Month: June 2020

There are certain trails that you won’t forget.  These trails are beyond spectacular! They become the stories you share years later. They become the trails you seek to go back to and experience. They become the trails you want to share with others because you know their life will be better for hiking them!   

For me, The Ptarmigan Trail is one of these unforgettable trails.

I had some skepticism of this trail at first. You basically park almost in town and start the hike on a path that winds through houses and private property.  However, within 1/4 of a mile, the incline gets very steep and remains steep for the first mile.  It became very challenging but also very satisfying once you conquer the initial incline. Then it levels out and you begin to walk through aspen groves and see spectacular views of the mountains. Then you begin to go into the pine forest and once again you will have an incline.   

I took so many pictures on this trail as the views just keep getting better and better!  At 2. 5 miles you reach the top of the trail where there is a log to sit. The view is larger than the life.  It extends all around you.  I have never been on a trail with a better view than this one. You can see all the surrounding valley and the mountain peaks.  

Of course, we had to find a hammocking spot at the top and spend an hour taking in the view.  

In total the hike is 5 miles.  You can take it as fast or as slow as you want. However, I would definitely leave yourself time to take in the views. Its also a very popular trail, so I would recommend staring it in the early morning.  I would also bring plenty of water and protein bars.  This hike will challenge you, but it is beyond worth it. 

Keep hiking. Keep exploring. Keep adventuring! 

There are two adventures that I want to share with you!  1. The adventure of hiking a new trail. 2. The adventure of finding a new hammock spot on that trail. 

I will be forever grateful to the friends that introduced me to an ENO hammock on a weekend camping trip. I absolutely loved it, even though I didn’t think I would. However the minute I got in-I knew I had to have my own. It was relaxing and just perfect! I bought one the next week. My hammock has now become an essential backpack item for every hike. 

There is this excitement that comes when you start out on a new trail. You have no idea what you will find around the next bend or what will be ahead after the next 500 foot incline.  It’s an excitement that is hard to explain until you have wandered up a new trail in the mountains. 

Let me tell you about the day I found my favorite hammocking spot.  We decided to hike a trail called The Burning Bear Trail on Guanella Pass by Grant, Co. It’s a pretty tame trail at first and then gets steeper the further you hike in. Its dense ponderosa pine until you round this corner about 3 miles in.  Then it opens into this beautiful valley full of Aspen by a creek with a view of the high mountain peaks. I got giddy! This is what a favorite hammocking spot looks like! And we have hammocked in a lot of spots! There was something special about this spot because it was so unexpected and larger than life.  As we hung our hammocks and stayed for awhile, a calm, joy, and peace just overcame us.  

I had to share this experience with you. First to inspire you to hike more trails.  Second to take a hammock with you.  Also, a plus it that when you find the perfect hammock spot, it gives your legs rest and prepares you for the hike down.  Yes indeed, hiking and hammocking are the perfect combination! 

See you on the trails soon!