As people plan summer adventures to enjoy the outdoors, it's important to continue maintaining social distancing guidelines and avoid overcrowded areas.
This week on Nature's Neighborhood, Susan Davies of the Trails and Open Space Coalition shares two shorter hikes with wooded views.
Mt. Herman Hike
Here's a trail for those days when you feel good [and] you want to tackle something slightly outside your comfort zone. Mt. Herman is in Pike National Forest just west of Monument.
The hike itself is only a mile, but don't be deceived, it's steep in spots. Now what I love about it this time of year, you're likely to see columbine, wild iris, and in the fall there's a grove of aspen that'll make you feel like you're walking through a painting.
The views from the top [of] Black Forest, Palmer Lake, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak: it's all spectacular hiking.
Sinton Trail
Then, there are those days when you want easy, fairly flat and not far away. The Sinton Trail, it's all those things. You can enjoy a quick 20 minute walk up to the pond and back again. Or you could take it all the way to Garden of the Gods, if you suddenly experience a jolt of ambition.
There's a parking lot on Mark Dabling Boulevard. You're going to start up by going underneath the railroad tracks and be sure to watch for the geese. [It's] a pleasantly wooded walk in the heart of the city.
