White Ranch

       I have been to White Ranch several times, as it is one of the closer, free places to hike. I have done a write up on it previously in this blog, so I will let this picture speak for the day I had. 

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.

White Ranch - Snowshoeing

   Today, Nick and I went snowshoeing at White Ranch. We started at the bottom this time and did a 5 mile loop up Belcher Hill. Even though it was cloudy in the city, the weather was not terrible in the foothills. We even saw a little sun, but there is more snow on the way.

White Ranch

    Last weekend, Nick and I went to White Ranch with Amanda, a recent transplant from the Midwest. We started at the top and did an relatively easy 4 mile loop. White Ranch has several trails and loops of varying difficulty. Just west of Golden, the open space provides nice views of Denver and the Front Range.
     It was warm and sunny, but there was still a considerable amount of snow on the ground. This is rather rare for Colorado. We have seen more snow this side of the Continental Divide in the last three months than any of the ski resorts. Likewise, we have had many bitter cold days, leaving all small roads in town an icy mess. Transportation has been rather icky around the metro area. I'm really missing our typical warm and dry Colorado Fall and Winter.

White Ranch and Pre-Birthday Celebrating

     Dad, Nick, Buddy, Moe, and I went to White Ranch for a hike today. Nick and I hadn't been for a hike in about a month because we have both been sick. The trail was pretty flat, at first, but turned into a long, steep hill. The sky was dark, gray, and threatening of rain. There was a light, cool wind, but otherwise the temperature was mild. Overall, it was just the butt-kicking I needed. My legs are tired, but I'm glad I got the exercise.

     After, we stopped for a bagel and didn't forget one for the dogs. Later, when Mom got home, we had Papa Murphy's pizza and Girl Scout cookies as an early birthday celebration. Dad burnt me three modern jazz CDs, and they both paid for me to have my hair cut and highlighted last Friday. Thanks Mom and Dad!