While we focus on some closer-in hikes and bikes during our “safer at home” phase in Colorado, I thought I would start a series of articles on “The Secret of…” where I will review perhaps more well-known local trails but identify some lesser-known secrets of these trails gleaned from 30+ years of hiking and searching in the area. First up is the Eagle’s Next Open Space.
Eagle’s Nest is a relatively newer county open space located near The Forks at Livermore, Colorado. It is a beautiful valley/prairie walk surrounded by high granite cliff faces where the namesake golden eagles nest nearby. The highest peak is Eagle’s Nest Rock. One can do a figure eight loop, midway crossing the north fork of the Cache La Poudre River. Named after local ranches and their branded cattle that grazed the area, one trail loop is the Three Bar Trail and the second beyond the river crossing is the OT trail. Cattle still graze here today, so be ready to tell the cows to mooove off the trail and step over the occasional cow pie!
The whole figure eight loop is an enjoyable 5.2 miles. We like to come in on the high trail working clockwise on the Three Bar Trail and counter-clockwise on the OT Trail, leaving a slightly easier hike on the way back. Definitely stop at the river crossing on the way where some rustic tree benches welcome you in a riparian habitat. The river can be walked upstream for a short distance into a small canyon where you might find some fishermen trying their hand at the river.
So, what’s the secret of Eagle’s Nest? The secret is there is another little used trail that traverses into the adjoining Roosevelt National Forest that leads you into a beautiful and unique canyon. While the trail is only about a mile long, the varied terrain and geology is a welcome difference from the usual prairie walk. To find this trail, as you travel counter-clockwise on the OT Trail, making your way west and you top the hill before the trail veers south, you will see another trail that parallels a fence line, continue to follow this trail west and you will come to a gate that leads you into the forest. You can pass through this gate and continue on the road, veering south when you come to the road junction, working your way up the canyon. A mile up the trail you will come to private land where you will have to turn around and come back. This trail, used by hunters in hunting season, is a fun, safe, and private little hike that few know about. Consider yourself in on the secret now! See pictures below on what you will see along the way.
On your way out of the park, stop by the nearby historic Forks Restaurant where you can get handmade deli subs and a fountain drink and hang out on the old west wooden deck or head upstairs to the bar for a drink.
As usual, leave your comments below. Enjoy