Red Springs Loop - 1/19/23

View up to Angel Pass

Full Tinaja below Calico II

Accidental Illusion

Starting north from Red Spring Picnic Area

It was a late last minute decision to take advantage of what turned out to be a nice day before the next day that would be full of harsh cold wind. Three of us scrambled ourselves together and arrived at the Red Spring Picnic Area just before 11am. The sky was still blue and the wind was calm. We had on layers of clothing with Odie in tow. (Or, should I say, Odie had us in tow.) Although it appeared that other hikers were finishing their hike, there were also hikers, like us, that were just arriving. We set out to go north along the trails at the eastern base of the Calico Hills. This is a route that we have all done many times but the views never cease to impress. We turned the corner heading into Angel Pass Canyon and were met with water flowing down the wash.

Water draining from Angel Pass

First Scramble

Odie in a Pickle

Western view from Angel Pass Summit

Gingerly, we continued up the striped rock on the left side of the stream and crossed just before we came to the scramble wall. The wall is a good place to begin the climb up to the pass. Suffice it to say, there are many different routes worn into the hillside among the rock. They all get you there. Today, we chose what looked good to us and weaved our way up. (Yes, the new knee scrambles just fine!) We took a short break when we arrived at the pass summit and saw that the expected clouds were coming in from the west. The descent on the west side of the pass is also a maze of trails but they are not so forgiving. Still, to this day, I find myself trying one or two routes that dead end. I return and try again somewhere else! 

Descent Maze

Well-Dressed Trio

Should we go that way, Odie?

Connecting with Trail below Calico II

All paths seem to lead to the angel carving and we took our photo there. Weaving our way on down the widening canyon, we climbed up on the rock on the left to the right of the tinaja-filled wash on the left. (Try to keep up!) Up and over this overlook of sorts and we were back in the wash on the other side effecting a left turn below the Calico II turnout of the Scenic Loop above us. Normally, we continue our scramble down the wash and up the hill between the wash and the Calico Hills. Back in the wash below Calico I turnout, we usually scramble all the way down to the south side of the red rock. Today, since I am still regaining strength, I chose the trail instead. I didn't hear any complaints! Even Odie was down with that!

Trail approaching Calico I

Hidden Waterfall

Rock Formation south of Calico I

Following Trail on South End of Calico Hills

We followed the trail up and over the Calico I Overlook then down and up around large sandstone rock formations. We saw "ponds" down in the wash and were glad we hadn't chosen that route. Even that waterfall that you have to go around in the wash route had water stains. We continued until the trail crossed the wash and led up through the petroglyph site. There were climbers on the wall in the dihedral. We climbed up to the overlook above the boardwalk and on up to the high point of that ridge. A gentle trail led us down from there to the parking lot. Our route was not exactly as the maps show below but the differences are minute. We were all very glad we squeezed this one in!

Stats: 3.5 miles; 1000' gain; 2.25 hours

Old and Damaged Petroglyphs

Learning the Dihedral

Summit above Red Spring Picnic Area

Gene's Trail to Lower Gateway Canyon - 1/14/23

Red Fall between Kraft Mountain and Goatbed Peak

Rita standing on top of Red Fall

Top of Red Fall to Snow Covered Mt. Potosi

Sun rises on the Sandstone Bluffs

Rita and I started out at the Calico Basin Road wash crossing stepping onto Gene's Trail. We thought we would be crossing paths with Ron and Sandi's easy hikers at the top of the hill. I guessed wrong and even though we looked and looked, we never saw them. I'm sure they were there somewhere! Anywho, we had a beautiful hike with red rock scenery that had been doused greatly by the "atmospheric river" that is hitting California right now. We climbed up the trail then dropped down the other side. Before reaching the bottom, we took in the view of Red Fall and Gateway Wash from an interesting angle as seen in the first photo. Continuing down, we dropped into Gateway and stood at the top of Red Fall. 

Gene's Trail

Rita on Gene's Trail

Precarious Boulders above Gateway Wash

Circling south end of Kraft Mountain

Rock climbers were already claiming their rock for the day as we circled the south end of Kraft Mountain on the Kraft Mountain Loop. We reached the end of the trail on terra firma and sat for a rest at Lettie's Lounge. Expecting to find Ron's group around every corner, we returned the same way we had come. Was that them on the other side of the wash ... waaay over there? Anyway, we hiked back to the car which was parked up the road out of the wash area. Absolutely beautiful! We'll catch Ron and Sandi, & company, another time. No rain!

Stats: 4 miles (including hike to and from car); 600' gain; 2.25 hours

Colorful Gateway Wash

Kraft Mountain Loop

Kraft Mountain Loop at Lettie's Lounge

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