Staunton State Park

J and I are subscribers of 5280 magazine and we enjoy some of the tips about where to hike, bike, and eat. It was no different when we read a little one-page write-up on Colorado's newest state park, Staunton State Park. Located only about 45 minutes away in Pine, CO we thought it looked like a fun place to go for an afternoon of hiking.

Enlarge for detail.

When we arrived we were afraid our plans had been squashed as the sky was dark, it was rainy and I hadn't brought my rain jacket. (Side note: Jeremy doesn't have a waterproof rain jacket, so that's his deal.) Anyway, we decided to wait for awhile as the majority of the rain passed and then took our chances with the weather.

Our view looking to our left as we set out (west).

And behind us (south).

It was a not so friendly looking cell.

We figured we would only hike what was about a 6 mile trail - from the parking lot we'd hike up the main trail to the turn off for the Old Mill, check that out, and then head back. The weather was holding, though, and springtime in Colorado is the best time to see waterfalls, so off we decided to trek to the complete opposite end of the park to see the waterfall instead. 

The first mile we were lollygagging the whole time. We tracked hummingbirds, followed purple-blue butterflies dancing across the trail, and looked at all the flowers (mostly me) and rocks. We realized we eventually needed to pick it up and off we went.

4.4 miles later we were at Elk Falls Pond and having a photo shoot with a large marmot (J's pictures to come!). A mile later, we were at the lake were standing at the overlook for the tall Elk Falls. That was where, the farthest we could be from the trailhead, it started raining. It wasn't too strong of a cell though and we were able to stay dry and eat a little. The sun even came out for us as we were about to turn around and gave us a beautiful view.

Coming up on the lake. The trail was available to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. That sign was no joke!

Made it to the pond!

J and the marmot (can you see him on top of the rocks? Click to enlarge the image if you can't.) We have super close up photos thanks to J's lens. I will post at least one I promise.

From Elk Falls Overlook (I hope you can yous see the falls. Click to enlarge.)

The rocks were a favorite of mine with their colorful green growth.

We followed our original trail back out around the pond and to the spot where we had the option of taking a trail to the Old Mill and hiking a little loop of things we'd not yet seen, or head back along the main trail and maybe detour north to the Old Mill if we decided that was worth it.

So, 7.5 miles into our hike we decided we'd take a new trail and see something fun. And we did, the climb often opened up into sweeping views of the mountains beyond and Pike's Peak in particular. It always seemed set on the horizon within our view.

At 10 miles into our hike we had finally made it to the Old Mill, the original intent of our planned six mile in and out hike. I'd like to note at this time that the park is full of crazy aspen groves. The last mile up the waterfall overlook was notable and this area was as well. This whole park is going to be blossoming with color in the fall. Yes. Blossoming in autumn.

From the Old Mill it was another 3.1 miles out over only .9 miles we hadn't already covered. Our feet would finally start aching the last mile or two. We were both wearing new boots, so we think we'll probably stick with them since they definitely stuck with us!

It has now been two days. I'm so sore and stiff you could probably walk up to me and push me over cow-tipping style because my hips refuse to pivot much. And I saved all the hip pivoting I could stand for the Matt Nathanson concert mentioned in the last post.

It was awesome and we can't wait to go back...especially in the fall!

-TJ