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The Best Hidden Gems of Northern Colorado

This post outlines our 2018 road trip adventure around the Colorado high country.

We enjoyed the northern Colorado portion of our 2017 road trip so much, we thought we’d return there for our 2018 summer vacation! This trip turned out far better. No projectile vomiting, no rivulets of blood running down a certain blogger’s leg, almost no injuries at all actually…just many, MANY, mosquito bites. 😜

For six months, we’d planned to complete a grand loop of Colorado’s Hidden Gems; visiting ghost towns, furthering our 4×4 skills, and enjoying the awesome scenery that is, Colorado. Unfortunately, a winter with unusually low snowfall, and a dry spring, yielded a predictable result, wildfires. One entire National Forest was placed under a Stage 3 fire ban and closed to all visitors for a time, while many others were under Stage 2 bans (no fires of any kind with the exception of gas cooking stoves).

Orange tent opened on top of a small trailer, all sitting in a driveway — Our home for the week!

At first, we considered changing the trip entirely as it seemed likely that the beautiful vistas we were anticipating would be marred with heavy smoke, we also didn’t want to be an additional burden to those dealing with the fires on a daily basis. After briefly considering the Montana backcountry, and deciding we’d like to leave grizzly encounters for another trip, 😳 we decided to stick with Colorado. Fortunately, about that time the monsoon season kicked in and the fires began to slacken. We were SO glad we made the choice we did!

Related Posts: Guide to Colorado Backroads and 4-Wheel-Drive Trails: Book Review, 7 “Must-See” Colorado Ghost Towns, The Backroads of Colorado, The Drive to Crystal Mill in Colorado

In an effort to avoid the worst-hit areas, we altered our trip a bit and returned to the northern portion of the state to both State Forest State Park and Grand Mesa National Forest, two locations we had enjoyed so much last year. We again had a great time at both locations!

We experienced dispersed camping for the first time at State Forest, and at Grand Mesa, we enjoyed a lovely campsite within sight of the–albeit low–lake. We got to explore new places like Montgomery Pass (discussed in this post), as well as Lake Agnes, the Crags, the Flattop Wilderness area, and the Land’s End Road at Grand Mesa.

Grassy meadow surrounded by pine trees. Rocky mountains in the background, all under a clear, blue sky. — View from our first dispersed campsite, near the Never Summer Mountains

Wildflowers in the Colorado High Country!

We enjoyed COUNTLESS wildflowers throughout the trip. We’d heard stories about the beautiful flora that carpets the Colorado mountains during summertime but had never been there late enough in the year to experience it. Their colors consisted primarily of red, yellow, purple, and white variations. Their beauty was worth the mosquitoes!

This brings me to another point…if you visit these areas in the summer…buy stock in mosquito repellant first! We’d experienced the little buggers (no pun intended 😇) a little in the past but not during prime season. Those things can, almost, carry you away! And they’re tenacious! They latch on until physically removed and are undeterred by vigorous hand-shaking or other, less forceful methods (which is problematic when you’re using both hands to complete other tasks). I’m all about respecting Nature, but mosquitoes may be the one critter where I draw the line. I just don’t see where they have ANY redeeming value. They’re annoying, they spread–potentially deadly–disease, they do act as a food source for other animals, but aren’t there enough other creepy crawlies for those critters to live on? I mean, COME ON! Is it possible Mother Nature made a mistake with this one? 🤔

Public Service Announcement: While I don’t enjoy smearing poison laden with Deet across my body, as someone who reacts STRONGLY to bug bites–to the point of being woken up by the itching in the middle of the night–I’ll defer to the poison on this one. 😝 There are more natural bug repellants available, but I’d encourage you to be VERY careful with your choices in bear country (especially grizzly country). Anything, with any smell, should be avoided. They claim bears can even be attracted to hand lotion or chapstick that’s been left in someone’s pocket inside a tent. 😮 One perk to the drier areas we ventured through later in the trip was the lack of mosquitoes! 🤭

Colorado Crowds

This trip did reiterate for us, again, how spoiled we are living in the Black Hills. In South Dakota, even during high-traffic times, you can enjoy a weekend in the backcountry without encountering nary another human (unless you bring them along 😉).

In Colorado, we were–somewhat unpleasantly–surprised by the number of human companions we encountered. It wasn’t just busy weekends either. While we were in a heavy-use area, I was shocked that we had trouble finding a National Forest campsite on a Monday. I was rather disappointed by the lack of wildlife we encountered on this trip and I wondered if it was at all due to the higher percentage of people in the vicinity? We spent 2.5 days in the “moose capital of Colorado” and didn’t see one moose (actually, we didn’t see any the entire trip!) 😫 We saw LOTS of marmots, but I was hoping, with intentionally spending time in the backcountry, we would have a higher likelihood of encountering more wildlife. I don’t think the heat was a problem as it wasn’t that hot, and we spent the majority of our trip at-or-above 9000 feet. There weren’t THAT many higher locations for the critters to roam!

We DID see countless bovine–which I dubbed “Colorado Bears” by the end of the trip. 🙄 I’m all about everyone having equal access to our National Forest land; however, the cows got a little annoying. They smell, you have to avoid getting their “remnants” on your shoes, and when you’re looking for exciting wildlife–like actual bears, or moose–and all you see are cows, you get a little discouraged. Maybe some “city folk” find our steak-producing cohabiters interesting, but this farm girl from Indiana was not impressed. 😜

We also learned on this trip that no matter where you go in Colorado, and no matter how remote you think your location may be, you will likely always be in the flight path of some airport. You’d settle down in your tent at night, being lulled to sleep by the, surprisingly, deafening silence of the forest (apparently it’s too cold for crickets at 10,000 feet, even in the summer?), and your reverie is suddenly disrupted by the roar of jet engines flying overhead!* 🤫

*I really don’t mean to complain, we honestly had a SPECTACULAR time on this trip and we’re already looking forward to and planning our next excursion to the Rocky Mountain State (I’ve mentioned before my unbounded love for vacationing there). These are just the things you contemplate after 10 days of suffering from altitude-induced hypoxia and the venom of countless insect bites. 😳😉

National Forest Campgrounds are the Best!

We were also, again, reminded of our love of National Forests on this trip. I’ve mentioned this before, but if you can make do with more primitive facilities at their campgrounds (which usually means no flush toilets, though potable water is often available in the summer months), National Forests are a must-see. They are at least as scenic as National Parks, with far cheaper fees and FAR fewer people. We’ve enjoyed campsites where we fall asleep to the sound of the nearby babbling river, and ones where the moose almost walk through your campsite multiple times per day!

A new “device” we acquired for this trip was a Luggable Loo and Double Doodie Bags (seriously, one of the greatest inventions EVER) and **sun shower, which made the dispersed camping experience far more tolerable.

**A sun shower is simply a reusable, robust, vinyl bag and tube with a spout, with black backing that you fill with water and leave out in the sun. When you return to camp later in the day, you have warm water (it also works well to make sure your fire is out at the end of the evening 😁).

A grassy, rocky meadow full of multi-colored wildflowers, with a small lake in the background, all surrounded by pine trees — I am SO PROUD of this picture. This was an “end-of-the-day-I-was-tired-so-I-jumped-out-of-the-car-and-snapped-a-quick-pic-that-ended-up-being-awesome” picture. 😁

State Forest State Park, the Crags and Lake Agnes:

On this visit to State Forest State Park, we were able to complete the Lake Agnes trail and enjoy the Crags. It’s a fairly short trail, well-graded and not-overly-strenuous. I should caution you though, through many switchbacks you are carried up a fairly decent elevation gain, at 10,000+ feet mind you. 😓

A dirt path traverses a gassy area surrounded by tall pine trees. A rocky, craggy mountain is in the background — The Crags

The entire trail is only about two miles round-trip and the lovely wildflowers that accompany you on your hike, as well as the SPECTACULAR view at the trail’s midpoint, are absolutely worth the effort required to complete the trek.

While it’s still on our list to visit, it reminded me of pictures I’ve seen of Avalanche Lake at Glacier National Park, complete with the turquoise-colored water. This was comforting to me as I was under the impression this color of water is mostly seen near glaciers, and if glaciers continue to recede, it would be a shame if future generations are unable to enjoy this spectacular view.

Serene, blue lake surrounded by green, pine trees and rocky mountains with a little snow left on them. All under a clear, blue sky — Lake Agnes

Flat Tops Wilderness:

We also traversed the Flattop Wilderness Area. It was gorgeous as well! The best way to see this area is to take the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway which meanders through the countryside. It Follows Routes 13, and 317, and some county roads (two of them are also called North Fork Road and East Williams Fork Road). The Byway connects the small towns of Meeker and Yampa, in far, northern Colorado. The road system was a little confusing out here. There were some intermittent signs for the Byway but I’d recommend a good map before venturing out this way. (Don’t rely on your phone, it’s easy to lose signal in these rural areas.)

People who take this route should be away, the majority of the “highway” that traverses the wilderness area was a dirt road comprised of a rutted, washboard surface. It wasn’t a difficult drive, we saw plenty of sedans traveling it. The surface choice is understandable as the road is completely closed throughout the winter months, so maintenance during the rest of the year is probably more easily completed on a gravel road. I just want people to be aware if you’re expecting a typical “scenic byway” experience consisting of a two-lane, blacktop road, that isn’t exactly what you’re going to get!

The area was spectacular though, full of sweeping vistas of far-off peaks and valley floors dotted with lakes perfect for fishing and picnicking.

Green, pine-covered mountains stretch to the horizon. In the far-background is a rocky, flat-topped mountai. — You can see where the area got its name

Grand Mesa National Forest:

At Grand Mesa, we had hoped to hike more, but the impending thunderstorms and extreme exposure on our intended trail encouraged us to seek out other recreational options.

Those storms actually produced a small, short-lived, funnel cloud! Accidental storm chasing, on a mesa, with only two escape routes (one a potentially muddy, dirt road), what could possibly go wrong? 😳😉 Fortunately, I had a meteorologist with me who determined the risk to us was slight.

Pine tree-covered mountainside. In the background green trees surround a blue lake with a small, green island in the middle. A craggy, mountain wall is on one side — Island Lake with the Crags Crest off to the left (note: these are different crags than those at State Forest State Park)

Green, pine trees descend the mountain in the foreground. Tree-covered, rocky mountains in the background — The San Juan mountains provide a lovely backdrop to the views at Grand Mesa

We were able to complete the Land’s End Road–also, primarily, gravel, but in much better condition than the previously mentioned Byway. This route takes you to a, now-closed, Observatory. It also proffered an incredible vista of the valley far below and granted a birds-eye view of the interchanging ecosystems that encompass so much of western Colorado. Here, lush forests in the highest elevations transition into scrubland and nearly-desert as the altitude decreases.

We saw some of the friendliest (pushiest?) chipmunks we’d ever encountered on top of the Mesa. The Trekkers believe in keeping wildlife wild so we did NOT feed them. But, evidenced by the mounds of sunflower shells we saw scattered about (and that we watched the critters literally take food from other peoples’ hands), they have been habituated to human contact. The greedy little buggers come at your with cheeks full, begging for more!

Green tree and grass-covered mountains. Drier scrubland covers the lower elevations in the background — The view from the top of the Mesa at the terminus of Land’s End Road

Blurry close-up of the head of a chipmunk, eyes are open — The overly-friendly (and difficult to photograph) chipmunks at the top of the Mesa

Grassy meadow covered in scrubbrush, surrounded by trees. Grey clouds with a small, funnel decending from them are overhead — Funnel cloud at 10,500 feet!

If you’re looking for some hidden gems to visit in Northern Colorado, make sure you check out State Forest State Park, Grand Mesa National Forest, and the Flattop Wilderness!

Have you enjoyed any of these hidden gems of Colorado? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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The Terry Peak Lookout Tower

The Terry Peak summit road and lookout near Lead, SD.

Several years ago, I had family visiting the Black Hills from the great (albeit flat) state of Indiana. 😊 They rented a cabin up near Terry Peak (and were almost blown out of it by the, incredibly unusual, tornado that went within a short distance of where they were staying!) 😳

My aunt and uncle brought their ATV along and were seeking an interesting destination to drive it to, so, we checked out the Terry Peak Lookout Tower. Mr. Trekker and I had visited there once before but it was cold and windy and we weren’t able to locate the trail to the actual tower. This time, thanks to my aunt’s keen eye, we found it!

Where is the Terry Peak Lookout Tower?

The turnoff for the summit road can be found about four miles west of Nevada Gulch Road (the road you turn on to reach the Terry Peak Lodge). Once you turn onto that road it’s about a three-mile drive to the summit. The summit road is a dead-end, dirt road, but it is fairly well graded.

I completed the drive in my Subaru Outback with no problem, so, any passenger vehicle–and certainly any truck or ATV with higher clearance–should be able to manage it (at least in good conditions). There were a few rocks to negotiate, so, a typical, stock, sedan should take it easy. The driver should gauge for themselves if the vehicle can clear the obstacles. The road becomes a bit of a shelf road in a few spots (with no guardrail), so, while it can be easily managed, drive with caution.

The road is wide enough for vehicles to pass, throughout, and while you aren’t likely to see many others on your drive, be watchful for those coming the other way (especially in areas where the hill you’re cresting is steep and/or the curve you’re negotiating is sharp). The panoramic vistas of the surrounding hillsides, blanketed in aspen and pine, are spectacular though!

The sign for the trailhead is small and almost at ground level right next to the trail. As you pull into the parking turnaround, the trail is to the right and almost behind you (depending on where you park). If there are any snowdrifts around, the sign could easily be buried (which may be why Mr. Trekker and I missed it on our first attempt).

The Lookout itself can be achieved via a short hike up the hill using the charming cobblestone path that was intended for the purpose (there is a gravel road that can be driven–or traversed on foot–though it’s rather steep and narrow).

Once you reach the tower, there is a short flight of metal stairs that must be climbed to reach the platform on top (though there are some lovely views from the base of the tower, as well). Even speaking as an acrophobe, I didn’t find the height to be alarming. The Lookout is placed in the middle of the hill with no steep drop-offs in the vicinity.

Be aware, this is one of the higher points in the Black Hills and it tops out at just a little over 7000 feet (so flatlanders may find themselves huffing and puffing to excess). 😉 Full disclosure: Mr. Trekker and I live at around 3000 feet and we find ourselves breathing a little extra hard hiking at that altitude. 😜

Cobblestone steps ascend a hill through the trees — The cobblestone path leading to the Lookout

What you’ll see from the Terry Peak Lookout Tower

The lookout provides a spectacular, 360-degree view of the Black Hills. On clear days you should even be able to see parts of Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, as well. You can search out the various peaks in the local area (Crow Peak, Big Hill, etc.) and you get a unique view of the back side of the Terry Peak ski lift.

The scenery would be more attractive without the large communication towers and their guide wires that populate the summit. I wouldn’t recommend being up there during a lightning storm! 😱

Panoramic view of the flat lookout platform with many radio antennas in the background. — Did I mention the towers? 😩

We also had a commanding view of the Wharf Mine as well as several others scattered around the local area, and their “leavings” on our beautiful Black Hills (if you’re noting derision in my tone, you would be noting correctly). 😡

But, this blog is all about tranquility and focusing on the positives, so, I’ll end my critique of the mines there. My momma always taught me to look for the good things in life, so, I’ll offer one positive critique. At least the mines provide good-paying jobs to local residents (though I slept better before phrases like “large vat of cyanide” ever entered my lexicon). 😒

Ski lift and building on a grassy hill with mountains in the background. — The Terry Peak ski lift

The three of us enjoyed the lookout so much, I took the rest of my relatives back there later in the day. On the first trip, the colors of the surrounding Hills were muted by clouds. However, by that afternoon, the sun had returned and its light, along with the shadows it created with the remaining clouds, made for spectacular viewing.

More pics from the top!

A hazy view from the top of the mountain — Lead as seen from the summit. If you look really carefully in the distance you can see Bear Butte materializing through the haze.

An ATV drives down a steep, gravel road through the trees — My aunt and uncle driving down from the Lookout (I make no claims, pro or con, regarding the license plate on the front). 😇

If you’re looking for a unique place to visit in the northern Black Hills, check out the Terry Peak Lookout Tower!

Have you visited the lookout? What did you think? Tell me about it in the comments!

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Saving the World with 4Ocean!

In this post, I discuss a company that’s doing amazing things!

4Ocean is a pretty cool business! I originally heard about them on Facebook. You can visit their website here. They sell bracelets made from recycled materials (the glass beads on the bracelets are made from recycled glass).

The profits from the sales are used to clean plastic from oceans around the world. They claim for every bracelet bought, one pound of plastic is pulled from the ocean. The company also employs local crews to help with the cleanup so, on top of making our oceans cleaner, they’re also supporting local businesses all around the world. The bracelets are appropriate for all and are adjustable (they can be worn on the ankle as well).

Each month, they choose a different sea animal to focus on. It may be whales or green bracelets for sea turtles. (I bought the generic, blue one for myself as a “congratulations-on-starting-your-freelancing-path” gift because, I’m partial to blue. 😊) The bracelets are $20 each and I received mine in about a week.

Full disclosure: I have seen some criticism online regarding this company because they are for-profit. My view is, while I’m a BIG supporter of nonprofits, this is a grass-roots company that’s doing serious good in multiple ways around the world, and I’m perfectly happy supporting them.

See below for a few pics of my newest acquisition:

A blue bracelet with clear beads sits next to a water bottle lid to compare for size — I used the water bottle lid to compare for size

A blue bracelet with clear beads on a wrist — Not bad for $20! 😀

Do you have a 4Oceans bracelet? What do you think of it? Tell me about it in the comments!

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They Vandalized Poet’s Table!

I explore my frustration over the vandalization of an iconic, Black Hills landmark.

“You didn’t tell me you were gonna kill it!” This line, spoken by the astute Linus in the cherished cartoon It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, well summed up my feelings regarding the vandalization of a beloved Black Hills landmark…

Poet’s Table Vandalized

I am, of course, talking about the two misguided souls who took it upon themselves to remove decades-old mementos from this “secret” Black Hills landmark a few years ago. For decades, Poet’s Table has been a sanctuary for those who are entranced by our beautiful surroundings. As the story goes, these individuals committed this crime because they thought Poet’s Table was an eyesore on the pristine, natural beauty of the Black Hills. Whether this is true or if they were really just seeking their 15 minutes of fame could be debated lengthily. For the sake of decency, I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

To be fair, they are (technically) correct. Many years ago, another misguided (albeit strong and tenacious) soul drug a table, some chairs, and a cabinet into the wilderness and left them in a beautiful, hidden, place in our beloved Black Hills. Today, we would call that littering. But, because he meant well, and because others have found such enjoyment from the site in the decades since, we choose to view it as a positive. The site has become such a popular urban legend of sorts that nearby Custer State Park uses it as a marketing ploy.

Anger over Poet’s Table Vandalism

My first instinct, when I found out this treasured site had been ravaged, was all-out rage. Fortunately, the foolish individuals quickly came forward and returned the items and Custer State Park quickly began repairing the damage. Due to this quick recovery, my fervor ceded a bit.

One has to wonder, though…with the power of social media these days, and the fact that these two were foolish enough to get their pictures and names all over Facebook–not to mention the local news–if Karma saw to it that they garnered less positive attention than they originally bargained for?

I really hope their idea was just ill-advised and that they weren’t actually trying to be unfeeling and hurtful to others–even if that was the end result. It was encouraging to see the reaction of the local community in their desire to fix the error as quickly as possible to preserve this awesome site. Hopefully, due to this, Poet’s Table will remain a hidden gem and refuge for those who seek it out for many more generations to come!

Don’t wait, embrace today’s opportunities NOW!

After learning what had occurred, Mr. Trekker and I felt very fortunate that we had sought out Poet’s Table, when we did, the summer before the vandalism occurred (you can read about that here). For me, this was a real-world situation where the sage advice of not putting off till tomorrow what you could be doing today, applies.

We’ve all heard the admonition that we could die at any moment so live each day like it’s your last (which is true, albeit depressing–I think this was driven home to all of us during COVID 😋). But, this also fits in with the broader picture of being present in the current moment and living life to the fullest.

Obviously, we all have responsibilities that we need to take care of. We can’t play all the time, we have to work so that we can afford to play. 😁 But, let’s try not to make life too busy. Let’s make the most of the free time available to us to spend time with family/friends, enjoy our hobbies, volunteer, learn a new skill, whatever.

If we fill every waking moment with things we think we “should” be doing, we miss out on all the joys we COULD be enjoying. As a former therapist once said, “Don’t SHOULD all over yourself!”

This was also a partial motivation for our visit to Glacier National Park a few years ago, to see it before the glaciers were all gone. You can view that post here.

There have been a few instances in life where I regret not taking a day off of work to enjoy what may have been an opportunity that doesn’t come around often, or taking an extra few hours on a road trip to drive out of the way a bit to see an awesome site. These are the moments that make life worth living! While they vary from person to person they exist for everyone in some form, and we should learn to take advantage of them! These are what make life rich!

It doesn’t have to be something big. It could just be stopping on the commute home to enjoy a beautiful sunset, even if that means you don’t get the bathroom cleaned tonight. 😇 We need to embrace the little joys in every day, that’s what living is all about!

And some of us need to learn a lesson they should have been taught in Kindergarten…to keep their hands off of that which does not belong to them. 😜

Have you had any moments in life you wish you hadn’t missed (or are glad you didn’t miss?) Tell me about them in the comments!

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NOLS Wilderness First Aid

The Trekker’s learned some Wilderness First Aid skills on a trip to Bozeman, Montana!

Since the Trekkers spend so much time in the wilderness, we thought it would be wise to take a Wilderness First Aid class.

The one we attended was in Bozeman, Montana, and was hosted by NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) and Crossing Latitudes. Together. They offer events and trainings all over the US, and the world, that range from weekend-long First Aid classes to semester-long Wilderness EMT and Rescue courses. They also offer leadership and wilderness skills training expeditions.

Most of the First Aid classes are offered at YMCAs, church camps, or local parks, though your local REI may host one, as well. For more information on what they have available, you can visit their websites here and here.

Visit Bozeman, Montana

Since there are no REIs in South Dakota and we wanted a more authentic experience, we opted for one of the park/camp locations. We had several options to choose from in both Colorado and Montana (all similar distances from us).

We had visited Bozeman briefly in 2014, on our way to Yellowstone, and had been wanting to return to explore it more in-depth so we thought this would be the perfect opportunity. We were surprised at how much Bozeman had grown in just the few years since we had last been there. We were also surprised at how crowded and busy the area felt, especially seeing as how our city is almost twice the size of this small hamlet. The new construction, busy streets, and “mountain feel” reminded both of us of Colorado’s Front Range towns. Bozeman has a fantastic downtown that is well-maintained with lots of dining and recreational opportunities throughout the year. It has an “old West” feel to it, and with many of the small boutiques, it reminded me of our foray into Telluride, Colorado from several years ago.

What are the NOLS Wilderness First Aid classes like?

The company was great to work with. They were quickly responsive to questions and the training offered was fun, comprehensive, and professional.

The course was a little pricey, but you get what you pay for! It was INTENSE! We completed 20 hours of First Aid training in two days (10 hours each day). We’ll have to revisit our notes from time to time to keep what we learned fresh in our minds but it was incredibly useful!

The weekend was absolutely exhausting and incredibly educational. Much of what we learned was common sense but was often things you may not think about unless specifically told.

The courses encompassed both classroom as well as “real world”, outdoor, training scenarios. We even got to practice the skills we were learning on “patients” covered in fake blood! 😳 For those who easily become queasy, this course may challenge you (though you’d have to face this issue in a real-world situation so this is good practice).

A person sits on concrete. This hand is covered with fake blood with a simulated spike through the hand. — You take a First Aid class and they stick a spike through your hand! 😳 *Note, no bloggers were injured in the simulation of this injury, and yes, I volunteered for this part.* 😁

Ousel Falls near Big Sky, Montana

We chose to take the scenic route back home. We had hoped to work our way back through the northern loop of Yellowstone, into Cook City, Montana, and down the Beartooth Highway to Cody, Wyoming. Alas, there was still several feet of snow blocking some of the passes on that route.

Instead, we traversed the southern Montana plains that border the mountains before winding through the Bighorns in northeastern Wyoming that evening.

We also took a side trip to Big Sky, Montana, and hiked out to see Ousel Falls. It was a beautiful hike, down and through a canyon formed by the “South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River”–yes, the sign actually says that! ☺️ It was a bit more “touristy” than Rocky Mountain National Park’s version of a similarly named falls, but it offered both a hiking and a separate mountain bike trail.

The hike is incredibly scenic, paralleling the river much of the way. At only about 1.5 miles round trip, the trek is not overly difficult as the trail is graded, but it is rather steep in places. At that altitude (over 7000 feet), some may find it a challenge. We almost had the place to ourselves on a Monday morning in mid-May, though I would expect more company during the summer season and on weekends.

A snow-covered mountain in the background with pine trees covering its lower sides, all under a blue sky with white clouds. — Montana Countryside

A white, frothing river runs between a pine tree-covered riverbank and tall, rock walls with pine trees on their rim. — The Gallatin River

A white, frothing river runs between pine tree-covered riverbanks and tall, rock walls with pine trees on their rim.

A white, frothing river runs between pine tree-covered riverbanks

A white, frothing waterfall cascades between pine tree-covered riverbanks — Ousel Falls, Big Sky, Montana

We made several new, large, ungulate friends (of the moose variety) in the Big Horns. A word of advice, while evenings and mornings are a bad time for hiking in bear country, if you’re specifically interested in scouting for wildlife, this is an exceptional time to be out! We saw four moose over the course of several miles (and just a few hours) while traversing Route 14 through the northern half of the Bighorns.

We were also able to enjoy the beautiful views and felt like we had the entire National Forest to ourselves (I’m sure it, again, helped that it was a Monday night during the shoulder season). We ended our trip with a stay in one of our favorite towns, Buffalo, Wyoming, and breakfast at one of our favorite haunts, the Busy Bee Cafe. I lauded its attributes in a previous post.

Rocky mountains shrowded in misty rain in the background with green hills in the foreground — Bighorns, Wyoming

A paved road meanders through rocky, canyon walls with green grass and trees interspersed throughout

A cow moose stands in the grass with a fence and trees behind her — Moose!

Lessons Learned from the NOLS Wilderness First Aid class

To close, I’m gonna get a little pensive for a minute (you’ve been warned!) 😋 In some ways this First Aid class was a negative for me. It made me acutely aware of all the various potential hazards that are present for us when we venture out into Nature. This is difficult for someone who struggles with anxiety (especially, health anxiety).

Risk is an inherent part of life though (especially for someone who is a self-described klutz). Instead of trying to remove it from our presence completely, which is impossible, we should, instead, seek to minimize it as much as is reasonably possible (a criterion which, in itself, is a personal choice for each person).

For me, First Aid training was a step to minimize that risk. It made me better aware of how to treat injuries/illnesses should they occur, and what signs to look for that indicate a situation has become severe. It also armed me with the knowledge that will help me remain calm if injuries/illnesses do occur (whether in the backcountry or in our daily lives). Knowledge is power, so I would encourage anyone who regularly ventures into the wilderness to take a class like this.

This class did strengthen my resolve that recreating in the backcountry, alone, is never advisable (and your 4-legged friend doesn’t count as a partner. 😇)

I know that’s a bit of a controversial position to take, and, to each his own, ultimately. This is just my personal opinion, we all have to decide what is best for us.

But, there are numerous situations where any of us could quickly become incapacitated in the wilderness to the point where we can’t escape without assistance from others. This could be a traumatic injury, severe dehydration/hypothermia, heat or water-borne illness, animal attack, etc. We always need to remember that cell phones are frequently without service in the wild, and devices like GPS can be rendered unreliable in certain terrains (such as canyons).

So, I just ask that before you venture out alone, take an extra few seconds to consider if you’ll be able to save yourself if the situation requires? If not, perhaps think twice before embarking solo. Besides, partnering up with people is an opportunity to make new friends!

Have you taken any Wilderness First Aid Courses? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Forest Bathing As Therapy

In this post, I discuss an article that examines nature as a therapeutic tool.

I’m going to try something new with this post. I’m going to wax philosophical. 😛 (You have been warned!) 😉

I read an article recently called, “Suffering From Nature Deficit Disorder? Try Forest Bathing”. It spoke to the whole reason I enjoy being out in Nature and why I write this blog, so I thought I’d expound on my thoughts on it (if you’re interested in reading the article, you can do so here.)

The majority of people live in cities

The article cites a recent UN report that states the population of our planet is trending towards urban areas.

As someone who lives in one of the least populated states in the country, this is fine by me. It means the secluded places we frequent will remain quiet!) 😉

The reasons the article gives for this trend are that urban areas have more jobs, more cultural opportunities, more choices for activities, and more services in general.

The study also found that due to this trend, the average American spends close to 90% of their lives indoors (which sounds absolutely horrid to me, but I digress). As many buildings are climate-controlled, this means we’re ingesting a large amount of stale, processed air. (No wonder I gave up cubicle life!)

The practice of Forest Bathing

The article goes on to describe an ancient tradition for reducing depression and anxiety in Japan called “Forest Bathing”. This basically means immersing oneself in trees and other greenery for extended periods of time which allows us to get back in touch with our evolutionary roots.

I practice this “natural therapy” regularly. I suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called Winter Depression). This means I get depression caused by the lack of sunlight and, consequently, Vitamin D3 deprivation, brought about by the short, winter days that are part of life in the Northern Plains.

The disorder began to manifest itself for me when we moved to the Black Hills. Here, the need for daylight during the winter season is at a premium. The only thing that eases this strain for me, during those dark, winter months, is Vitamin D3 supplements and enjoying Nature (and the sun) as much as possible. Fortunately, we do not suffer a shortage of sunny days here in western South Dakota. Leaving an office job behind helped with this, as well!

I’ve mentioned before that I also struggle with anxiety. I am amazed at how my symptoms are relieved just by going for a walk in the woods–the musky smell of damp earth; the “crunch” of fallen leaves under my feet with every step I take; the warmth of the sun on my skin; the breeze that caresses my face; the quiet roar of snowflakes slowly cascading down around me–all assist in relaxing muscles I hadn’t even realized were tense, to begin with! It doesn’t hurt that therapy provided by Nature also happens to be completely free!

Forest bathing helps us connect with Nature on a spiritual level

These physical sensations allow us to connect with Nature on an instinctual, almost primal level. It’s as though our very Beings crave this connection with our most basic beginnings.

This makes perfect sense. Humans lived as a part of Nature for millennia; our current fabricated surroundings only being present for a very recent part of our past. Evolution hasn’t quite caught up to the norms of Modern Civilization yet (personally, I hope it never does).

For me, this therapy-through-Nature has a spiritual element, figuratively speaking. It is something that can be experienced by both people of faith and those without, and both can benefit from it.

Personally, I am spiritual but I am also a very kinesthetic person, so I learn by experiencing things. This experience, this communion with Nature brought about by physically interacting with it, allows me to appreciate the Creation, and through that to form a lasting bond with and respect for the Creator.

I write this blog because I want to help others find the same peace in Nature that I have discovered. So, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the stress and fatigue of everyday life, perhaps a walk in the woods would benefit you!

Your mission for the week (if you should choose to accept it 😉) is to get out and enjoy nature a little bit. See if the experience is therapeutic for you too!

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Big Pine Trailhead Loop in the Black Hills

In this post, I review the Big Pine trail near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

One of the Trekkers’ favorite loop hikes in the Black Hills is found at the Big Pine trailhead. It takes you through some lower elevations of the Black Hills, as well as a scenic canyon.

Where is the Big Pine Trailhead?

The Big Pine trailhead is located about 30 minutes from Rapid City on Route 244, approximately three miles west of Mount Rushmore and 1/2 mile west of Horsethief Lake. If you’re traveling west on 244, you’ll see the parking area for the trailhead on your right shortly after passing the entrance to the Horsethief Lake Campground.

This loop encompasses part of the larger Black Hills Centennial Trail which actually travels both directions from this trailhead. We usually take the Centennial Trail (#89) south until it connects with the Horsethief Lake Trail (#14). We then take this route back to the Horsethief Campground–the middle portion of the trail also runs along with the Willow Creek Trail (#5).

This loop does require you to walk along Route 244 or through the Horsethief Lake campground, and then hike off-trail through the forest for about 1/2 mile to return to the Big Pine trailhead. It is very doable though.

I would suggest staying off the road as it winds a good deal through this area and has no real shoulder, so drivers’ views can be impaired. You can easily hike through the forest, though, while keeping the road in sight, so as not to lose your way. The entire trip runs a little over 3.5 miles and takes 2 – 3 hours depending on your speed, how often you stop, etc.

What you’ll see hiking the Big Pine Loop Trail

This is a lovely trail that can be enjoyed throughout the year. It can be completed in either direction, though traversing it counterclockwise and ending with the Horsethief Lake portion of the trail seems to allow for the least amount of climbing, so that route is the option we prefer.

Traveling counterclockwise on the trail, it starts with an uphill climb. Then it levels off as it parallels a creek for a peaceful jaunt through a narrow canyon as an imposing rock ledge looms overhead. I always imagine we’ll spot a big cat sunning itself on the ledges, though we’ve never seen one (we have seen tracks near the creek, however.). This portion of the trek can become rather overgrown during the summer months.

Moss and yellow-leaf covered boulders dappled in sunlight with tree trunks coming out of them — A view of the rocks found on the trail near Horsethief Lake

Near the path’s end, the hike takes you through picturesque, rocky outcroppings before you descend with the creek back to Horsethief Lake. Be warned, much of the Horsethief Lake trail is in a shaded area. The descent of the creek makes for a delightful frozen waterfall environment that lasts well into spring, but the nearby rocks that the trail traverses also become layered with ice and can be VERY slippery. This is not a difficult trail but the ice can make it hazardous even into late spring. We always bring Yaktrax with us when enjoying it at that time of year.

The canyon and creek portions of the trek are mostly shaded so they allow for a cooler hike in the summer months and offer lovely color viewing opportunities in the fall. This trail can also be combined with others in the local area including further portions of the Centennial and Horsethief Lake trails, and the Willow Creek trail, that traverse farther into the Black Elk Wilderness.

If you’re looking for an easier trail option in the Black Hills, get out and enjoy this nearby trail!

Have you hiked the Big Pine loop? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Poet’s Table, Black Hills of South Dakota

I discuss our various attempts to discover this “secret” Black Hills landmark.

After only two tries, the Trekkers were finally able to locate Poet’s Table! (As it turned out, we almost reached it the first time, and probably would have, had it not been for the mist blanketing everything and the fog hiding the site from view).

If you’re looking for specific instructions on finding this awesome spot…keep looking. I won’t give any details that can’t already be found on Google. Part of the fun is in the search! (I will say this much if you think you’re close…make sure you look up!)

But if you’re looking for hints to help with your search…keep scrolling! 😁

Where is Poet’s Table

Poet’s Table is in the Black Hills, of course! 😉

Our first attempt to find Poet’s Table was in early June on a particularly foggy day–which can be a really cool time to hike in this area. It’s eerily beautiful to see the rock outcrops and spires looming out of the mist.

Our second attempt was a few years later, also in June, and we were actually able to help some visitors from Illinois locate the spot. They were grateful for our assistance as they were eager to ferret out this iconic, Black Hills location.

The only major clue I’ll give you is that this “secret” spot is within Custer State Park. There are no signs or trail markers so you’re going to have to put your sleuthing hat on to find Poet’s Table. The trail is unmarked and is located about a half-mile from the Little Devil’s Tower trailhead, which is about half a mile from Sylvan Lake, on Route 87. It is also not far from the scenic Cathedral Spires Trail.

After about a 1/2 mile hike down the Little Devil’s Tower trail and crossing a footbridge, you will see a fallen log on your right. On your left is a rather large, well-trodden path going off to your left, heading uphill, traversing a bit of a canyon. Take this path.

As you trek this new, unmarked trail, within a few minutes you’ll see another, smaller, also well-trodden trail heading off to the left, toward more towering granite summits. Take this left…

…this is where my directions end, the rest is up to you!

A mountain landscape with trees and rocks in the foreground. A meadow and more mountains are in the background — The view from Poet’s Table

Poet’s Table Can be Hard to Find

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the site on your first attempt (or even your 3^rd!) Just enjoy the hike, the views, and the beauty of the natural world that surrounds you. We found some pretty nifty spots in the area even when we failed to find the actual Poet’s Table. Good luck, have fun, and happy hunting!

Note: There are several other unmarked trails traversing gulleys and canyons in this area. They don’t “go anywhere” per se, but I encourage you to investigate them. This is a pretty amazing area that you’ll have largely to yourself most any time of year (though summer is the busiest time). There are lovely canyons, picturesque granite outcroppings, and the occasional small waterfall to hunt if you’re there during a wetter period of the year.

Trails in this area aren’t overly long but they can get rather steep so watch your footing, especially in wet, muddy, snowy, or icy conditions. The trail is in the Harney Range, which is also one of the higher elevations in the Black Hills (over 6000 ft), so flat-landers should take heed. 😉 Another nice thing about the trails being relatively short, most are half-day hikes or less (though you can, obviously, spend as much time in this area as your heart desires.) You won’t get bored!

Thanks, as usual, to Mr. Trekker for this great shot of Poet’s Table!

Green table, chairs and cabinet sitting on a rock slab backed by tall rock. Some people are taking pictures. — Poet’s Table! (and our new friends from Illinois. 😉)

**A few months after our trip, this iconic landmark was vandalized. Fortunately, it has been reset. You can read my feelings about that event here.

Have you ever been to Poet’s Table (or got lost trying to find it? Tell me about your experience in the comments!)

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Hike at Gay City State Park in Connecticut

In this post, I review a wonderful State Park in Connecticut.

I’m going to take a diversion from my typical “out West” posts to write about a park we used to enjoy in New England when the Trekker In-Laws lived there. Gay City State Park is located in Hebron, Connecticut. It’s easily accessible from, I-384, Route 6, or Route 2 off of Route 85, just follow the signs.

Gay City Ghost Town in Connecticut

The park actually encompasses an old ghost town, though few remnants remain other than the foundation from the old mill. The town was originally known as Factory Hollow, though with many of its inhabitants sharing the last name of Gay it was renamed to Gay City upon its sale to the state.

There is also an aged cemetery on-site, where you can still read the inscriptions on some of the gravestones. Please be respectful of this historic location and the final resting place for these individuals.

What you will see at Gay City State Park

The park offers miles of hiking trails (which are easily convertible to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the winter months); a small, scenic lake; a beach, a campground, picnic and swimming areas, and opportunities for a host of other activities. The trails also connect to others outside the park boundaries that venture into other local, recreation areas. For further info, you can visit the website.

Gay City State Park is fairly ordinary compared to those we’ve visited in the Western US, but it’s a place we always enjoyed and tried to visit whenever we were in the area.

The trails are easy in difficulty, wide, and fairly free of roots and rocks. None are much longer than five miles–although you can combine various trails for longer treks-so they’re ideal for families.

Your trek takes you on a stroll through an old forest comprised of mostly deciduous trees dressed in the leafy clothes of the current season. Only the sound of the babbling brook that parallels much of the trail, the wind in the trees, and the call of the birds flying overhead accompany you.

The area is highlighted by the fieldstone walls that are iconic in the New England countryside. It’s an opportune place to enjoy the lovely fall colors this region is famous for. We usually visited in early winter, enveloped in the tranquil “swish, swish, CRUNCH” of fallen leaves underfoot, from which a nutty smell wafts with each step.

The most recent time we were there was lovely! It was cold (around 18 degrees), but it was sunny, with little wind. As it was the first day in about five that we had seen the sun, we had just recently driven 1800 miles across the country and we had countless, delicious holiday meals weighing us down, it was nice to be able to get out and stretch our legs a bit.

There was just enough snow to make the scenery beautiful, but, as it was powdery, nothing more than hiking boots was needed to trudge through. I was impressed by how many hearty souls we saw out with us, including cross-country skiers and fellow hikers.

Below are a few pics from our trek. Thanks, as usual, to Mr. Trekker for a few of these!

A white, snowy expanse of a frozen lake is surrounded by leafless trees. Long shadows of trees and two people cover the lake surface. — Shadow Trekkers!

If you’re looking for a fun, outdoor activity in central Connecticut, check out Gay City State Park!

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West Tensleep Trail, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming

The Big Horn National Forest, in Wyoming, is a wonderful place to enjoy some secluded time in the woods.

The Trekkers LOVE to visit the Bighorn Mountains, in northeastern Wyoming. Each time we go to this area I re-discover my love for them all over again! I enjoy that mountain range almost as much as the Rockies. This is probably because they are very similar with a few wonderful exceptions: there are fewer people in the Bighorns and the Wyoming wilderness is only a few hours from the Black Hills–rather than the 6 to 8-hour drive to the Rockies. Traffic is much better too! 😉

The weather in this area (during the warmer months, at least) is usually comprised of blue skies, warm temps, and clear, crisp evenings. Conditions can change fast though! The Trekkers have a tradition of camping in the Bighorns over Labor Day Weekend and it isn’t unusual for this area to receive its first significant snowstorm of the year a scant week or so later.

On this particular visit, we came to hike the West Ten Sleep trail to Mirror Lake. The only downside for this trip was lingering smoke from wildfires in Montana. When we arrived in Buffalo, Wyoming, on Friday evening, you could barely make out the mountains through the smoky haze.

If you’ve never been there, Buffalo is basically nestled into the eastern base of the Bighorns, similar to how Rapid City is nestled into the eastern base of the Black Hills. If you’ve never been to either locale, well, let’s just say you normally can’t miss the mountains, they’re like, right there! 😜 Also, you need to plan a visit!!!

Where is the West Tensleep Trailhead?

You will find the trailhead at the end of Route 27 North. The road basically ends at West Tensleep Lake and the trail continues along the Tensleep Creek from there. Route 27 branches off of US 16 just east of the B-E-A-Utiful Tensleep Canyon and just west of Meadowlark Lake and the Meadowlark Ski Lodge.

You should note that Route 27 is often closed to regular vehicles during the snowy season, which is lengthy in this part of the country, as it becomes a snowmobile trail. Other times of the year this dirt road can become rugged (in snowy or muddy conditions, even if it’s open) and a 4WD or high-clearance AWD vehicle may be able to handle it better.

Hiking the West Tensleep Trail to Mirror Lake

That Saturday dawned clear and beautiful–we were thankful for a reprieve from the smoke that day–so we hiked West Tensleep Trail (Trail #65) to Mirror Lake. This trail can go as far as Twin Lakes, though that is a 12-mile hike in each direction. We opted to stop at Mirror Lake (at about the halfway point), but the full trail would be ideal for an overnight backpacking trip. This moderate trek is beautiful and accented with stream crossings, sprawling meadows, and a few waterfall views. It is well-marked and wide in most places and not overly difficult. What makes it strenuous at times is the altitude (it reaches close to 10,000 feet in places) though the views of the surrounding summits are worth it!

Related posts: Lake Helen, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming; Camping in the Bighorns; Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming; 4 Don’t Miss Sites in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming

The gurgling creek accompanies you most of the way creating an iconic, mountain experience. The neighboring stream and the craggy peaks towering nearby especially reminded me of hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.

A stream runs through a forest — West Tensleep Trail

Mirror Lake!

Mirror Lake is a beautiful, alpine lake that mirrors the sky and adjacent cliffs when calm (likely where it gets its name!) and makes a prime lunch spot before turning back or continuing on to Twin Lakes. Usually, we enjoy peaceful solitude in this region, but this time it was quite “crowded” (we saw 5 – 10 other groups on the same trail–that’s crowded in the Bighorns!) Apparently, we weren’t the only ones looking to escape the 90-degree heat of the lower elevations that weekend!

Mr. Trekker stands on a cliff edge with his back to us, looking out over the mountain vista. Tree-covered mountain slopes are in the background. — Just a man and his mountains

Island Park Campground, Bighorn Mountains

We stayed at the Island Park campground and our campsite was located on the fringe of the national forest, overlooking a marshy, grassy valley.

Don’t be afraid of the lesser-developed national forest campgrounds. They are spectacular, though you do need a tolerance for “roughing it” a bit if you’re tent camping (while potable water is often available in the “on” season, pit toilets are regularly all that is offered). If you’ve got an RV this may not be an issue (and the “developed” campgrounds can often accommodate RVs). These sites are usually more off the beaten path so they tend to be quieter, more enjoyable, and may provide more wildlife viewing opportunities.

Moose in the Bighorns!

An added bonus that made this weekend laudable was the “visitors” we received each evening (and most mornings). If you’ll recall, in a previous post, I mentioned State Forest State Park in north-central Colorado had the best moose-viewing opportunities we’d ever seen…until this trip! 😁 A single cow and another momma and her baby visited us at least once a day the whole weekend. One evening a large bull also graced us with his presence.

This campground was the perfect place to view moose as they happily gorged on the willow branches that dotted the boundary. We named them Maggie, Molly, Matilda, and Marvin (they’re moose, obviously all their names have to start with “m”! 😉) Marvin kept his distance but the three ladies ventured right up near the campsites if people were quiet enough and gave them their space. It was an incredibly beautiful, (dare I say tranquil?) site to behold.

A cow and baby moose walk through a meadow with a stream running through it. The forest creates a backdrop. — Maggie and Molly

I’ve always been fascinated by moose, perhaps because they’re one of the only critters that aren’t native to the various regions I’ve lived in. They’re slightly odd-looking creatures (though cute too), and while they seem like they would be awkward clodhoppers 😂, with their large bodies –especially the males–they’re actually quite graceful when they run through wetlands or swim across streams. They seem like big cows but be warned, they ARE wild animals that can be quite dangerous and aggressive if provoked (especially the mothers protecting their babies or the males during the rutting season). Usually, if you leave them alone and give them the respect they deserve, they’ll offer you the same consideration.

Note: Moose are NOT afraid of dogs and they have been known to kill dogs. PLEASE, keep your dogs leashed and fully under control in Moose Country. (Also, the Forest Service can and will ticket you for “harassing wildlife” if they feel you’re allowing your dogs to bother the moose. Always remember, this is at the ranger’s discretion, it doesn’t matter if you agree that harassment was occurring or not…

A cow moose is seen eating willows just a few feet from a tent! — Oh, hello! (you can see how close she got to the campground!)

West Tensleep Lake

Sunday we canoed West Tensleep Lake surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Cloud Peak Wilderness (and only slightly marred by lingering smoke). This is a small lake but it’s no-wake so it’s ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and wake-boarding (just give your fellow fishermen space to enjoy their activities, as well.)

We also attempted to reach East Tensleep Lake via Forest Road 430. While Mr. Trekker had fun practicing his 4×4-ing skills we decided the road was a little more than we wanted to tackle that day so we only traveled about halfway. We enjoyed beautiful views throughout, however. (Check out this post for info on our return trip to that lake!)

A creek runs through a meadow scattered with trees. Mountains can be seen looming through the haze in the background. — Off Forest Road 430

The road parallels Tensleep Creek which offers countless fishing opportunities. It also crosses several expansive meadows providing prime disperse-camping opportunities (this is national forestland so dispersed camping is allowed, just follow all local regulations pertaining to the use of fires). There are also ample opportunities for on and off-trail hiking.

Busy Bee Cafe, Buffalo, Wyoming

Monday morning dawned smoky once again as we packed up to head for home. We ended our trip by enjoying a well-earned breakfast at one of our favorite local haunts, the Busy Bee Cafe in Buffalo! This small diner was thrust into the spotlight thanks to Craig Johnson’s Longmire series that is based in this general area (and its reputation is warranted).

Below are some more pictures from our wonderful weekend (as always thanks to Mr. Trekker for a few of these):