Author: By Seth Boster
-
A river-cut canyon for hikers, anglers west of Colorado Springs
Cheesman Canyon is cut by the South Platte River, a renowned stretch calling to anglers. A trail here calls to hikers, who should not expect complete serenity. On summer weekends, the parking lot near Deckers fills before 9 a.m. But hikers can expect a unique side of Pike National Forest. The Cheesman Canyon Trail, also…
-
Hikers soon will have to pay to visit some Colorado outdoor areas, including Dome Rock
Planning to hike in Dome Rock State Wildlife Area again this summer? This time you’ll have to pay. That’s because of a new Colorado Parks and Wildlife rule requiring a fishing or hunting license to access the Teller County property, with a long loop trail featuring aspen groves, wildflower meadows and the granite, namesake monolith.…
-
Work set to begin on 28-mile network of mountain bike trails in Colorado
With the go-ahead from the Bureau of Land Management, two Colorado communities could come closer to their goal of becoming mountain biking destinations. BLM cited local demand for singletrack for about 28 miles of proposed trail in Rifle and New Castle, west of Glenwood Springs. The majority of that, roughly 18 miles, would be built…
-
‘Beautiful trail’ that will connect to Manitou Incline expected to be finished soon
The Manitou Incline’s closure due to COVID-19 hasn’t stopped progress on “the hill,” as regulars affectionately call the grueling trail of 2,744 timber steps. Earlier this month at step 1,300, Incline Friends president Bill Beagle veered right into the woods alongside crew members overseeing the construction of what Colorado Springs parks officials are calling the…
-
Colorado ski resorts hoping to capitalize on outdoors activities this summer
Powder widely went to waste this spring, and now Colorado’s ski industry will see if investments to summer pay off. With safety guidelines in place, resorts are inviting guests back to hiking and biking trails and theme park-like attractions that have sprouted in recent years. Aspen Snowmass, for one, opened its Lost Forest over the…
-
Gates down at Mount Evans Highway, but nearby trail grants greater escape
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY • We started from Echo Lake, which was packed with vehicles even on this Wednesday afternoon. People were taking their selfies for Instagram. A food truck was slinging tacos. The lodge was back in business, selling souvenirs. The main attraction, however, was closed. COVID-19 will keep motorized traffic off Mount Evans Highway…
-
Hikers to climb Manitou Incline in protest despite closure
Manitou Incline devotees are prepared to take back their favorite trail, which Manitou Springs leaders closed March 17 due to coronavirus concerns. The steep, famous set of railroad ties has inspired both local hate and camaraderie among tourists and regulars alike. And despite the barrier placed at the Incline’s base, as well as posted warnings…
-
Data details COVID-19’s hit to America’s ski industry
New data details the coronavirus pandemic’s brutal blow to America’s ski industry. The National Ski Areas Association on Wednesday reported skier and snowboarder visits were down about 14% from last season’s numbers. A news release from the Lakewood-based association said COVID-19 cost the U.S. industry at least $2 billion, with estimates as high as $5…
-
Colorado cyclists embrace epic day of 240 miles, 19,000 vertical feet, 10,000 calories burned
It’s tough enough riding a bike up Mount Evans Highway, North America’s highest paved road that spans a lung-busting 14 miles and tops out at 14,130 feet. Try doing it from your home base more than 100 miles away. Actually, don’t try it unless you’re a professional like Russell Finsterwald. He accomplished the mission one…
-
Master plan approved for 600-acre open space in Colorado Springs
A new blueprint aims to transform a Colorado Springs nature zone. The Austin Bluffs Open Space master plan, approved this month by the city’s parks board, also encompasses two adjacent preserves: Pulpit Rock Regional Park and University Park Open Space. The three now will be managed under one name, Austin Bluffs Open Space, covering about…