HOTW: 8 mi. // < 1 hour from Denver // Let's go

So y'all helped me pick out my hike the other day and BOY DID YOU. I asked y'all miles between 2 and 10, then more than or less than an hour drive from Denver. We resulted in 8 miles and more than an hour from Denver.. so instead of sleeping as I should have been preparing for this hike I had in a short few hours, I was doing my research on AllTrails to find the best hike for y'all because, well, I'm a giver. My original search had lead me to a beautiful trail in Mueller State Park consisting of 5 ponds or so and not too much elevation gain. Approaching Mueller the next day with Renni, I realized that the park is in fact not dog friendly 🥲 NO BIGGIE. Things happen and plans change all the time. We drove back to the main gate, handed off our just purchased day pass to the guard to pass it on to the next person coming into the park and jumped back on AllTrails to see what we could come up with around us since we were already down in Woodland Park (also 10/10 recommend coming here to check out the town and hangout for a day, this place was beautiful).

We quickly found an 8 mile trail close by and set down the road for it. FAM. This hike was beautiful. Starting off with the river crossings, to the moss covered ground and bright green pines, EVERYWHERE. I felt like I was a wild fairy lady in my own explorative woodland forest and it was magical. The incline was no joke, but the hard work we put in to achieve the views made it all so worth it. *Note as of 6/2/23* There are still a lot of down trees from this passed winter across the beginning of this path but this doesn't make the hike unmanageable, just a bit more exciting!! Admittedly, Ren and I only got 3 miles in before having to turn back because of an approaching storm, making this a 6 miler instead of 8 for us, so we'll be back to finish this tackling this trail at some point soon. Go check it out for yourselves and let me know what you think!

Hike of the weeeeeeeeeek:

• Devils Playground from the Crags

• H A R D

• 8.5 miles RT

• 3,067 ft. elevation gain

• 2 hours from Denver

Don't forgets! (:

Bring extra water and definitely a good snack for the top. The elevation gain will make you more dehydrated, so remind yourself to drink more than normal! Also, a warm layer and a raincoat for this one for sure. Being so high in elevation, storms can happen any minute without much notice and you don't want to be stuck out there all unprepared. If you hear thunder, TURN AROUND! You can always go back and hike the trail again. She isn't going anywhere. Have fun and be safe! Love yous.