Mountain View
The Virtual Sherpa
Colorado Trail_ Segment 3 Virtual Trail Guide Part 1
My wife Jackie and I continued our quest to hike the entire Colorado Trail hiking segment 2 and 3 in one day. This video focuses on segment 3 of the Colorado trail which is 12.3 miles long with just over 1,900 ft of elevation gain. Segment 3 starts at Little Scraggy TH which does have a day use fee and ends at Rolling Creek TH.
Colorado Hiking_ Hanging Lake Winter Hike Trail Guide Part 2
In early 2020, I headed over to Hanging Lake to tackle the hike for a second time, this time in the winter. This is a great winter hike if you have the proper equipment. Hanging Lake is a 3 mile out and back hike that can be hiked year round.
Colorado Hiking_ Hanging Lake Winter Hike Trail Guide Part 1
In early 2020, I headed over to Hanging Lake to tackle the hike for a second time, this time in the winter. This is a great winter hike if you have the proper equipment. Hanging Lake is a 3 mile out and back hike that can be hiked year round.
Colorado Hiking: Ben Tyler Trail Winter Hike Trail Guide
In late January 2020, Juno and I needed to stretch our legs and decided to hike the Ben Tyler Trail just outside of Bailey, Colorado. This is a great winter hike if you are looking to use microspikes or snowshoes but expect deep snow the farther you hike.
Colorado Hiking: Ben Tyler Trail Winter Hike Trail Guide
In late January 2020, Juno and I needed to stretch our legs and decided to hike the Ben Tyler Trail just outside of Bailey, Colorado. This is a great winter hike if you are looking to use microspikes or snowshoes but expect deep snow the farther you hike. And this video contains two parts, this is the first one!
Colorado 14ers_ DeCaLiBron (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross) Hike Trail Guide Part 4
I hiked the Decalibron (Mt Democrat, Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln and Mt Bross - all 14ers) for the second time during early November 2019. Since the road was closed, the hike was about 9 miles RT. Typically, the Decalibron is 7.25 miles RT from Kite Lake.
Colorado 14ers_ DeCaLiBron (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross) Hike Trail Guide Part 3
I hiked the Decalibron (Mt Democrat, Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln and Mt Bross - all 14ers) for the second time during early November 2019. Since the road was closed, the hike was about 9 miles RT. Typically, the Decalibron is 7.25 miles RT from Kite Lake.
Colorado 14ers_ DeCaLiBron (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross) Hike Trail Guide Part 2
I hiked the Decalibron (Mt Democrat, Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln and Mt Bross - all 14ers) for the second time during early November 2019. Since the road was closed, the hike was about 9 miles RT. Typically, the Decalibron is 7.25 miles RT from Kite Lake.
Colorado 14ers_ DeCaLiBron (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross) Hike Trail Guide Part 1
I hiked the Decalibron (Mt Democrat, Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln and Mt Bross - all 14ers) for the second time during early November 2019. Since the road was closed, the hike was about 9 miles RT. Typically, the Decalibron is 7.25 miles RT from Kite Lake.
Colorado Trail_ Segment 2 Virtual Trail Guide Part 2
My wife Jackie and I continued our quest to hike the entire Colorado trail hiking segment 2 and 3 in one day. This video focuses on segment 2 which was our favorite so far. Segment 2 is 11.5 miles long and starts at the South Platte River TH and ends at the Little Scraggy TH with just over 2,400 ft of elevation gain.
Colorado Trail_ Segment 2 Virtual Trail Guide Part 1
My wife Jackie and I continued our quest to hike the entire Colorado trail hiking segment 2 and 3 in one day. This video focuses on segment 2 which was our favorite so far. Segment 2 is 11.5 miles long and starts at the South Platte River TH and ends at the Little Scraggy TH with just over 2,400 ft of elevation gain.
Colorado Trail: Segment 1 Virtual Hike Trail Guide
My wife Jackie and I have wanted to knock out the Colorado Trail for a while and during the fall of 2019, we finally got started! Unfortunately, due to my job, we will not be able to through hike the CT, but are excited to knock out segments to complete it. We will be hiking from east to west, eventually ending in Durango. Segment 1 is 16.7 miles long and starts just outside of Littleton, Colorado finishing at the South Platte River TH. Please note the first 6.7 miles of segment 1 are the only miles along the ENTIRE Colorado Trail that are not dog friendly.
Colorado Trail: Segment 1 Virtual Hike Trail Guide
My wife Jackie and I have wanted to knock out the Colorado Trail for a while and during the fall of 2019, we finally got started! Unfortunately, due to my job, we will not be able to through hike the CT, but are excited to knock out segments to complete it. We will be hiking from east to west, eventually ending in Durango. Segment 1 is 16.7 miles long and starts just outside of Littleton, Colorado finishing at the South Platte River TH. Please note the first 6.7 miles of segment 1 are the only miles along the ENTIRE Colorado Trail that are not dog friendly.
Lion's Head Mountain Staunton State Park Hike Guide
Lion’s Head summit is located in Staunton State Park, a relatively new park (first opened in May 2013) located near the Denver area. What makes this hike beautiful is the peaceful location in the relatively less popular state park. Lion’s Head is a long hike that does not provide unbelievable views that many hikes of this distance generally do. However, don’t think that 13+ miles are just for your health. Lion’s Head does have many striking views of the surrounding area and a great opportunity to see a large waterfall (Elk Falls). Since many hikes in Colorado offer a somewhat limited season, Lion’s Head is a great opportunity to get some miles on your legs before heading out to conquer much larger peaks.
Emerald Lake Rocky Mountain National Park Hike Guide
Emerald Lake is a Colorado hike located in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a fantastic short out and back located at the extremely popular Bear Lake trailhead. This trail is perfect for year round hiking and the beginner hiker not looking to kill themselves getting to the top of the trail. The final destination of the hike is Emerald Lake but along the way there are plenty of beautiful views of neighboring Longs Peak and Dream Lake with views of Bear Lake at the very beginning of the hike.
Mt. Bierstadt Colorado 14er winter hike guide
A Mt. Bierstadt Winter hike is more difficult than the easier version up to the summit in the summer months. This popular mountain is accessed by Guanella Pass and is a great opportunity for an intermediate hiker looking to climb a “14er” in the winter. This route is longer than the summer version by about 4 miles but has relatively low avalanche risk and does not require loads of extra gear and experience like some winter 14ers do.
Arapahoe Basin (Abasin) Colorado Ski Area Review
Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) seems to be like a fine wine, getting better with age. Before my first visit years ago, I heard a lot of positives things about the mountain. Certainly a local favorite, the basin seems to have a different vibe from some of the more commercial resorts right down the street. A Basin offers a variety of terrain, but for the most part is suited for those with a stronger skill level on the slopes. What makes this mountain unique, is the exposed open top that most other local resorts do not offer, unless you hike up to the terrain. This makes for spectacular views, wide open runs and a variety of riding/skiing. Arapahoe Basin really gains its strengths when the back side (Montezuma Bowl) and East Wall open up. Both of these areas offer a very unique offering of expert terrain that feed right back into the other resort trails. A-Basin is definitely worth the trip if you are looking for a closer drive and a few less people then some of the neighboring resorts. During the 2017-2018 season, A-Basin expanded its terrain adding another 468 acres to ski or snowboard on in the Beavers section of the mountain. If you like steep runs and loads of trees, you will be sure to love your time at Abasin.
DeCaLiBron 14ers: Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross Hike Guide
The Decalibron is a popular hike located outside of Alma, Colorado – the highest incorporated town in the United States. The Decalibron features four 14ers: Mt Democrat, Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln and Mt Bross. Mt Democrat is usually hiked first and then is paired with neighboring Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln and Mt Bross to make a loop that summits four “14ers” also known as the Decalibron. This hike is a bucket list item for many and is a very tough day on the mountain because of the high elevation, steep gain and exposed terrain. This is not the hike you want to be on if a storm rolls in. Please note that the summit of Mt Bross is private property and land owners do not want you on the summit. Please stay on the bypass trail when hiking Mt Bross.
Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Colorado Hike Guide
Rattlesnake Canyon Arches is a beautiful out and back hike located in western Colorado. While many people associate natural arches with Utah, Rattlesnake Canyon is a unique opportunity to hike to and on an arch right here in Colorado. This hike itself is not difficult at all but be prepared for the drive to the TH as the road can be very tricky depending on the road conditions and your vehicle. Rattlesnake Canyon Arches is not a destination hike, but is a must visit if you are planning a trip to the Colorado National Monument or Western Colorado in general.
James Peak Colorado 13er Hike Guide
James Peak is a 13er located above St. Mary’s Glacier in the Front Range of Colorado. James Peak is a “13er” (summit over 13,000 feet) and is a great hike for the beginner hiker looking to get into more serious hikes. James Peak provides fantastic summit views of the Front Range and continental divide but is completely exposed to the elements for the entire hike. I would recommend having fairly strong legs and some hiking experience if you are looking to check James Peak off your hiking list. James Peak is a great option to hike year round and provides a fantastic ski/snowboard descent from its summit during winter and spring months.
Garden of the Gods Colorado Hike Guide
Garden of the Gods hiking is not difficult or terribly long, but this extremely popular spot is absolutely worth a visit. Garden of the Gods is a small park sitting right outside of Colorado Springs at the base of Pike’s Peak. This beautiful park is frequented by visitors from Colorado and out of state year round. Garden of the Gods for me is not a destination hike but is a great place to visit if you are in the area. The park offers paved and gravel trails that provide beautiful views of the sandstone that is thousands of years old and has a “reddish” tint to it. This park is great for beginner hikers and families.
St Mary's Glacier Colorado Hike Guide
St Mary’s Glacier itself is actually no longer a glacier but rather year round snow-pack and extremely popular hike in the Front Range of Colorado. Many people who hike St Mary’s Glacier enjoy beautiful St Mary’s Lake which sits below the “glacier”. This popular hike is a quick 20 minute drive off I-70 and is visited by people year round by locals and tourists to Colorado. I would recommend visiting from July-October to experience the beauty of the area without the snow pack, unless you are looking to snowshoe or ski/board in the area.
Hanging Lake Colorado Hike Guide
Hanging Lake is a short but steep out and back hike located right off I-70 near Glenwood Springs. This world famous hike is short but I would not consider it an “easy” hike for the beginner hiker or small child. Hanging Lake has formed its own ecosystem over hundreds of years and is certainly a beautiful reward for the 1.5 mile hike up. Due to popularity, as of 2019, a permit is required to visit the hike. In 2020 it survived the Glenwood Canyon fire and is scheduled to open back up in 2021 after a long closure.
Collegiate Peaks West 5 & Segment 15 Colorado Trail Guide
Collegiate Peaks West 5 & Segment 15 must be hiked together as there is no trailhead access in between these two segments of the 285 mile Colorado Trail. These two segments form arguably the most beautiful 22 miles of the Collegiate Peaks West with 90% of the hike above treeline and amazing views in almost all directions for the entire hike. The hike starts at the upper Boss Lake TH and ends at Marshall Pass hiking through Monarch Pass and Monarch Ski Area along the way. This is a must visit if you like backpacking or looking for a long day hike.
The Virtual Sherpa
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Virtual sherpa provides free trail guides to hikes in Colorado & beyond. Whether you are hiking a "14er," visiting a National Park or trying to plan your next winter trip to the mountains, I have you covered. From virtual trail guides to gear reviews to hiking tips, my website and YouTube channel has it all! Visit my website here: https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/ Visit my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/thevirtualsherpa
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