Colorado Kimmie

Southern Girl. Authentic. Truther. Conservative. Writer. Artisan. Warrior. Minimalist. Adventure Enthusiast. Animal + Music Lover. Avid Reader. Don’t play with me cos you’re playing with fire! 🔥 LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Strictly for entertainment purposes. Coincidences found herein are strictly that. This blog isn't intended to provide counsel, guidance, or any other service, regardless of payment. Don't like? You have the liberty not to view it, print it, or propagate it.

Sunday, May 30, 2021

Tunnel Vision

HELLLOOOOO - ello, ello, ello, ello

(echoes in a tunnel)

Welcome back - ack, ack, ack!

Recently I was in Canon City (near Colorado Springs) and saw this hike that takes you back in time -"Royal Gorge and Tunnel Drive" - and decided I had to do it (to burn a few calories after a fulfilling sushi patio lunch). Nothing but blue skies, perfect constant breeze, and good company. Mountain granite dating back 1.7 billion years (which used to be 11 miles BELOW the Earth's surface) and 3 blasted tunnels on a gravel pathway all seemed like lovely features for a perfect day hike with my travel companions (both flatlanders and partially acclimated to the altitude). I saw ribbons of pink and white granite on this lofty trail which offers magnificent views of the canyon and the Arkansas River.

Quuuick side note: I love to post pics like this, because how in the heck does a tree

grow up out of a rock? Am I the only person who stands and ponders this?

Me pondering...with sunscreen spray all over my glasses.

I'd like to consider my life journey as one of these trees, because I can flourish anywhere you stick me...and no matter what rocky turmoil life throws my way or completely craggy people I encounter,

I will always thrive! Bet on it!

Alrighty, back to this hike:

Mostly flat (aside from the pretty mildly aggressive incline at the beginning), the trail is doable for moms with strollers, seniors (although I used to hike with seniors who left me in the dust and believe that age is just a number if you take care of your body) and smaller or older dogs. In fact, this day hike is great for all abilities and perfect for walkers, runners or bikers. The trail follows an old railway bed below that is still active so expect to see a train! Also, this trail is not crowded at all! On the entire hike, I saw 9 other hikers, 1 runner, and 3 bikers. The entire in-and-out trail is 3.8 miles.

This hike offers gorgeous Royal Gorge topography, wildlife (mountain sheep) and landscapes, but be aware of rock slides in the area!

Wild life siting!! Look at this little Ewok who photo bombed me!

Y'all she's like a living breathing teddy bear and such a fun hiking partner.

A fresh little rock slide...that sign was no joke!

PRO TIP!

There are a few park benches placed along the trail (and a picnic bench) which makes this trail very family friendly (and also great for a date hike). A little 411, the first big huge rock formation you see on the left...crawl up the right side of it to find a mini trail offering an excellent view of the Canyon and side profile of the tunnel trail! Shhhh, it's super secret and a hidden gem! And, you're welcome!

Sometimes pictures can be deceiving and it helps to have a reference. See the couple in the tunnel?

Humbling, no? The majesty of these mountains?

Did I mention the trail is dog friendly! Don't forget to bring plenty of water for both you and Fido. The name Colorado Springs is super deceiving, because "springs" gives the of a luscious oasis. However, the area is a desert and brings arid, dry cotton mouth pretty quickly. I dig this weather. Born and raised in the South, for most the summer it was too hot and sticky to stay outdoors (think profuse sweating and and a medical diagnosis of "monkey butt"), unless you were up in the North Carolina Mountains or tubing down a river. So pack: Chapstick and sunscreen are total necessities. Remember, if you're thirsty, then you're already dehydrated!

If you make your way to western Colorado, I recommend this stop! Because tunnels through mountains is just rad and you'll ask yourself: "How in the heck did they do this?!?" You may even wanna strip off your hiking shorts and take a quick dip in the Arkansas River post hike! You'll see lots of tubing and kayaking going on! That mountain water is nice and refreshing...and probably the fountain of youth! Any time I dip my feet in ice cold mountain water after a hike, it's completely therapeutic and necessary. Colorado Kimmie likes to pamper her feet, okay?

Also, I upgraded my phone because Verizon had a great deal. I hope you enjoyed these shots from my new iPhone 12! I'm so impressed with the quality as it rivals my Canon!

I hope you enjoyed this journey of the Tunnel Drive Trailhead and Canon City! I hope to see you back next time!