Button Rock Preserve and Ralph Price Resevoir

   Last Saturday, Dad, Nick, the dogs, and I ventured back up north for another day hike. We went to Button Rock Preserve just west of Longmont. After leaving the trailhead, we followed a dirt access road for a mile before reaching the Sleepy Lion trail. The trail ventured off the road and up the side of a hill. After a quick and steep gain, we reached the top. We climbed onto a couple of unique rock formations and could see Ralph Price Reservoir below.  Also, in the distance we could see Mt Meeker and Longs Peaks peering above the foothills.

   The day was ideal for hiking, yet again. It was partly cloudy and borderline hot in the late afternoon. We followed the hiking trail down to Ralph Price Reservoir, where we ate lunch. The dogs were happy to have a place to cool down, and Moe was quite insistent on several opportunities to wade in the water.

   After lunch, we continued around the reservoir and bushwhacked to the top of a hill, which was covered with more unique rock formations. This part was a little tough, but it was worth the view. Overall, it was another picturesque Spring day in Colorado.

Betasso Preserve

    Last Sunday, Nick, Dad, the dogs, and I went for a long hike in Betasso Preserve. Betasso Preserve was the first major open space acquired by Boulder County in 1975. It is made up of two giant loops and, apparently, is a very popular spot for mountain biking. We took the long way to get there. We climbed up and out of Boulder Canyon to reach the trailhead at the preserve.
   It was partly cloudy and very warm. There were a few wind gusts, but it really was the perfect weather for hiking. The dogs were glad to find a few snowfields still scattered about. Though I'm sure the snow won't last long, as the temperature continues to stay unseasonably warm. From the north side of the open space, we could see Four Mile Canyon and the burn area left by a wildfire from only a year and a half ago. I sure hope Mother Nature sends us some precipitation soon, or we are likely to see many more fires this year.

White Ranch

   On Sunday, Nick and I went back to White Ranch. We took the Rawhide trail, which starts at the southwest side of the park. The 4.5 mile loop is very diverse. The trail goes up and down gulleys, over hills, through trees, and across meadows. In some parts, it was very snowy, but in others, it was dry. The weather was extremely mild, but a strong wind blew chilly gusts through the meadows. It was a lovely afternoon in the foothills. I took a few pictures with my phone, but they are not the best quality.