Want a quiet and tranquil hike? Try Eleven Mile State Park.
Its late March and the year of COVID 19 and deciding where to go is a big question mark. The state parks were open to hikers and hiking Eleven Mile was an excellent choice. It was like having our own little paradise.
Find the Coyote Ridge Parking Lot and you will find the hiking area of Eleven Mile State Park. About 5 miles of trails awaited us here.
We did them all…
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
We headed out without a map, over rock outcroppings, through baby aspen trees not showing their leaves yet and eventually into a meadow.
You can pick up a map at the Visitor Center or click here: Map
Looking west you can see for miles down Eleven Mile Reservoir with views stretching as far as the snow-capped peaks.
The lake mostly frozen this time of year had a few pockets of water filled with flocks of geese eager for summer.
The only sound coming from a slight wind, a few birds chirping, and busy squirrels letting us know we were in their territory. The trail lead us into tall pines, going up and down moderately through the mountain.
Eventually coming down through a meadow, across wetlands and down to the lake. Several small trails lead us into backcountry tent camping areas. We wandered through them all. These trails were tucked into secluded canyon pockets on the lakes edge. Felt very remote.
It was so quiet here …
… until the geese gathering on a mini island started their mating craziness with a lot of squawking … another sound of summer coming! Hiking here in any season is rewarding, full of wildlife and loads of different activity options.
Having the lake view during most of the hike was the best part. The entire hike was a loop with various smaller trails leading off but returning to the main trail.
Eleven Mile was the perfect getaway for a morning hike.
TIDBITS:
Summer guided hikes offered with park interpreters
Trails were easy to moderate
Open to leashed dogs
For all other activities offered and recent updates check out their website: Eleven Mile State Park.
Other hiking options near Eleven Mile that we’ve enjoyed.
Pancake Rocks Trail, Nothing Else Like It – Divide, CO
The Crags Trail, A Local Favorite! – Divide, CO
You Will Love Platte River Trail – Lake George, CO
FAVORITE TRAILS I WANT TO SHARE!
Blue Lakes Trail, Beyond Expectations! – Ridgway, CO
McCullough Gulch in Summer! – Breckenridge, CO
Discover Inter-Laken Trail! – Twin Lakes, CO
Ptarmigan Lake Trail is Pristine Colorado Hiking – Buena Vista, CO
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
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