Hiking

Hiking Colorado’s Rocky Mountains
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Colorado, and for good reasons…. God’s Creations and Majestic Beauty!! You can expect waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildlife, thick forest, open meadows, wildflowers, and the views that are unmatched on any given hike.

Hiking Trails are everywhere for maps and more information you can contact the Salida Rangers District Forest Trails.

One of the most popular trail system in the world, the Continental Divide Trail which spans 3,100 miles from Mexico, America, and Canada. The longest Roadless section of the Continental Divide is here in Colorado. Crosses Monarch Pass just minutes from our Monarch Vacation Home.
For more information and maps www.continentaldividetrail.org

Colorado Trail is Colorado’s premier trail stretching 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Trail enthusiasts include hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. The trail is only minutes from our Vacation Home.
More information and maps www.coloradotrail.org

Monarch Crest Trail is 34.3 miles moderately trafficked out and back trail located near White Pine to Poncha Springs, Colorado. Trails is great for birding, hiking, mountain biking, nature trips, walking, forest, views, wildflowers, no dogs and wildlife. You might even see the local moose that travels this trail. Best used from March until October. Rated the best in Chaffee County! Located minutes from our cabin rental. You can also stop and ride the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway opened mid-May to mid-September weather permitting.
More information and maps www.alltrails.com

Hiking Tips

Here are a few considerations for your next hike:

  • Warm-up before starting the hike. We cannot emphasize just how important stretching out before a hike truly is. Stretching increases the heart rate, temperature, and blood circulation to your muscles. Moreover, stretching increases the body’s flexibility and decreases chance of injury.
  • Start the hike off slowly. Once again, it is important to warm up your muscles and body before trekking full steam ahead. Gradually increase your pace as your body begins to heat up.
  • Allow the slowest person in the group to establish the pace. Let the slowest person lead the group. Injuries and exhaustion can frequently be avoided by letting young children and folks who are out of shape head down the trail first.
  • Plan the hike ahead of time. This can include assigning tasks to various members who will participate on the trip.
  • Figure out who enjoys leading and who doesn’t. Once you figure out who enjoys making decisions and leading various aspects of the hike, make efforts to divide decision-making responsibilities evenly amongst those people. However, it is important to stick to the trip itinerary unless an emergency dictates otherwise.
  • Stick to the trail. Don’t stray from the trail unless you possess excellent navigation skills and the area will not be negatively impacted by off-trail travel.
  • Travel in a group. This principle holds especially true during the winter and in hazardous terrain. Never leave a member behind.
  • Give your trip itinerary to a third party. Leave your trip information with someone who you can trust (friend or family), and contact them when you get back home from the hike.
  • Learn first-aid and basic gear repair methods. Always bring duct tape with you wherever you go. Duct tape can mend just about any piece of gear that you might happen to break while out on the trail. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit! Finally, know what to do in case you and your group runs into an emergency situation. It is best to discuss your “emergency plan” before beginning a hike.
  • Layer up. Avoid wearing cotton because it loses its insulation properties when it get wet. It is best to wear polypropylene next to the skin because the material wicks moisture away from the skin and retains heat when wet.
  • Protect your body from the sun. Wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen anytime you go hiking.
  • Take adequate rests. Don’t overdo it!
  • Hydrate. Drink sufficient amounts of water. Make sure you carry enough water to make it between destinations without running out of a safe supply. Also, be sure to treat your water in order to avoid getting sick on the trail.
  • Pack plenty of food. Energy and candy bars are some of the best foods to bring on the trail because they are packed with carbohydrates, which will give you the boost you’ll need on the trail.
  • Adhere to relative rules and regulations. Take some time to read over the rules and regulations of the area that you’ll be traveling through. Some areas might be off-limits to pets, camping, or open-pit fires.

For more information www.thecohiker.com