Spruce Mountain Loop Trail (Near Palmer Lake)

This hike is close to the denver metro. Just off I-25 going south off exit 167. We passed many trains as we were traveling down to the trailhead. This is far enough from the interstate that you don't hear it but softly blowing trains.  The hike does a loop around a butte (Spruce mountain) with views of  Pikes peak, rampart range and the Palmer Divide.

This loop hike is only 5.5 miles . There is a lower and upper loop. There is not a huge parking lot but they do have a bathroom.

There are two ways to go at the start to get to the loop, Oak Shortcut is steeper or the regular ascent to the top of the butte.  When we started there was not much snow but wished I had my snowshoes as we ascended to deeper areas.

Sandstone rocks peek out as you hike.  Vegetation on the mesa includes scrub oak, douglas fir, and Ponderosa Pine.

The elevation starts at 7100' and ascends to 7620 feet. Easy level hiking. Dogs allowed on leash.

Paddock's Point is a lovely overlook of ranch land and Eagle Mountain, a sandstone formation to the west.

There are many great spots for a picnic lunch.

The snow got deeper in spots you may want to have your spikes and snowshoes with you.

This sign shows the two ways for the loop. Go either way .

Sandstone cliffs and mountain views

This hike was a beautiful easy hike with views and variety of switchbacks, trails along ridges, and through trees. There are several ways to go so I recommend you print out a map.

Snowshoe - Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes- RMNP

 This is a snowshoe up to Nymph Lake and then using the winter trail we headed  on to Dream Lake.  Here is Nymph Lake. It was a great day because the park had snow two days before.

 In some areas we had to make our own tracks but other places it was packed down. There was some moderate climbing uphill until we got to the lake.

Sometimes we went through trees  In the winter there are many ways to get there as the trail is not the same as for the summer hiking.

 There were many tracks all over the park because rangers were looking for a lost hiker. We heard helicopters and saw some rescue dogs.

It was so cold and windy when we crossed Dream lake. The ice was frozen. But the views were beautiful.

This Hike had aTrail Length: 4 miles round trip
Elevation: 9,475 ft -10,140 ft

Emerald Lake is a half-mile beyond Dream Lake and is achieved after another short accent that winds through the trees. It sits below Hallett Peak,

 We made it to Emerald Lake. It was too cold here to have our snack break.

 Our group enjoyed some Hot Cocoa and Schnapps with some cookies before heading back.

Can you tell how cold it was here?

 The trees were full of snow.

 We ran into some search and rescue teams on the way back.

We even got on TV for a few seconds on the evening news.  Unfortunately they found the hiker the following tuesday. It was too cold to survive that long.