Hiked among some Red Rock, but not at Red Rocks Canyon.

My hiking buddy called this morning and suggested we take a hike I had mentioned before to her. It is one that begins in the Manitou Springs Cemetery instead of at Red Rocks Canyon.

I haven’t hiked this trail in years and couldn’t remember exactly what it was like. I did remember hiking it more in the winter months than in the summer. So I was game to try it. The cemetery is called Crystal Valley Cemetery, and my hiking buddy was very attracted to the sparking rocks on the trail. She even brought home a sizable one for her garden.

Click here to see a map of this trail system.

When we arrived there we were trying to assess the slipperiness of the trail. Just as we got out of our cars and discussed if we wanted to wear our YakTrax, three women came down the trail. So we asked them. The assured us we would want our YakTrax on our shoes, but didn’t discourage us in any way for going on the trail. So on they went and up the trail we hiked.

All along the trail and surrounding the cemetery there are some “minor” red rock formations. So we still were hiking among red rocks and on the trail we walked upon very red dirt.

After many days of very cold weather that has kept me from hiking and very little sunshine, this sunny hike was just what the doctor ordered to get my spirit renewed.

This trail is part of the “Ring the Peak” trail and part of the Intermann Trail that goes both to the trail that starts on Ruxton Ave. by my house and down into Red Rocks Canyon. Unfortunately there is a bit of private land that keeps the trail from connecting to Red Rocks Canyon.

Blue Oyster Cult is playing, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” on iTunes as I began this blog . . .

All through the Cemetery one would see brightly colored plastic flowers.

I have three friends that are buried here. I always spend a few moments contemplating the good times we had together when I come to hike here.

There looked to be an angel cloud above these graves by the parking area. Maybe one of my friends was greeting me, or letting me know he or she would be watching over us on the trail.

And the trail was every type of condition one could imagine: snowy, icy, slushy, running water, muddy, etc. I am always glad I have my hiking stick on winter trails and the YakTraks were a very good idea.

When we got back and I was sitting on the back of my car to take off the YakTraks, I noticed this interesting view of the Garden of the Gods through the trees.

The trail is sort of an “urban trail”, as it is so close to houses and the Manitou Springs High School.

Yet there are great places for quiet contemplation and the views are spectacular!