Colorado Springs 2020

Colorado has been on my list of places to visit for a while now. Everything about it has intrigued me. The towns, mountains and overall outdoor culture. So September 9th I took a trip to my dream destination. Exploring several mountains and state parks, eating some great food and overall taking in the new scenery. Colorado Springs was such a cool little place. Spent the first day or two acclimating to the altitude, running the local trails near by the hotel to where I was staying. First place I checked out was Garden of the Gods, gorgeous scenery at this park. Stunning rock formations, nice smooth trails. I just ran random trails connecting what I can, did a lil rock scrambling as well.

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 6.55.36 PM.png — Garden Of The Gods.

Beautiful red rocks.

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.38.32 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.38.47 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.38.57 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.39.36 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.39.56 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.41.45 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.42.01 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.43.55 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 4.11.01 PM.png — EN ROUTE TO PIKES PEAK

12,700 ft / 3870.96 m

Screen Shot 2021-01-03 at 12.15.17 PM.png — Pikes Peak Summit.

**14,115 ft / 4,302.3 m**
Summiting my first 14’er (14,000 ft mountain) has always been apart of my bucket list, and it was an incredible experience.

My 3rd day I went to run up Pikes Peak summit via Barr Trail. Summiting my first 14’er (14,000 ft mountain) has always been apart of my bucket list, and it was an incredible experience. Starting at 7,800 ft and climbing up to 14,115 ft. I would start off on the single track switchbacks for a good portion, climbing and hitting the beginnings of above tree line. This proved to be a challenge but so worth it with every step of the way. Every single mile I progressed and the air got thinner and thinner, coming from 200ft above sea level this proved to be super challenging. But the views were worth every step. As I progressed through the trails heading up to the top I was blown away by the change in scenery.

The more I began to reach alpine is when the challenge really began.Being up here alone was great having to have the feeling of solitude.I kept it going as I dug my poles into the ground pushing myself up with each step and stride. At this point I have never been above 7,000ft and here I would be at around 12,000+ ft pushing along. The views around me were like staring into a painting, just mountains upon mountains upon mountains, truly breathtaking. As I broke through 13,000 ft I began the last few miles to the top. I began following the footsteps in the snow to navigate my way up the 16 Golden Stairs.

After reaching the top and taking in the beautiful sunset, I made my way back down the mountain. Where I was accompanied by the most beautiful star filled sky I have ever seen, with silhouettes of the mountains in the background.

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.47.40 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.48.12 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.48.25 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.48.50 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.49.23 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.49.43 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.49.52 PM.png

RED ROCK CANYON OPEN SPACE.

Night Time Exploration. Rested the day after Pikes Peak and then went for a shakeout run at night.

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 7.05.21 PM.png — Cheyenne Mountain

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.09.29 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.09.51 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.10.30 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.12.56 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.14.39 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.17.00 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.17.54 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.19.52 PM.png

Cheyenne Mountain was a blast to explore. A ton of single track trails. I lost track of the trail and had to do a little scrambling to get back on course. I wound up on a winding mountain bike/dirt bike section. just endless steep switchbacks with some drops along the way. Definitely made for a fun experience. This was just a super smooth trail and not rocky or too many roots which was nice. After making my way back down I was treated to some nice views of Colorado Springs.

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.23.44 PM.png — Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.33.02 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.33.27 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.33.38 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.33.53 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.34.05 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.34.36 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.34.46 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.35.29 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.36.00 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-01-13 at 8.26.32 PM.png

Red Rock Canyon Open Space was a beautiful spot right down the road from where I was staying. I came here on my last full day in town and it was a great way to cap off my trip. I began on the main trail before veering off and making my way to the trail that led to the peak that kept catching my eye. So as I was going I ran into a mamma deer and her two kiddos. I kept it going and just following the trails. After some switchbacks I got to the fork in the trail and hooked a left up the Ring The Peak Trail. After reaching the top I was treated with a stunning view of Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs.

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 8.51.38 PM.png — Burrowing Owl.

Vegan Bar with some amazing food!

I was beyond stoked to find this all vegan spot. I am not much of an alcohol guy but they had a great selection of local beers & domestic. The winner though was their food menu! Such a great selection of comfort foods, the mac and cheese was the winner for me and had me come back for several days.

(Left To Right)Spicy Mac & Cheeze, Sloppy Joe, Vegan McRib, Spicy Sloppy Mac & Cheeze.

This trip put alot into perspective for me. I will definitely be living here sooner than later.

Video Edit