Lincoln Mountain Open Space Trail/ Franktown

This is a fairly new hiking trail I've tried to find before but couldnt in a snow storm. The trailhead is located 1/4 mile off of Rt 83 off Jones Road the right side.  There is a large parking lot that can be used by horse trailers. A toilet is also here.  There are several choices of loops here. 

This is the view of the elevation on the Lincoln Mountain trail to the Lincoln Mountain Loop. 

View of the trailhead

This is the fork where you can choose which loop to take. The Palmer divide ranch trail is 4.5 miles or the Lincoln Mountain Trail loop is 4.2 miles. I chose Lincoln because the elevation looked higher. The map states 7,300 ft with views toward Pikes Peak.

The path was lined with small shrubs and evergreens that would be more colorful in the summer and fall.

Looking back to where I started.

Almost to the Lincoln Mountain Loop Trail intersection.

Once I got to the loop, great views of Pikes Peak! This was a zoomed shot.

Here is the rest of the front range.

There was a private residence with their own lake.

This was my favorite picture. On the way back, I saw five wild turkeys fly by and land near the trail. Next time I will try the other loop.

Betasso Preserve Benjamin Loop/ Canyon Loop Trail

This hike includes two loops with meadows and Ponderosa Pines. As you pull into the second parking lot the smell of pine is glorious. Its also a nice hike if you have people of different abilities. You can do one loop or two for more challenge.

The first loop is the Canyon loop trail (3.3 miles).

Altitude is 6,700 dropping to 6,100 ft with a total ascent of 1,100 ft.

Nice views of surrounding pines nestle homes here and there.

A small trail called the 4 mile link (.8 miles each way) connect to the Benjamin Loop.

Next we are on the Benjamin Loop.

Views of the faraway mountains.

There was still some snow on the peaks.

Nice views toward Boulder.

We enjoyed a great meal at Sherpas in Boulder

The outdoor patio was a hit. Yak stew, Chicken Makhini, and the fresh Naan were delicious!

Staunton State Park, Borderline/ Old Mill Trail

This is the view from the first Parking lot. I would recommend you head to the second lot a bit north unless you are doing the davis ponds.

We began on the Staunton Ranch Trail through trees. We saw aspens and Pines.

There are lots of Rocks in the area but we didnt see any climbers today.

We passed several creeks.

More rocks. There is a designated place for climbing on the Borderline Trail.

The borderline trail has many switchbacks through forest to get to the Overlook up to 9300 elevation. 

The snow was deeper as we got to the top.

View from the overlook.

The Old Mill Site.

Looks like where they stored their firewood.

Remains of the mill and  historic buildings.

We followed a creek on the Old Mill Trail back to the parking lot.

Final Views before heading home. We calculated 9-1/2 miles.