Small Adventures Before the Big One

Local Colorado hikes, scenic drives, waterfall trails, and quiet mountain moments before our next northern expedition

After our April Canyonlands trip, we stayed a little closer to home for a while.

Not because the adventure spirit had faded — far from it — but because a much bigger expedition was waiting on the horizon in July. For now, I’ll just say this: our eyes are pointed north, and the planning table has been covered in maps, gear lists, camera notes, and all the little details that come with preparing for something big.

Sometimes the space between big trips is filled with logistics. Packing. Researching. Route-checking. Gear decisions. Calendar juggling.

But for us, it was also filled with local miles.

Over the past two months, we wandered through familiar corners of Northern Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park — places close enough for a day trip, but still wild enough to offer waterfalls, creek crossings, rattlesnake sightings, alpine tundra, scenic drives, picnic views, dog joy, and good trail company.

Not every hike needs to become its own big story. Some outings are quieter. Some are spontaneous. Some are more about who you are with than how far you go. But together, these five spring and early summer adventures told the story of this season: staying connected to the outdoors while waiting for the next big chapter.

Quick Trail & Outing Guide

Date	Outing	Type	Distance	Elevation Gain	Best For
May 10, 2026	Bridal Veil Falls, RMNP	Hike	6.4 mi	1,030 ft	Waterfall, forest, Mother’s Day hike
May 24, 2026	Buckhorn Canyon / Donner Pass Area	Scenic drive + short dog hike	~1.5 mi	Not tracked	Dogs, creek play, spring forest
May 31, 2026	Devil’s Backbone Extended Route	Hike	6.4 mi	761 ft	Red rock ridges, foothill views
June 6, 2026	Trail Ridge Road + Tundra Communities Trail	Scenic drive + short hike	1.2 mi	171 ft	Alpine tundra, wildlife, picnic views
June 13, 2026	Lion Gulch Trail to Walker Homestead	Hike	7.2 mi	1,360 ft	Creekside hiking, forest, history

Each adventure below expands into its own little trail story. Click the arrow beside any hike or scenic drive to read more about the route, the day, and the moments that made it memorable.

Bridal Veil Falls: A Mother’s Day Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: May 10, 2026
Trailhead: Cow Creek Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet
Difficulty: Mostly easy to moderate, with the steeper section near the base of the falls
Dogs: Not allowed on RMNP trails

For Mother’s Day, Greg gave me the kind of gift that does not need wrapping: a day together in the mountains.

We headed into Rocky Mountain National Park and followed the Cow Creek Trail toward Bridal Veil Falls. It was a new trail for me, which made the day feel even more special. There is something I love about still finding new corners inside a park I have visited so many times. RMNP always seems to have another trail, another mood, another little pocket of wonder waiting to be discovered.

The trail wandered gently alongside Cow Creek, moving through open meadows, quiet forest, and patches of lingering late-season snow tucked into the shady places. The pines had that sun-warmed mountain smell, the creek murmured beside us, and the air had just enough crispness to make every step feel refreshing.

Most of the hike felt peaceful and steady, with the real effort coming closer to the falls. The final approach to the base of Bridal Veil Falls added a little more climb and rockiness, but it was worth every step.

And then there it was — Bridal Veil Falls spilling over the rock in a rush of white water, mist, and sunlight.

We found a place near the falls, sat for a while, had a snack, and simply took it all in. That was the heart of the day: not rushing, not checking off miles, not trying to make the hike into anything bigger than what it was. Just mother-and-son time, mountain air, and a waterfall in spring.

After the hike, we made our way back to Estes Park and topped off the day at the Cantina & Grill — tired legs, happy hearts, and that perfect post-hike feeling where food tastes a little better because you earned it.

Trail takeaway: Bridal Veil Falls felt special because it was Mother’s Day time with Greg, and because it gave me a new trail experience in one of my favorite parks.

Reader notes: This hike is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, so during the timed-entry season, plan ahead for the appropriate entrance reservation. Dogs are not allowed on RMNP trails.

Buckhorn Canyon and Donner Pass Area: Dogs, Dirt Roads, and Spring Discoveries

Date: May 24, 2026
Area: Buckhorn Canyon / Donner Pass area near Fort Collins
Route: Scenic drive along Buckhorn Road with a spontaneous stop on Lookout Mountain Trail in Roosevelt National Forest
Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy for the short section we explored, though the trail likely becomes more difficult farther in
Dogs: Yes

Some days the best adventures are the simple ones: a dirt road, two happy dogs, a creek, and a few unexpected discoveries along the way.

This outing was less of a planned hike and more of a “let’s get the dogs out and see where the day takes us” kind of adventure. Bill and I loaded up Lennon and Dasher and headed toward the Buckhorn Canyon / Donner Pass area near Fort Collins. Buckhorn Road itself made the day feel scenic from the start, winding alongside Buckhorn Creek with that easy Colorado backroad feeling.

Eventually, we ended up near Lookout Mountain Trail in Roosevelt National Forest and decided to let the dogs explore a bit. I was not tracking the hike since it was spontaneous, but we probably wandered about a mile and a half round trip. Of course, dog mileage is different from human mileage — there were many stops for sniffs, creek investigating, and general Great Outdoor Dog Business.

The dogs cooled their feet in Box Prairie Creek, explored a wooden stick teepee tucked into the forest, and happily wandered through all the smells and textures of spring. The trail moved through a mix of tall pines, bright green growth, fallen timber, and quiet pockets of forest.

One of my favorite parts of the day was noticing the little things. A fuzzy bee tucked into the bright yellow face of a dandelion. A black blister beetle making its way across the trail. Those tiny reminders that spring was awake and busy, even in the smallest corners of the forest.

The views also had a moody beauty to them, with clouds rolling over the burn-scarred hillsides. It was not a big hike, and it was not meant to be. It was a dog day. A creek day. A fresh-air day. The kind of outing that fills the afternoon without needing much of a plan.

Trail takeaway: Buckhorn Canyon was a great day out with Lennon and Dasher, and the short trail stop gave us a new area to explore. I would love to go back and hike farther next time.

Reader notes: This area includes mixed-use trails, so watch for bikes and other users. The spot where we hopped on the trail did not have a bathroom, so plan accordingly.

Devil’s Backbone: Heat, Red Rock, and a Rattlesnake Reminder

Date: May 31, 2026
Trailhead: Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Loveland, Colorado
Route: Wild Loop Trail to Hunter Loop to Laughing Horse Loop
Distance: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 761 feet
Difficulty: Moderate, mostly due to exposure, heat, and rocky sections
Dogs: Yes, but use caution in heat and rattlesnake area

Devil’s Backbone brought the heat — literally and figuratively.

I hiked this one with the Hikerbabes NoCo chapter, an all-women hiking group here in Northern Colorado. I have been to Devil’s Backbone several times, but the rocky ridgeline and sweeping views never really get old. It is one of those local trails that can feel familiar and still surprise you.

This time, the surprise came early.

Not long after we started, we spotted a rattlesnake just off the side of the trail. I did not get a photo — he blended into the landscape incredibly well — but it was a good reminder that we were sharing the space and needed to stay aware. Devil’s Backbone is known rattlesnake habitat, and warm sunny days are exactly when you want to watch where you step and keep your distance from anything moving near the trail.

Once the adrenaline settled, the hike opened into those classic Devil’s Backbone views: red rock ridges, dusty trail, bright blue skies, rolling foothills, and long scenic lines across the landscape. The route took us through Wild Loop, Hunter Loop, and Laughing Horse Loop, giving us a longer version of the area and a good mix of rocky trail, open views, and sandstone formations.

One of the special places along this route is the Keyhole, where the rock frames a beautiful view toward Longs Peak and the surrounding ridgelines. Even on a warm day, that spot is worth the pause.

We also saw a rabbit along the way, which felt like a sweet little counterpoint to the rattlesnake start. Between the wildlife, the heat, the rock formations, and the laughter from the group, it turned into a full Colorado foothills experience.

This was definitely a warm and exposed hike. Shade is limited, and the rocky sections radiate heat, so water, sunscreen, and an early start matter. But with a good group of women, good conversation, and plenty of scenic stops, the miles felt lighter.

Trail takeaway: I have hiked Devil’s Backbone before, but the rocky ridge and views are always amazing. This day also reminded me how much fun it is to revisit familiar trails with a great group.

Reader notes: Devil’s Backbone is dog-friendly, but this is definitely a place to be cautious with pups. The trail is hot, exposed, and known rattlesnake terrain, so keep dogs close, avoid letting them investigate brush or rocks along the trail edge, and carry plenty of water. This is also a multi-use trail system, so expect hikers, runners, bikes, and possibly horses depending on the route.

Trail Ridge Road: A Picnic Above the Trees

Date: June 6, 2026
Route: Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park
Picnic Stop: Colorado River Trailhead
Short Hike: Tundra Communities Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 171 feet
Highest Point: 12,288 feet
Difficulty: Easy, but the elevation is very noticeable
Dogs: Not allowed on RMNP trails

Some days are made for climbing high into the sky, rolling the windows down, and letting the mountains set the pace.

This was my fourth trip to Rocky Mountain National Park this year, and every visit has felt like stepping into a different version of the park. Different trails, different light, different weather, different moods. On this day, Bill and I chose a slower kind of adventure: a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road with a mountain picnic and a short alpine walk.

Trail Ridge Road is one of those drives that never feels ordinary. Forests gradually give way to open alpine tundra, snow still clings to the high peaks, and the views stretch wider with every curve in the road. It is the kind of place where you can feel the landscape changing as you climb.

We stopped for a quiet picnic at the Colorado River Trailhead, on the western side of Trail Ridge Road where the landscape drops back into a more forested feeling after all that open alpine tundra. Sometimes the simplest things become the most memorable: a basket packed with snacks, cherries, sandwiches, cupcakes, and mountain views.

While we sat there enjoying our picnic, we watched a group saddle up their horses and head out on the Colorado River Trail. It added such a classic mountain-west moment to the day — horses, forest, trail dust, and the beginning of someone else’s adventure unfolding right in front of us.

Later, we hiked the Tundra Communities Trail. It is short, but at over 12,000 feet, even an easy trail asks you to pay attention to your breathing. The alpine tundra felt delicate and wide open, with tiny blue wildflowers blooming close to the ground and big mountain views in every direction.

We also spotted elk grazing with the mountains behind them, which became one of my favorite photo moments from the day. It was one of those scenes that felt calm and wild at the same time.

Trail Ridge reminded me that you do not always have to hike deep into the wilderness to feel wonder. Sometimes the magic is right beside the road. Sometimes adventure looks like a slow drive, a scenic overlook, a short trail, and a picnic in the trees.

Trail takeaway: Trail Ridge Road reminded me that scenic drives can be just as meaningful as hikes, especially when the day includes slowing down for a quiet picnic in the forest.

Reader notes: Trail Ridge Road is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, so check timed-entry requirements during the summer season. Dogs are not allowed on RMNP trails. Even short alpine walks can feel harder at high elevation, so bring water, sun protection, and layers.

Lion Gulch: Seven Miles Through Forest, Water, and History

Date: June 13, 2026
Trailhead: Lion Gulch Trailhead, near Lyons, Colorado
Route: Lion Gulch Trail to Walker Homestead
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,360 feet
Difficulty: Moderate, mostly due to distance and elevation gain
Dogs: Yes

Some trails feel like they ask you to slow down and listen — to the wind in the pines, the creek moving over stone, and the quiet stories tucked into the hillsides.

I hiked Lion Gulch with the Hikerbabes NoCo chapter, and it made for a beautiful group hike. The trail had a little bit of everything: shady forest, bright green aspen groves, open meadows, rocky canyon walls, creekside stretches, wildflowers blooming close to the ground, and a hidden trickle of waterfall along the way.

The sound of water was one of my favorite parts. There is something grounding about hiking beside a creek, especially on a warm day. It gives the trail a rhythm — footsteps, conversation, birds, water over stone.

Lion Gulch also carries a sense of history. The trail leads toward the Walker Homestead area, where old structures and remnants tell pieces of the story of people who once lived in this landscape. Bill and I hiked this trail back in 2019, and I wrote more about the homestead history in my earlier post, “Footsteps Through the Past: A Journey on Lion Gulch Trail.”

This time, the hike felt less like a history research day and more like a forest walk with a group of women getting to know each other. Seven warm miles, steady climbing, good conversation, and plenty of “just one more photo” moments.

And honestly, the best ending to a summer hike might just be a hot tub soak, sunshine, and a cold mocktail.

Trail takeaway: Lion Gulch is a trail with history, water, forest, and enough mileage to feel like a real hike. This visit was especially nice because it was shared with a group of women and good trail conversation.

Reader notes: Lion Gulch is dog-friendly and also a multi-use trail, so watch for bikes and other trail users. The trailhead has parking and a bathroom, but bring your own water. The route gains more elevation than some of the other local hikes in this roundup, so it feels like a solid moderate outing, especially on a warm day.

Final Thoughts: Local Adventure Still Counts

These were not the kind of trips that required hotel reservations, gear bins, or weeks of planning. They were not big expeditions or once-in-a-lifetime routes. But they mattered.

They were Mother’s Day miles with Greg.
They were muddy paws and creek water with Lennon and Dasher.
They were red rocks and rattlesnake reminders with a group of strong women.
They were alpine tundra, elk, horses, and a picnic with Bill.
They were forest trails, creek sounds, and history tucked into the hills.

This season between Canyonlands and our July adventure has reminded me that adventure does not always need to be far away or dramatic. Sometimes it is found in the local places we return to again and again. Sometimes it is in a new trail close to home. Sometimes it is in a scenic drive, a snack by a waterfall, a dog splashing in a creek, or a quiet picnic.

The big July expedition is coming, and while I am keeping the destination tucked away for now, I can say this: our compass is pointing north, and these smaller Colorado days have felt like the perfect warm-up miles before the next big chapter.

But these smaller Colorado days were their own kind of beautiful — simple, grounding, and full of the kind of moments that keep me connected to the outdoors between the bigger adventures.