My daughter, her husband, my son, a grandson and I opted for a hike at Roxborough State Park, in southwest Metro Denver, this morning. In order to beat the heat and the crowds, we met at sunrise.
Shortly after starting the north loop trail, the sun made its appearance, glowing through smoke-tinged air; the latter is the consequence of multiple wildfires in the State and a lack of strong winds to clear the skies. Nevertheless, it was a pleasantly cool morning and we were on our own until we had completed the loop. Crowds are common at the Park, especially on weekends, due to the spectacular rock formations (Dakota, Lyons and Fountain Formation sandstones, east to west) and the fine trail network. Mule deer are reliably encountered as are a mix of foothill shrubland birds.
In addition to the pleasant hike, we were educated about dinosaurs by my 3-year-old grandson and he was rewarded with donuts when we returned to the lot. Such family outings (safely-spaced these days) have long been highlights of my time on our planet.
Shortly after starting the north loop trail, the sun made its appearance, glowing through smoke-tinged air; the latter is the consequence of multiple wildfires in the State and a lack of strong winds to clear the skies. Nevertheless, it was a pleasantly cool morning and we were on our own until we had completed the loop. Crowds are common at the Park, especially on weekends, due to the spectacular rock formations (Dakota, Lyons and Fountain Formation sandstones, east to west) and the fine trail network. Mule deer are reliably encountered as are a mix of foothill shrubland birds.
In addition to the pleasant hike, we were educated about dinosaurs by my 3-year-old grandson and he was rewarded with donuts when we returned to the lot. Such family outings (safely-spaced these days) have long been highlights of my time on our planet.
