CCU News / Opinion / Sports and Outdoors
Take a Hike
Oct 17, 2024
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“There is no other place like Colorado. Any spot you go to hike, you are just going to be enamored by God’s creation.” – Elli Breeser
Meet 3 locals who know their way around the Lakewood trails and check out their favorites! Discover the wide variety of places to hike/ run and read about the function of nature and faith within the CCU community.
Meet Kaylie Bookout!
Kaylie is a sophomore studying Strategic Communication here at CCU! She’s currently training for 6k cross country races, specifically Nationals in California.
For Kaylie, training in the mountains is a simply reminder of her humanness…
“Training in the mountains definitely humbles you and reveals that you are not in control. I can hydrate, I can eat enough, I can rest enough, but in the long run, it’s not in your hands.”
When choosing a place to hike, Kaylie looks for a certain level of difficulty, safety, and scenery. Her favorite spot is Green Mountain Trail, located in William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park just 10 minutes from CCU! It’s a 6.6 mile loop with different trailhead locations to accommodate various levels of ability. From the trailheads, you’ll be able to see beautiful sunsets and sunrises, making it a popular, and often crowded, spot. Here’s a picture Kaylie took during one of her hikes at Green Mountain:
Next, meet Rachel Bryan!
Rachel is a transfer student studying Business! This semester, she’s training for a sprint triathlon.
“When I’m running, I’m constantly thinking about the importance of endurance, community, and honoring the body God gave me. I believe that spending time outdoors, whether running or hiking, produces results that are honoring to God.”
When she goes hiking, she usually looks for a trail that is wide enough to fit two people because having company is often more inspiring than going by yourself. Her favorite spot at North Table Mountain, located in Golden, CO. She recommends the Mesa Top and Cottonwood Canyon Loop, a 4.2 mile trail:
“It starts with this dramatic incline and then plateaus… It’s a steep downhill and a loop back down to where you park.”
There’s little to no shade, so it get’s hot and sunny, depending on the weather. It’s a popular spot for bikers and runners, but beware… There are rattlesnakes at this location! Below is a picture Rachel took while hiking this trail:
Finally, meet Elli Breeser!
Elli is a freshman studying Outdoor Leadership. Recently, she hiked the 14er, Quandary!
Elli enjoys scramble hiking, which means the trail includes climbing up rocks. Her favorite spot is White Ranch Park, located in Golden, CO. The park’s Rawhide trail is a 5 mile loop, featuring a blend of unique terrains. It’s scenic and has minimal tree coverage, so it can get quite sunny if you’re out there on a sunshine-y day! The photo to the right is a picture from the trail, taken by Rachel Mandt.
“He created those mountains! Seeing how beautiful the wildflowers are or even just a pine tree – it astonishes me every time I look at it. Nature is a huge part of my journey with the Lord.”
Bonus Recommendations From Rachel Mandt!
Red Rocks
Located just outside Lakewood in Morrison, CO, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is a popular spot for locals to visit during the warmer seasons. It’s a great spot with a variety of hiking and walking trails just 20 minutes away from CCU Campus. The trails are safe and well-traversed. Many people enjoy getting to the Amphitheater early in the morning to watch the sunrise. To the left is a picture, taken by Rachel Mandt, showcasing just one of the beautiful views from Red Rocks.
Mount Falcon Park
Another beautiful hiking spot is Walker’s Dream via Castle Trail, located in Mount Falcon Park in Morrison, CO. This trail is only 3.1 miles out-and-back with only 380 feet elevation gain, so it’s an easy option for any level. You’ll see active wildlife, other hikers, dogs, and mountain bikes on the trail. She recommends getting there early to secure a parking spot. Below, there’s a photo Rachel Mandt took during one of her visits to this trail.
