|
The always present Castle Rock |
We hiked south along the
Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock, south from Meadows Parkway to Wolfensburg road, the next overhead bridge crossing. This 2.5 mile section of trail meanders alongside Plum Creek and is far enough away from traffic to be peaceful. I tend to walk slowly and stop and look at the trees, the plants and everything. My hiking partner is in it for the exercise, so our talks get somewhat humorous at times.
|
Plum Creek |
|
Nicely paved trail |
|
Some rock placed to keep the creek in the right channel |
|
View from the hiking bridge over the creek |
There are several spots to relax and watch the creek flow north to
Chatfield Lake and the
Platte River Trail. We met some horses grazing along the trail where we cross private property. A big thanks to the folks who allow this trail to pass through their property.
|
Horses grazing |
|
Hole above |
At one point along the trail I noticed a "hole" in the sky above us. Cloud formations are always interesting in Colorado. The weather would worsen the next few days keeping us inside to stay dry and warm.
|
The Beatles : ) |
There were many birds here along the creek, even "the Beatles" welcoming us to the trail.
There is also a cross trail that connects up to the Castle Rock itself called
Hangman's Gulch Trail. It too is paved. Signage is very good.
|
Excellent signage |
|
And good directions |
|
Trail adopters |
We have now covered about half of the Plum Creek Trail system in town. The trail continues south to a point past Plum Creek Parkway, another 2 or so miles to go. It also connects with the paved Sellars Creek Trail to go through town, and then ends just south of the Parkway. This trail is part of the future Colorado Front Range Trail, ultimately connecting front range communities from Wyoming to New Mexico. That would be an awesome hike or bike ride!
|
Castle Rock... |
|
...closer... |
|
...and closer... |
Eventually we will finish the south portion of this trail and will write about that. To begin where we started, exit I-25 at #184, Founders Parkway in Castle Rock. Turn west toward the Meadows, crossing Highway 85 (Santa Fe Trail). Cross the bridge over Plum Creek and the railroad tracks. Turn left just past the bridge into the trail head parking area. There is a trail head map on the Plum Creek Trail website above. Bring water, wear a hat and enjoy your quiet walk!
No comments:
Post a Comment