Black Friday at Cliff Shadows - 1/12/23

Cheyenne Mountain Base Loop

Hiking the Base Loop

Mountains across the Land Bridge

Junction with Black Friday

A four mile hike has never felt this good! As you may know, exactly 2 months ago, I had a total knee replacement surgery. Today, Rita, Mike and I did a 4 mile hike on the trails at Cliff Shadows Bike Park. I was careful and a bit slow but it felt wonderful to be out with my friends hiking on a real trail with ups, downs and arounds. We started out at the Buckskin Trailhead off of Cheyenne, not far from the 215. Starting up the trail that loops around Cheyenne Mountain in a clockwise direction, we took on the hills and dips. We circled around Cheyenne Mountain until we reached the Land Bridge on the backside. Here, the trail leads off to the left and junctions with Black Friday trail. This trail took us on a big U-turn to start the return of the hike.

Mike on Break

Kay and Rita on Break

Junction Continuation

From Black Friday to Hidden Canyon

Following the Black Friday, we circled around the small Bighorn Spur peak and headed into the direction of Hidden Canyon. The trail U-turns about halfway into the canyon and begins the hike back toward Reverence. When we were about to join the Cheyenne Mountain Base Loop again, Mike departed to climb Star Carlton Bluff to check on the USMC flag. Rita and I continued to the cars while keeping an eye on Mike as we saw his profile climb all the way up the small but steep peak. It was a wonderful day!

Stats: 4.1 miles; 615' gain; 2.25 hours

Hidden Canyon in Background

Mike and Flag on Star Carlton Bluff

USMC Flag on Star Carlton Bluff