Friday, March 12, 2010

Golden, CO – White Ranch Park

The last time we visited White Ranch, we had gone in from the western entrance which is further up in the foothills.  At that time, I saw there was an eastern entrance off of Hwy 93.

So, when I wanted to go for a trail run one day, I thought of White Ranch.  My assumption was that the first mile and a half of the trail would be in the flatlands between Hwy 93 and the foothills.  Wrong!  The trail was a slow, and progressively steeper, climb up into the hills.  My other challenge on this trail run was that I went on a gorgeous day, but shortly after snowfall.  If the trail wasn’t covered in snow or ice, it was thick with mud.  Why is it that mud-running can make you feel like a kid again?  Thick, sloppy mud splattering up my shins and making those funny squishing/sucking sounds…maybe it’s just fun to jump in mud puddles at any age?

A week or two later, Andy wanted to see that same section in White Ranch with me, so we went for a hike.  It was quite a bit drier, so I had to chuckle when he thought it was muddy.

It’s a pretty area (and I just love how close it is) with views of Golden, pretty homes, and a couple reservoirs.  But once you get up and around the hills, all you see are hills.  A quick trip to solitude and quiet.

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