Foothills Trail to the "A"

Brinkley and I woke up early today to hit the trails before the temperatures could skyrocket to uncomfortable levels.  We headed over towards the west side of town to the Maxwell Natural Area.  There were only two cars in the parking lot when we got there at about 7:30.  Three runners came through the parking lot as we were getting ready.  On our way back down there were a lot of mountain bikers heading up.

The trail goes north behind the stadium and slowly gains elevation.  About a mile down the trail it turns back south as the trail heads further up the mountain.  Brinkley and I took lots of breaks along the way to hydrate.  There is not much shade on this trail so I was glad there was some overcast from smoke.  And by not much shade, I mean none at all.  This would be a horrible trail to take mid-day.

The four mile round trip took slightly over 2 hours.  It probably wouldn't take that long if I really got after it but I didn't want Brinkley to overheat.  The view from the top was a pretty good one too!  In all the years living in Ft. Collins, I've never hiked to the "A" or visited Maxwell Natural Area.  There were tons of prairie dogs though.  I kept telling Brinkley to stay on the trail and away from the holes.

Flat start behind the stadium.

We went right about a mile and then back about a mile to the top of the "A"

Num, num, num.  He's getting good at drinking from the CamelPak.

Gaining some elevation.

Where the Foothills trail meets the "A" trail.  Nice view of the reservoir.

Final climb to the ridge line.

View from the top of the "A"

Brink really like the view!!  He would watch each car and bicyclist go by.

Happy Hikers!

Great view - smoke and all.

Painted rocks.  The freshman are slacking.  It's a bit faded.  

I'll probably hike this trail again.  I wouldn't mind doing this one in the winter when it's not so warm or smokey.  I bet the view is even better without the haze!!