Hiking and Climbing Galleries

Chili and Hiking at Night on AFA - March 6th , 2009 : OK, it is a kooky idea, but I thought a night hike after work on a Friday would be an excellent way to wake up on Sat feeling we had acomplished something on the weekend. I suggested a 13 mile hike of the Falcon trail on the Air Force Academy to Mike, Don, Kevin, Brian, and Bob and they actually all thought it was a good idea. Debbie and I made some chili, Don brought some cornbread, and Mike bought some wonderful cookie brownies...after filing our bellies we all took off for the AFA and started the hike into a gathering wind and snow. After about a hour of hiking the weather cleared and we made the 13 mile loop in 4 hours and 50 minutes. The only unfortunate news was that Burger King was closed when we completed the loop at 10:50pm!. With 50% illumination from the moon, we never turned our head lamps on the entire night!

Chili and Hiking at Night on AFA - March 6th , 2009

OK, it is a kooky idea, but I thought a night hike after work on a Fr ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2009 9:39am PST

Manitou Springs Railroad Tunnels - Feb 7, 2009 : Today we deicded to try a short hike (about 3 mile RT) near home on an old railroad grade near Manitou Springs. Chuck, Ray and I wnated to do this to explore the old tunnels. ray was able to provide some commentary as an engineer (not train) on the contruction of the tunnels; greta hike on a crisp Feb morning.

Manitou Springs Railroad Tunnels - Feb 7, 2009

Today we deicded to try a short hike (about 3 mile RT) near home on an ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2009 4:13pm PST

Thunder Butte, HP of Douglas County, CO, Nov 1, 2008 : This Butte is 9836' high and happens to be the high point of Douglas County, Colorado. Chuck and I climbed it in very warm Novemember temperatures today in a 4.64 miles RT bushwack. Elevation gain was about 1300'. This Butte was in the middle of the Hayman Fire quite a few years ago and of course, still bears all of the marks. We were about the 20th hikers to have summited since Jan 2008 according to the log so it is rarely visited, mainly because there is no trail to the summit. A great fall day and Chuck was of course, a most excellent hiking partner!

Thunder Butte, HP of Douglas County, CO, Nov 1, 2008

This Butte is 9836' high and happens to be the high point of Douglas C ...

Updated: Nov 01, 2008 3:18pm PST

Pikes Peak Descent! October 4th, 2008 : I have never done what we did yesterday...Kate came back from College and we hiked DOWN an entire mountain, Pikes peak to be exact. We caught the first train up and were hiking a bit before 11:00am after exploring the top. The entire trip is 13 miles, still a long way. Kate led the way the entire way down, running portions. we both starting to feel it after passing Barr camp at 6.5 miles but then she even went faster as we descended the last 7 miles in under 2 hours...a new record for me...both she and I are walking a bit slow today but we had a blast doing this together. It took us 4 hours to descend. Halfway down the face above treeline, we took a detour over to the north face and saw 4 mountain goats on the cliffs. At A Frame we pumped some water 9Don would be proud) and at Barr Camp, we socialized. Just as we reached the car, the first rain drops hit our heads. A great day in the mountains going down. It was 25 degrees and windy on top and 70 degrees at the trail head when we finished.

Pikes Peak Descent! October 4th, 2008

I have never done what we did yesterday...Kate came back from College ...

Updated: Oct 05, 2008 5:17pm PST

McCurdy Peak, 12,168', Sep 27th, 2008 : We did this 14.4 mile RT hike with 3908' elevation gain with an early start. 7.2 miles to the summit is just a LONG way but the fall colors and windless morning allowed us to make good time. Once ascendign the broad gully to the summit at 12,000' we spent about 40 minutes finding the "right summit". The final steps to the summit was up a narrow ramp through a crack in the rocks, followed by a scamper up a ledge. There was a large rock and a tree (stick) wedged in it. We think that is the summit described by Roach in his guidebook. I should have got a picture of it while on top. After a short break, we retraced our steps to beat the thunder clouds that were forming. it started to rain as we reached the cars. Don continues to be the very best hiking partner out there for these long trips...and of course, Molly the wonder dog also. I so wish Opal was young again and could join us! 4.5 hours up and under 3 hours coming back down....

McCurdy Peak, 12,168', Sep 27th, 2008

We did this 14.4 mile RT hike with 3908' elevation gain with an early ...

Updated: Sep 28, 2008 11:13am PST

Bison Peak, 12, 431', Sep 6th, 2008 : This was a hike up Bison peak, the tallest in the Lost Creek Wilderness area. We got an early start and the reward was the morning light on the rocks above treeline. This was a 12 mile round trip; we got up in a little over 3 hours and down in a little over 2 hours. about 3,567' elevation gain.... this was one of the best hikes I have done in Colorado...I felt like I was in church on a Saturday... Bob

Bison Peak, 12, 431', Sep 6th, 2008

This was a hike up Bison peak, the tallest in the Lost Creek Wildernes ...

Updated: Sep 07, 2008 9:24am PST

Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, Aug 15-17th, 2008 : We again went out in the worst weather possible over a weekend (2 nights, 3 days) to support the Pikes Peak marathon and ascent with amateur radio support. Cold, snow, grapple, hail, rain and fog for three days...the full story is at: http://whitespider.broeking.com/ascent2008.htm

Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, Aug 15-17th, 2008

We again went out in the worst weather possible over a weekend (2 nigh ...

Updated: Aug 20, 2008 6:23pm PST

Oil Creek Tunnel, Pikes Peak, Aug 10th, 2008 : Today we wanted to do a shorter hike with an early start as the weather here has resulted in storm and heavy rain for the last 5 days in Colorado Springs. We decided on an exploratory hike down Elk park trail off the Pikes Peak Highway at 11,000'. We took this trail to the turn off at Oil Creek Tunnel and hikes up to the mining site there, exploring a 1700' tunnel that ends with the stream spurting from a rock wall...quite an adventure. Don's pictures are at: http://drj826.smugmug.com/gallery/5666271_bDfBJ#348836230_drsMr

Oil Creek Tunnel, Pikes Peak, Aug 10th, 2008

Today we wanted to do a shorter hike with an early start as the weathe ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2008 4:49pm PST

West Beaver Creek - TCSAR Summer Overnighter - July 26 - 27, 2008 : An "interesting" hike down West Beaver Creek in a wilderness study area by Teller County Search and Rescue. Interesting means "rugged,bushwhacking, boulder hopping, crawling under trees with 40-50 lb packs". Ten departed on Saturday to the historical site and 10 returned on Sunday to the trail head. For a report on our destination, see: http://www.gazette.com/articles/canyon_37887___article.html/skaguay_power.html A pretty interesting read.... 11.2 miles RT

West Beaver Creek - TCSAR Summer Overnighter - July 26 - 27, 2008

An "interesting" hike down West Beaver Creek in a wilderness study are ...

Updated: Jul 29, 2008 6:06pm PST

Tarrayall Mountain, 11,740, May 31, 2008 :

Tarrayall Mountain, 11,740, May 31, 2008

Updated: Jun 03, 2008 1:36pm PST

Grouse Mountain Overlook - May 26, 2008 : A short stroll in Mueller State Park, Divide, CO

Grouse Mountain Overlook - May 26, 2008

A short stroll in Mueller State Park, Divide, CO

Updated: May 26, 2008 8:37pm PST

Raspberry Mountain, May 20, 1958 : Today I sat on a summit of nice little mountain with a great friend on a beautiful day... what else is there? Cannot wait for the next 50 years...

Raspberry Mountain, May 20, 1958

Today I sat on a summit of nice little mountain with a great friend o ...

Updated: May 20, 2008 2:52pm PST

Sentinel Point, 12,527', May 4th, 2008 : Three different parties totaling 5 people find themselves strangely together near sentinel Point.

Sentinel Point, 12,527', May 4th, 2008

Three different parties totaling 5 people find themselves strangely to ...

Updated: May 04, 2008 9:03pm PST

TCSAR "Litter" Training / Raspberry Mt - Apr 19, 2008 : We learned how to put together a "litter", carry it, roll it, and drop it down a slope.

TCSAR "Litter" Training / Raspberry Mt - Apr 19, 2008

We learned how to put together a "litter", carry it, roll it, and drop ...

Updated: Apr 20, 2008 6:54pm PST

TCSAR Land Navigation Training - April 5th, 2008 : We learned compass, GPS, dead reckoning, and how to go up the wrong mountain following a GPS.

TCSAR Land Navigation Training - April 5th, 2008

We learned compass, GPS, dead reckoning, and how to go up the wrong mo ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2008 3:37pm PST

Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument Snowshoe - Feb 2nd, 2008 : Our longest couple snowshoe to date, about 2.6 miles. Mike and Dorrie, Tom and Susan and Debbie and I went above the snow and clouds in Colorado Springs to hike this loop followed by a LARGE mid day meal at the Hungry Bear in Woodland Park, CO. See: http://www.nps.gov/flfo/

Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument Snowshoe - Feb 2nd, 2008

Our longest couple snowshoe to date, about 2.6 miles. Mike and Dorrie ...

Updated: Feb 02, 2008 2:36pm PST

McCurdy Mountain Trail - Lost Creek Wilderness - Jan 26, 2008 : Since we were up high last weekend and just about blown off the mountain, we elected something lower and closer this weekend. Turned into a 7 mile RT snowshoe hike/climb up the lower flanks of McCurdy Mountain at < 10,000'. It actually felt warm in the sun...beautiful day in this great wilderness area with Tom and Mike. Tom's pictures are here: http://vervaeke.smugmug.com/gallery/4259875#249427991

McCurdy Mountain Trail - Lost Creek Wilderness - Jan 26, 2008

Since we were up high last weekend and just about blown off the mounta ...

Updated: Jan 26, 2008 6:19pm PST

Mount SilverHeels Exploratory Climb - Jan 19, 2008 : Weather conditions were forecasted to be better earlier in the week, but high winds crept into the equation by Friday and that is what we encountered on Mount Silverheels. Above treeline, they became factors in frostbite issues so we had to be careful. We also encountered private property signage on the abandoned road that gets you up the mountain so future hikes will have to take that into account for access. Winds were sustained at approx 40 mph and gusting higher in waves. Tom took some better pictures at: http://vervaeke.smugmug.com/gallery/4194201#245092914

Mount SilverHeels Exploratory Climb - Jan 19, 2008

Weather conditions were forecasted to be better earlier in the week, b ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2008 6:27pm PST

Snowshoeing during Winter Trails Day Jan 12, 2008 : Tom and Susan and Debbie and I went out on our first snowshoeing outing at Fox Run Park. As an added benefit "Winter Trails Day" was taking place so all of the outdoor organizations were there. We tried out of the new warming hut and the women had some hot chocolate! Our next expedition is planned for early Feb! Tom took some better pictures and they are here: http://vervaeke.smugmug.com/gallery/4157037#242668173

Snowshoeing during Winter Trails Day Jan 12, 2008

Tom and Susan and Debbie and I went out on our first snowshoeing outin ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2008 6:38pm PST

Air Force Academy Falcon Trail - Dec 16, 2007 : This 13 mile trail "circles" the Air Force Academy and is quite beautiful. It had been on my list for sometime and since I did not have a partner today, decided to do it. 13 miles was a long way and the method how I did it allowed for the last 1.5 miles to be all uphill. Uggg Details and a map can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/2892f9 My beta: 13 miles, 4 hours and 50 minutes, total ascent 606 feet but it seemed like a lot more... :-) Weather: 25 degrees at the start, 30 mph winds at mile 4, and warm and sunny for the last 5 miles

Air Force Academy Falcon Trail - Dec 16, 2007

This 13 mile trail "circles" the Air Force Academy and is quite beauti ...

Updated: Dec 16, 2007 4:15pm PST

Dome Rock, Dome Rock Wildlife Area, Nov 17, 2007 : This was an 9 mile round trip to a valley where Dome Rock rises above the floor. The final 4oo feet are a rock scramble to the top with 360 views. Story of this hike is at : http://whitespider.broeking.com/domerock2007.htm

Dome Rock, Dome Rock Wildlife Area, Nov 17, 2007

This was an 9 mile round trip to a valley where Dome Rock rises above ...

Updated: Nov 19, 2007 6:24pm PST

South Tarryall Peak, 11,206', Oct 27th, 2007 : A hike of South Tarryall Peak in the Lost Creek Wilderness...a complete trip report at: http://whitespider.broeking.com/tarryall2007.htm

South Tarryall Peak, 11,206', Oct 27th, 2007

A hike of South Tarryall Peak in the Lost Creek Wilderness...a complet ...

Updated: Oct 28, 2007 4:29pm PST

Signal Butte Scramble - Oct 13, 2007 : Another short hike with Tom to keep getting out. We went up Signal Butte that was right in the middle of the Hayman Fire some years ago. We opted for the rock scramble ascent and the trail down. I have downloaded the GPS track from my GPS and then laid it on top of Google Earth so you can see exactly where we climbed up through the rocks. There is a picture of Signal Butte on fire at: http://www.co.teller.co.us/HaymanFire/HaymanInfo.htm . Bob

Signal Butte Scramble - Oct 13, 2007

Another short hike with Tom to keep getting out. We went up Signal Bu ...

Updated: Oct 15, 2007 4:40pm PST

Devil's Head Fire Lookout Tower Hike - Oct 7, 2007 : Tom and I took a crisp, cool hike up to this fire tower on Oct 7, 2007. Slight snow flurries at the top. Short, but fun hike before the road is closed for winter. Fun final climb up stairs to a 360 view!

Devil's Head Fire Lookout Tower Hike - Oct 7, 2007

Tom and I took a crisp, cool hike up to this fire tower on Oct 7, 2007 ...

Updated: Oct 08, 2007 2:02pm PST

East and West Buffalo Peaks - Jul 2007 : Buffalo Peaks - Mike and I hiked this in July - The trip report is at: http://whitespider.broeking.com/BuffaloPeaks.htm

East and West Buffalo Peaks - Jul 2007

Buffalo Peaks - Mike and I hiked this in July - The trip report is at ...

Updated: Oct 31, 2007 9:51pm PST