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Happy New Year! Closed on 1/1/2025!
Happy New Year! Closed on 1/1/2025!
  • LOST LAKE LOOP

    LOST LAKE LOOP

    The trail depicted on the USGS map is not a loop. You must be a bit adventurous, have good map reading skills, come properly equipped to deal with adverse environmental conditions, deal with stream crossings and go dancing with the willows to follow the route shown here. If you are comfortable with bushwhacking, don’t mind a bit of off trail adventure, and are prepared to deal with wet conditions, this route is for you. The alternative, obviously, is to go out and back on the depicted trail on the USGS map. 
  • MIDDLE & UPPER COLUMBINE TRAILS - NORTH CHEYENNE CANYON

    MIDDLE & UPPER COLUMBINE TRAILS - NORTH CHEYENNE CANYON

    The Columbine Trails,  Middle and Upper sections, are great Hiking or running workouts, close to the city, and can be done in a morning or afternoon.  With the trails so steep, stop and enjoy the views as you go both up and down the canyon.
  • Canyoneering in Southeast Utah

    Canyoneering in Southeast Utah

    When Osprey, the backpacking company, reached out to Mountain Chalet to join a small group of specialty outdoor retailers to “talk shop” on an adventure in the canyonlands of southeast Utah, no one jumped higher at the opportunity than the shortest person in the shop. Store co-owner, Elaine Smith, got to spend five days in early April exploring a beautiful part of the great American Southwest.

    The post Canyoneering in Southeast Utah appeared first on Mountain Chalet.

  • The Tongariro Crossing

    The Tongariro Crossing

    As we crossed this final crater, we could look down a valley all the way to Lake Taupo and the small village from which we had come. The trail down was as interesting as the up. It led past clumps of grass and down inclined slopes to a hut used by the three-day trekkers. After a quick drink, we pressed on down past a hot spring, into the rain forest and along several densely forested streams to the pickup point. It had been a memorable trail and I think that I am now qualified to go to the moon.

  • Ute Valley Park

    Ute Valley Park

    Ute Valley Park is a surprisingly large parcel of land in the Rockrimmon neighborhood of Colorado Springs. Its dry vegetation, sunny exposure, and rocky outcroppings are similar to that of Palmer Park.

  • Garden of the Gods

    Garden of the Gods

    The Garden of the Gods is one of the most famous attractions in the Springs and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The impressive sandstone formations are open to the public free of charge.
  • Pulpit Rock Park

    Pulpit Rock Park

    The main attraction of Pulpit Rock Park is Pulpit Rock itself—the dramatic, pillared formation overlooking the city. It is a short hike with nice views. The path to the top is not well established, because people attempt routes from a variety of directions. The trail constantly forks and rejoins, but if you keep heading in the general direction of the summit, you should be able to get there.

  • Red Mountain 

    Red Mountain 

    The summit rewards you with a grand view of Pikes Peak, Manitou, Colorado Springs, and theGarden of the Gods. Additionally, Red Mountain has had its fair share of Manitou history. You will notice some manmade remnants at the top—concrete steps and slabs, metal pipes, etc. At one time, the summit of Red Mountain had a pavilion where dances were held.
  • Red Rock Canyon Open Space

    Red Rock Canyon Open Space

    Red Rock Canyon is open from dawn until dusk. Dogs, bicycles, and horses are allowed on most trails. The Upper and Lower Dog Loops are off-leash areas, and there is a free-ride bike park at the east end of the first parking lot. Many of the trails make for good cross-country skiing on snowy occasions.