What better way to train for Pikes Peak Rocks--the combo of rock and roll and mountain hiking, than a trip to Red Rocks?
Red Rocks Trail meets up with Diamond Ridge Trail to make a 6.5 mile challenge of ups and downs and beautiful views. We organized a little group from work to take a hike starting from the Lower North Lot of Red Rocks Amphitheater on the day of the second Tom Petty concert...
Left to right--the "pink ladies": Me, Regina, Michelle, and Stacie. Carrie, behind the camera goes to school with Michelle. She has already climbed several 14'ers and her mom and my husband are pretty much the same age. That made me feel kind of old!The trail was really pretty--like so much of Colorado. I am starting to feel less pathetic on these narrow trails and doing a little less heavy breathing. This time, I brought TWO water bottles. Smart move!
When we broke for a snack at the picnic area near Matthews Winters Park, we kept joking about what to do if we saw a bear or mountain lion (wave arms around and make loud noises) vs. a rattle snake (Back away slowly!), making sure we knew the difference. I added that if we are getting shot at, it's best to run in a zig-zag. We laughed again when we saw THIS sign:
However, we did NOT laugh when we heard a rattle right by the trail! It is hard to see from the pic below (mainly because I appreciated a safe distance after having to knowingly walk past a coiled rattlesnake), but coiled just beneath the bush sticking out at a 45 degree angle is the offending snake. We waited forever and he wouldn't budget so eventually, we all had to make our way past. Scary!
A scene from the trail...
Feeling triumphant and just wanting to capture the moment. Red Rocks Amphitheater is jutting out to the left in the distance...
After finishing the trail, we made it back to the parking lot where we shared a beer and watched the first few Tom Petty tailgaters arrive. This guy leaning up against the cooler was riding a unicycle with no shirt on and a red bandana headband around his shoulder length blond hair. It was so "Damn the Torpedos" era and I wish I had grabbed my camera sooner.
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