Best/most trails and streams near Front Range (Denver, Colorado Springs: smog, gated)

[Pathwalker]

I hope this isn't a really stupid question, but I'd like to know what part of the Front Range is closest to a lot good hiking trails, boulder-laden streams, great rec areas/parks and peaceful hideaways where I can indulge my interest in photography. I'm planning a move to Colorado, and I don't know where to settle down. After living in the Cincinnati area my entire life of 41 years, it's time for me to move on. I fell in love with the little bit of Colorado that I saw along I-25 as I passed through several years back, and decided then and there that I wanted to go back someday. I already consider it home in my heart, and I want to make it my real home for a great number of years to come, if not the rest of my life.

Any suggestions? For that matter, what is the western part of the state like? Would I be more likely to find what I'm looking for there?

Thanks

[canyontiger2]

There is a disagreement on this forum as to what the "Front Range" is. To us in the more central/southern part of the state always thought we were part of the "Front Range" of the east side of Rocky Mountains. Denver does not think we are in the state let alone part of the "Front Range" In some cases we are happy that we are not included in the smog discussions. Anyway, there are some wonderful areas down here. East of the Continental Divide there several ranges. My favorite stomping grounds are in the San De Cristos. But there are several. Just don't limit yourself to the north. The north is over run with people and as a result so much of the beautiful valleys are gone. It is happening down here too. So now is the time before it too is gone. With a Texan in office that does not know how important public land is to people and is selling it off to fellow Texans who are very land selfish,with more money than they know what to do with. You will not be able to get into what is left of it. Sorry about the dig but it really is a sore spot. And no I do not dislike our Pres. but I do not agree on this, that is for sure. I do not think he has any idea about public lands. Texas has none.

[2bindenver]

Anywhere along the front rangecould be possible.

Golden, Morrison & Arvada come to mind in the Denver area.

The Springs are generally closer.

Loveland?

[Pathwalker]

Canyontiger2, I suppose by "Front Range" I meant cities like Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, etc. Honestly, I sorta picked up the term from different posts I've been looking at, and presumed it meant anyplace that was generally at the base of the eastern slopes of the mountain range(s) that you see when you're driving west from the plains. I'm most definitely open to any region of Colorado, provided the economy and job market is strong enough. I'm very much open to the north, south, west or middle...so long as I can get away from this blasted humidity in the Ohio Valley. LOL! The eastern plains are out because...well, I want mountains around me, not open farmland.

I'm afraid I'm not completely familiar with the nature of the situation you are referring to regarding Bush's position on public lands. Perhaps that is because I'm from Ohio, and many places here are already privately owned. But if more and more public lands are being snatched up in Colorado, that truly is a shame and I can indeed understand how it would anger anyone.

2bindenver, from what I've seen, CS does seem to be closer to some more rugged beauty than Denver. But that's just my perception from what I've researched and observed when I drove through. Without actually exploring other areas more thoroughly, I'm not really in a position to say for sure. I DID take a quick side trip up into Morrison and Evergreen, stopping at Red Rocks Park, and I absolutely LOVED that little excursion. Yet, CS has Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls which I imagine are equally beautiful - plus it seems Canon City and the Sangre de Cristo Range are spectacular as well. I think as a general rule, I just want to be able to get up on a Saturday morning and be within a reasonable distance of some great hiking areas and streams where I can enjoy nature and be inspired. Is it possible that can also be found in, for example, the Grand Junction area?

Thanks for the responses!

[Nadine]

Sange De Cristo are my favorite too. Wonderful trails. South West of Westcliffe a trail called the Rainbow begins and ends west of Salida. It is over 100 miles long. It runs near the bottom of the Sangres. All the trails that go up and some over have their trail heads on it. Or crossing it. The pictures att. are of my annual Mother's Day trip to my favorite place. When I was 7 or 8 yrs old I promised myself I would someday live in the Wet Mt. Valley(that's the valley between the Sange De Cristo's and the Wet Mts.) have not made it yet but thats my camping, riding place every summer. I also belong to a club that is a working club that works on trails with BLM and NF. Trying to keep them in shape. Much of this area is wilderness.

[Pathwalker]

LOL! I'm TRULY sorry, but I can't help laugh at the shape of that one cloud in your second picture.

Honestly, I don't have a dirty mind....at least not THAT dirty ....but that is just too obvious.

Ahem....sorry.

Anyway, it's quite a bit greener than I imagined. (Or is that why they call them the Wet Mountains?) I somehow pictured the mountains to be much more barren and rocky. But wow, what a gorgeous view! Thanks for sharing.

[Nadine]

Originally Posted by WCRob

LOL! I'm TRULY sorry, but I can't help laugh at the shape of that one cloud in your second picture.

Honestly, I don't have a dirty mind....at least not THAT dirty ....but that is just too obvious.

Ahem....sorry.

Anyway, it's quite a bit greener than I imagined. (Or is that why they call them the Wet Mountains?) I somehow pictured the mountains to be much more barren and rocky. But wow, what a gorgeous view! Thanks for sharing.

Well it sure wasn't obvious to me if it had been, I would have altered before sending. ---Actually the Wet Mts are not as wet as the Sangres, nor as high, the far south ones are more so. The Wet Mountain valley is about 8000 ft. at least the town of Westcliffe is. The mts around ARE very rocky and rough but of coarse there are valleys, meadows and draws where creeks run and those are green and lush with various bushes. Rasberries, chokecherries, huckleberries, gooseberries, even strawberries depending on altitude. Lots of different flowers etc. If there wasn't, then there would not be the abundant wildlife that there is. Not only large animals but small and birds, (large like, grouse, downsized to loads of hummingbirds.) I think that is why I love riding those trails, you never know what will be around the bend. Maybe something big, but only once scared some bears, which they run and never a lion. Seen them watching across the way etc. but deer, elk, yes, and grouse that love to fly out from under your feet, but the vegetation. It changes week to week and seasons of coarse.

[Katiana]

It's very green right now; this has been a wet spring. It's wonderful, especially after the years of drought. Last year at this time plants were already drying up! Keep in mind it's a snapshot of one moment in time. If you really like green, it won't be for you. BTW, I have been here 27 years and like it, but I do miss the green of Pennsylvania and even the Illinois cornfields.

[Nadine]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

It's very green right now; this has been a wet spring. It's wonderful, especially after the years of drought. Last year at this time plants were already drying up! Keep in mind it's a snapshot of one moment in time. If you really like green, it won't be for you. BTW, I have been here 27 years and like it, but I do miss the green of Pennsylvania and even the Illinois cornfields.

Have you evern been to he Wet Mountain Valley or hiked or ridden into the Sangres? The valley is a great deal of ranch land and irrigated. It is mostly green all summer on the west side,(Sangre side,) west side, (Wet Mt side) is more high prairie and little irrigation. The Sangre side is what these pictures are of. But yes it is good to see the valley green after the drought. The creeks are running high at this time as is the Arkansas River. Irrigated land in this part of the state should be beautiful this yr as it always is when not in drought. Not the same as Penn or Ill. I am sure but then not all of Colorado is the same either.

[Katiana]

I don't think I've been to the Wet Mtn, but I've driven through the Sangre De Cristos (sp?). I love Colorado, make no mistake. However, Pa and Ill are green even w/o irrigation. Have no intention of going back there, though. Well maybe PA (if I could convince my DH), but definitely not Ill!