52 degrees and sunny on February 2nd? That means it’s time to play hooky and get some mountain time in!
Unfortunately Colette has a bit of a tweak in her back so she decided to sit this one out, but I made the most of it even without a hiking buddy.
Crosier Mountain is directly across US-43 from us, and we see it from the backside of the cabin. The Gravel Pit trailhead is a hundred yards up 43 from our road, so it seems like a perfect half-day hooky choice.
7.7 miles and 2400 feet of elevation with a 12% grade, I passed 3 other people with dogs and a couple who had just left the summit – this is obviouly a very popular trail with the locals.
And with these view and the (mostly) nicely maintained trail, it’s easy to see why! Turn to the east and you can see out across the flatlands to the horizon. Look to the west and you can see Estes Park, Longs Peak, and the Mummy Range. Look north and heeeeey – I can see home!
This trail is exactly why we live in Colorado – walk right out the door and onto US Forest Service land with beautiful views and great trails!

Into the Mountains

Looking at the Mummy Range from the top of Crosier Mountain.

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The Flatlands

It’s amazing how quickly the world becomes flat once you head east out of the Rockies.

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The Fun Starts

The last 3/4 mile when you hit the summit trail is where the elevation starts. It’s good fun, but probably catches a lot of folks by surprise.

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Green and White

There is very little snow here currently due to the unseasonably warm temperatures, but there’s still enough icy patches in the shade to give you a bit of a poop-yourself-slip moment.

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Down the Rainbow

No idea why they call this the rainbow trail

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Dry and Green

This shot shows just how little snow there is right now – these mountains should be completely covered in white and not the summertime Colorado dry grass.

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Crosier Mountain via Gravel Pit Google Earth View

Crosier Mountain via Gravel Pit Google Earth View

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