July 4 weekend

Trailblazers Field Trip

Lunching along the North Catamount Reservoir beach

This past July (2022), the Trailblazers Running and Hiking Group went on a field trip! We meet every Wednesday at Trails End Taproom for a 5 mile run through Red Rocks Canyon Open Space. However, we wanted to get out and explore a new area together. So we ventured to North and South Catamount Reservoir. Ten of us met at Routes in Old Colorado City for coffee, bagels, and fruit. We carpooled for the 40 minute drive - going through Manitou Springs to the Pikes Peak Highway. We paid the $5 toll/per person and made the beautiful and winding drive through the National Forest

Once we reached the reservoirs, we parked nearby and split up among runners and walkers. Each group followed the trail along the South reservoir - seeing fisherman, picnicking families, and kayakers along the way. We did a 6 mile out and back route, taking in the views of Pikes Peak throughout. After finishing, we walked 10 minutes to the North Reservoir and lunched along the beach. 

Afterward, some folks kept driving north to camp for the long 4th of July weekend, and a few of us drove back to Routes and stopped at the Pickle Shack along the way. Since it was someone’s birthday, we took pickle juice shots! 

Being with good people in such a beautiful place made for a great field trip!

The view from the trail along South Catamount Reservoir