back country beauty, plus there are options depending on the amount of time you have.

Getting there:  From Lyons, head west and north on Rt. 7 to Allenspark.  Turn west on Wild Basin Road to Copeland Lake and the TH.

A family snowshoes in the back country.

Option #1:  A 3.8 mi. R.T. to Copeland Falls is a good first time outing for families with young children.

Option #2  If you are feeling good at Copeland Falls, and want the challenge of more distance and some easy climbing, continue on to Calypso Cascades, a 6 mi. R.T.

Option #3:  If you have planned well, have sufficient water and energy bars, and there are no signs of severe weather overhead move on to Ouzel Falls, a 7.4 mi. R.T.

Its all within Wild Basin.  Be sure to take a camera. There will be opportunities to capture images of a frozen steam, water cascades, and views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and Meadow Mountain.

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Skill Level:  Novice

Elevation gain:  195' to Copeland Falls; 880' to Calypso Cascades; 1,130' to Ouzel Falls

Map: Trails Illustreted #200 (RMNP)

Backcountry Office: (970) 586-1242 for details on snow cover.