I love hiking! But, I’m always confused about how to distinguish a “hike” from a “trail walk.” What constitutes a hike? Are there specific guidelines that make a trail a hiking trail as opposed to a walking trail? I have no idea!
Either way, Ian and I took a lovely walk on a trail along Horsetooth Reservoir late Sunday morning. It was a perfect way to wake up and enjoy the day before the heat hit!
We drove up to Horsetooth to walk/hike around (I know, I know, we really should have ridden our bikes!). We decided to drive to the top to park instead of parking in the FREE lot down below. We didn’t realize that you have to pay to park up top, but there is free 45-minute parking, so we decided to walk/hike for just 45 minutes. Otherwise, it would have been $6 to park (maybe we’ll invest in a park pass next year!).
We hiked/walked down to the beach around Horsetooth Reservoir. I had no idea there was a “beach” there! The sand is fine and luxurious, and there were several families who had set up blankets and were soaking up the sun and playing in the water. Note taken! I will be “beaching” it up next summer! Who says Colorado doesn’t have any beaches? 
Even though it was really windy (see picture above), we had a pleasant little walk. I forget how much I enjoy hiking/walking around Horsetooth. I wish we would have spent more time hiking this summer. I suppose we still have time left before the snow comes (yikes…did I just say that?!), but I’m just a wimp when it comes to cold weather activities outdoors! However, I am really hoping to see the Aspens change color this year – cold weather or not! Surprisingly, I’ve never seen the Aspens change (as far as I can remember, anyway…).
While we were meandering down on the beach, I found my name carved into a rock! Though I don’t promote destruction of nature, it was still fun to find my name on a rock at the beach.
I also want to point out that my entire hiking “outfit” was purchased at thrift stores – even my shoes were purchased at a garage sale of sorts. This was also my first outing in the “new” hiking shoes – I love them! They are amazing, and I can’t wait to try them out on a 14er.
One more step taken to enjoy the last stitches of summer. The mornings are already growing colder and darker. But, fall brings pumpkin bread, hearty stews, and Halloween – my favorite holiday!
How are you saying goodbye to summer? Do you have a favorite hike in Colorado?
