These easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado are a great way to experience some of the most scenic lakes without major miles.
I seriously can’t believe that July is over and August is already upon us!! I already felt like this year was going by fast, but this summer has seriously flown by!! I had so many things planned that I wanted to do this year and now I’m scrambling to get a few of them done while it’s still great weather!! The good news is I live in an awesome place so it’s not hard to find something cool to do on short notice! It’s been about a year and a half since moving back to Colorado and we haven’t regretted our decision one time! One of the coolest things for me about moving back to Colorado is finding all the spots I’ve had saved on my Pinterest for years! Hanging Lake, the Ice Castles, Zapata Falls…the list goes on and on!! Paradise Cove is a place I found on Pinterest like three years ago, and I’ve been lucky enough to: a) not see it one but two times, and b) get to have the whole place to myself both times!! Now that’s what I call a Double Rainbow. Paradise Cove is a short and sweet little hike that lies out toward Guffey, CO. I won’t lie to you, it’s a little bit of a drive from Colorado Springs. It feels like it’s not that far away…just past Divide, you tell yourself…but actually (depending on where you’re driving from in the Springs), it’s every bit of an hour to an hour and a half away. So consider yourself forewarned before you make the drive!! This is really a beautiful little spot, but unfortunately, it has gotten itself a bad reputation in the last several years. While this used to be a spot that only locals knew about, it has become somewhat of a teen/young adult party spot. In the summer this spot can get up to 400-500 visitors in one day. I can attest that this area is certainly not set up for that number of people. People come in the summer to swim and cliff dive, even though I’ve heard that every year there are injuries because of it. Young adults have made this a party spot complete with broken bottles on the trail, which is a pretty douchebag move if you ask me. I tell you all this not necessarily to discourage you, but so that you are forewarned. People who are bringing their dogs and children down here would want to know about the possibility of broken glass on the trail. In order to curtail some of the problems, there are new strict rules for use of Paradise Cove, including no alcohol allowed. When I was here both times (April and early May), the place was empty and I didn’t see any broken glass, so hopefully the new rules will help. I’ve been here twice and we only met people when we were almost back to the parking lot. I went in April and early May, and while the water was too cold to swim in, we really enjoyed hiking to the water hole, seeing the waterfall and enjoying the area in solitude and peace. If you really want to see Paradise Cove but don’t want to mess with the “frat party” atmosphere, try to go off-season and enjoy it for the hiking, not the swimming. Directions: From Colorado Springs – Take HWY 24 towards Woodland Park. A little past Divide you will take a left turn on Twin Rocks Rd (or Lower Twin Rocks Rd). Follow this road until it dead ends into County Road 1 (or Gold Belt Tour and Scenic Byway). Turn left onto County Road 1. Follow this road until there is a turn-off on your right for County Road 11. Turn right at County Road 11. Follow this until it dead ends, turn right on County Road 112, there will be signs for Guffey. The parking area will be shortly after this turn on your right. Restrooms: Yes Distance: 0.5 mile one-way 1-mile roundtrip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The descent to the swimming hole is steep and rocky. Pets OK? Dogs allowed on a leash Crowds: Heavy Camping allowed: no overnight camping is allowed Fees/Permits: $6 fee Tips: Bring a hat, shades, water and snacks!! The trail isn’t long but you are in direct sunlight almost the whole time. When you arrive at the waterfall you’ll want to hangout for a little bit, so make sure you bring snacks and something to drink so you stay hydrated! Please respect the Pack In/Pack Out rule. There have been problems with people bringing beer bottles and breaking them on the rocks at the water while hanging out. This is so disrespectful to others trying to enjoy the area. Please don’t be a douchebag. Like I said earlier, try to go off-season to miss the “frat-party” vibes this place gets in the summer. The water may not be enjoyable but we found it to be a lovely hike even though we didn’t swim. If you go during the summer, definitely go early and during the week. The initial descent to the trail and the descent to the swimming hole are definitely tricky for certain populations. It becomes very steep and rocky as the trail switchbacks down into these area. Trekking poles would be useful for those with balance issues, and sturdy shoes are a must for any population. Please remember that cliff diving is dangerous and only do so at your own risk. The trail crosses the creek a few times but we were able to keep our shoes dry. This was probably the worst part of the crossing. First view of the swimming hole It was so nice to sit and enjoy the area without anyone else here!! If you keep walking past the cove a short ways there is more pretty scenery awaiting you!! My sister and cute little baby…back when she would actually keep her hat on her head!! This pic was from our visit in April. It was very windy and still a little chilly. Make sure you check the weather before coming! Overall, I would definitely recommend Paradise Cove, although I myself would not go during the summer. I’m planning on going in the fall to see how crowded it is then. I’ll let y’all know!! Well that’s all for today, hopefully I was able to help those of y’all deciding if this one was worth it! Until next time!!
Shop kjoseph1699's closet or find the perfect look from millions of stylists. Fast shipping and buyer protection. denim and co fleece sweater nwot size xl length 31 bust 24
Shop beth_laughlin's closet or find the perfect look from millions of stylists. Fast shipping and buyer protection. Royal blue NWT tank top from Duluth Trading Co. size XL, measuring 20” across front at bust, 28” shoulder to hem.
Shop tiff101809's closet or find the perfect look from millions of stylists. Fast shipping and buyer protection. Style & Co. Size: Small Color: Red, White, Black, Gray Bust: 18, Length: 29
Shop buebonnet's closet or find the perfect look from millions of stylists. Fast shipping and buyer protection. Excellent condition!! This pretty green Ark and Co dress size S is a great dress for your office or evening occasions. You can dress up or down for a universal business casual dress! Length: approximately 27 inches Bust: approximately 14.5 inches Dry clean only
Shop lavenderstyles's closet or find the perfect look from millions of stylists. Fast shipping and buyer protection. Fashion Designer Dress- Morgan and Co. flowy Dress by Linda Bernell. Long with spaghetti strap top and lace up back. Silver sparkled bust. Same Day Shipping and offers encouraged. Thank You!
A Z15 (after 1924) is at Newcastle with a local train in 1919.
Hey Y'all! Merry Christmas Early! Let me share with you the story of my special present for my Pastor. I will tell you how this ...
Okay so it's that time of year is it? February snows and cold are left behind for the desert oasis of southern Cali and climes told of in th...
I have hopped on the Boggle Bandwagon and I am loving every minute of it! My 4th graders are very excited about this new classroom activit...
Mouse Guard Issue #4 I have word both from Diamond and ASP that the long delayed Issue 4 of Mouse Guard will be in stores Nov 26th! This is my favorite issue to-date, has my favorite cover, and features Mouse Guard music! Speaking of which, as I mentioned on my blog before, Jesse Glenn (the real life Kenzie) not only wrote the music for me to scribe a ballad, but once I was done, he recorded a version of it with him singing three-part-harmony! I will make the MP3 available here next Wed. once the issue is in stores. So re-read Issues 1-3 of Winter (you may need the refresher, I certainly did!) and check back here Wed. for that special download. Another note on ASP and Mouse Guard. The latest release date for the RPG is Dec. 24th, and the Limited Ed. Slipcase B&W hardcover is slated for release at the New York Comic Con in Feb. I can't thank fans enough for not only taking a chance on a odd-shaped book about mice with swords, but also for being so patient and loyal. I have heard from many of you offering support and kind words when the book was in publishing limbo. Trust me when I say that it meant a great deal and helped me through a frustrating and stressful time. Hopefully that is all behind us now, and I can focus on just telling the best story I can and hopefully entertaining you fine folks in the process. So if you are an old fan, or just joining us: Welcome. "All Who Come Are Welcome"
Soft Gothic Glam
Well, it's Tuesday morning and I'm back to the daily grind after an AMAZING weekend in Busan with Andy, Amy, and Bri! Here's a map for those...
Gerard has some bad news for Lola. Will Lola make it to New Jersey for Gerard's show at Starland Ballroom on October 22? Get your tickets for the show and fi...
My personal thoughts on the hardships that face college graduates. I am sure A LOT of people can relate.
We had been talking for at least half an hour. I was discussing some thoughts about her marriage problems as she was trying to figure out what to do. I noted where the problems started and how sh…
We're sharing 10 of the best things to do while you're in Toronto and where to stay while you visit.
Bread is THE mullet bait, but Channel Islands' rumour has it that a bit of loaf clobbers bream too. Steve Souter is on the case. Daylight was just about breaking as we parked off-road. Alderney shore guide and island tackle dealer Mark Harding, led visiting angler Alex McDonald and I over fields and crackling electric
Smooth seas do not skillful sailors make
