Hiking Blue Sky to Coyote Ridge

Day 2 of day 3 to tire the kids out so they'd stop squabbling.  Day 1 consisted of walking the kids to school and back.  It's not that far (1.25 miles one way) but every little bit of exercise in the winter counts and they obviously hadn't been getting enough!  This is one of the less inspiring hikes around but it's close to town and we didn't have to go out and back.  Q still managed to find some nooks to hide in.

We did see a couple of deer and

lots of prairie dogs

and even this bunny pretending to be a prairie dog! 

C even tangled with a wild Prickly Pear Cactus...by the looks of things I think the cactus won!

Taking a break!

Hike: Blue Sky to Coyote Ridge
Trails Used: Blue Sky to Coyote Ridge

Distance: 7.04 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Overall average: 2.2 mph
Overall Time:  3 hr, 7 min
Total Ascent:  749 ft.

Watchman Trail

This trail started out of the campground.  There weren't many flowers out this time of year but we did run across some along this trail.  The Indian Paintbrush were pretty.

Walking up the trail provided nice view of the Towers of the Virgin and the West Temple.

 Looking for wildlife:

 Then we found this deer right in front of us, no need for binoculars!

 Hike: Watchman Trail
Trails Used: Watchman Trail

Distance:  4.53 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Overall average: 2.2 mph
Overall Time: 2 hr, 03 min
Total Ascent: 1153 ft.

Rabbit Mountain Open Space

 

 Canada Thistle

Took the family down to Longmont today and hiked Rabbit Mountain Open Space.  We did not see any rabbits. We did see wildflowers,

Prickly pear cactus

 

 

Yucca

 
Golden Aster

 

bugs,

  

and had great views.

 

This hike is out in the open with very few trees so it's good to start early, go in the spring or fall, or go on cooler days in the summer.  There are a couple of different trails you can take of varying lengths.  We took the Eagle Wind Loop and were hoping to make it the whole way.  We could have if we didn't have prior commitments for lunch or if the kids weren't with us.  The views of the surrounding mountains are spectacular.  The Eagle Wind Loop trail has trees and  nice rocks to sit on or climb.

Hike: Rabbit Mountain Open Space

Trails Used: Eagle Wind Loop Trail

Distance: 2.92 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Overall average: 1.6 mph
Overall Time: 1 hrs, 47 min
Total Ascent: 501 ft.