Recommended highly by a co-worker, was looking forward to our hike in Lyons — was not disappointed.

Lyons is north of Boulder on the road to Estes Park & Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park.  Two trails at Button Rock — friendly pedestrian walk to Dam release or Sleepy Lion which traverses UP.  Yep, Sleepy Lion for us!

No real snow to speak of (except residual snowdrift monoliths) but being early March, still found it difficult locating/staying on trail because of winter season underbrush.  Hiking alone and early in season (ALONE – no other humans), I focus on staying safe, staying on trail — at least it crosses my mind 🙂  Unfortunately. this time we lost the scent so traveled UP for a better look OVER the forest.

Located a river and road far below — but would mean free-climbing with Ro on my back down a steep rock wall.  Took a last self-pic on my camera and began the climb down.  Ten feet or so near success, Ro squirms causing us to tumble the remaining distance (carry the scar of truth on my arm today :)).

Whew, so we’re down — now a river crossing in March.  C-O-L-D!  Used a dead pine to steady my crossing carrying Ro underarm.  Scurry up a ditch through more underbrush and pop up on a road of suburbanites — looking disheveled, bloody arm, no shoes — yeah, rocking a new look 🙂  I calmly ask — WHERE ARE WE?  Luckily less than half a mile from the Dam release (which was a super cool visual).

Climb the reservoir wall, hike halfway around Ralph Price [Reservoir] and start up another rock wall (Cook Mountain) with Ro on my back. What a crazy FUN day!  Allowed Rowan 20 minutes of off-leash play time where he learned to swim.  Step, step, PLUNGE, doggy paddle back to shore.  Ok, good enough for today!  LOL>

Except for the bloody arm, favourite hike to date — ok, top 3!   CRAZY FUN DAY!

protrails.com – Sleepy Lion Trail/Button Rock