The Highlander

Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: Spotlight

Media Credit: Reagan Pufall Seeing wildlife in person is much 'cooler' than getting a glimpse of say, a bobcat, as seen above, on T.V. Highlander staffer Reagan Pufall suggests more students check out parks and hiking trails like those found at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, about 40 minutes from campus, to get you up and about during this wintry season.

A great way to stave off the freshmen fifteen is to exercise. Instead of running on a treadmill all day, why not take advantage of where we are? Up in the Rockies are dozens of fantastic parks to go out and hike on for a few hours or more. About forty minutes from us is a particularly good one, Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Golden has a particularly beautiful trail called horseshoe. Running next to this trail is a little mountain stream that when it has warmed up enough for it to unfreeze, will produce a relaxing sound as the water gently runs. If you are up early enough you can also catch birds and small mammals making use of it.

Following the trail further you come upon a meadow lying before Tremont Peak with a small aspen grove. Nestled in the middle of this meadow is an old run down cabin from the pioneer days.

You can break off from horseshoe to follow elk and then Snowshoe Hare trail up to Dude's Pond. Most people will not take the time to hike up to it, though, unfortunately missing what could be a great place to sit and watch the clouds reach the tops of mountains. And if you are so inclined, you can also fish at Dude's Pond (when it has unfrozen, of course.)

Taking a sit on the southern edge of the pond, the side of a mountain is reflected with an aspen grove making a yellow belt atop the water's surface--a picturesque reflection, especially still days.

Furthermore, although I have never made the climb myself, Burro trail will take you up to top of Windy Peak at 9,000 feet. The trail is hard and it is not a suggested winter hike.

The best time of day to hit the trails is early morning. In the experiences I have had, most people who frequent this park are afternoon hikers. This also gives you the best chance to come upon some of the animals of the park.

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