Dec 1 2017
Hiking Gray Back Peak Trail

Gray Back Peak Trail (Colorado)

The final hiking post on vacation was also in Colorado Springs.  The Gray Back Peak Trail is about 3 miles and follows a ridge up to a summit.  The Gray Back Peak Trail is a fairly easy and quiet trail, and we didn’t see a single person or horse out there (apparently, there is a horse trail there too). On Gray Back Peak Trail, there are nice views of the Cheyenne Mountain and Emerald Valley.

The Gray Back Peak Trail starts here on a somewhat single track trail.  You don’t climb much at the start of Gray Back Peak Trail but follow the straightforward trail for about 1.5-1.7 miles.

Grey Back Peak TrailThere are plenty of rocks to stand and take photos on at Gray Back Peak Trail, if that is your sort of thing. It’s one of the most scenic hikes we have done thus far because you have a view almost 100% of the time.

Grey Back Peak Trail The final hiking post of vacation was also in Colorado Springs. The Grey Back Peak Trail is about a 3 miles and follows a ridge up to a summit. It’s a fairly easy and quiet trail, and we didn’t see a single person or horse out there (apparently, you can ride your horse there).
Once we made it to the end of Gray Back Peak Trail, we were rewarded with a great view overlooking Colorado Springs. We saw several military planes flying too and from the bases. I joked, we can never truly get away from planes. 😉
Grey Back Peak Trail
On the way back down Gray Back Peak Trail, I wanted to climb up one of the rocks. Most people know by now how clumsy I am, so it was better thought than done. With a running start, boost from my husband, and several attempts I made it up. It makes me look more bad@$$ than I am. It was a bigger accomplishment than hiking Gray Back Peak Trail.

In all, Gray Back Peak Trail was a great short hike. We were out for about two hours. If you are looking for something relaxing with a great view, I highly recommend the Grey Back Peak Trail in Colorado Springs.  Gray Back Peak Trail was a short but quiet hike.  With a view the entire time, it was one of my favorites!

Hiking: 
Hiking Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder
Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon
Visiting the Grand Canyon
Hiking 7 Bridges (Colorado Springs)

Running: 
Haunted Half Marathon 5k (19:40)
Two Weeks of Training: Easy Miles Out West

Diners: 
Sams 3 Diner (Denver)
New Castle Diner (Colorado)
King Chefs Diner (Colorado Springs)
Snooze (Denver)

Questions for You:
Do you have a favorite trail? Have you been to Gray Back Peak Trail? 
Have you ever been horseback riding? 

Hollie 0 Comments
Nov 22 2017
Hiking Seven Bridges Trail (Colorado Springs)

Seven Bridges Trail (Colorado)

To answer the obvious question:  Do you hike over 7 Bridges?

The answer is yes!

My husband and I were looking for an easy hike in Colorado Springs a few days before we left.  We had done a shorter run in the morning and just wanted something active. Seven Bridges Trail popped right up.

The Seven Bridges Trail seemed like a fun and unique trail.  The Seven Bridges Trail takes you over Seven Bridges and stream crossings.  Each of the Seven bridges looks relatively similar, but it’s fun to conquer each one and have “something” to look forward too.

After leaving the parking lot and parking area, you begin by walking on an easy dirt railroad bed. After about .7 miles, you reach the bend on the road which begins the Seven Bridges trail. It’s about 1.7 miles one way.

I thought it would be fun to take photos at the Seven Bridges, but for some reason, I accidentally deleted bridge number 6.  Rest assured, it does exist.

So here we go up the Seven Bridges Trail:

7 bridges hike colorado springs
Number 1 of the Seven Bridges Trail
7 bridges hike colorado springs
Number 2 of the Seven Bridges Trail
7 bridges hike colorado springs
Number Three of the Seven Bridges Trail
7 bridges hike colorado springs
Number Four of the Seven Bridges Trail
7 bridges hike colorado springs
Waving at 5 of the Seven Bridges Trail

Insert 6 here, which for some reason I deleted from my phone.

7 bridges hike colorado springs
So excited at the seventh bridge, that I took a nap while standing

The Seven Bridges Trail itself is simple and easy and there were plenty of younger kids, as well as a few dogs.  At the Seventh Bridge, it just abruptly stops.  I do think there could be a sign that says, end or something. The trail continues to a moderately difficult hike. You are rewarded with views of the North Cheyenne Creek, Cheyenne Canyon, and Helen Hunt Falls.

After we made it 1.7 miles, we noticed a person running with their dog along another trail, so we decided to explore further than the Seven Bridges Trail.  So we decided to keep going to the top.  Ultimately it led us out towards Jones Park and to some of the most incredible views.

We walked on the side of a mountain.  I wanted to show how good I was at hiking, but ultimately nearly fell…so there is that.

7 bridges hike colorado springs

7 bridges hike colorado springs

7 bridges hike colorado springs
Almost to Jones Park

If you are ever in Colorado Springs and looking for a fun and beautiful hike, I highly recommend the Seven Bridges Trail!

Posts from Vacation:
Hiking: 
Hiking Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder
Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon
Visiting the Grand Canyon

Running: 
Haunted Half Marathon 5k (19:40)
Two Weeks of Training: Easy Miles Out West

Diners: 
Sams 3 Diner (Denver)
New Castle Diner (Colorado)
King Chefs Diner (Colorado Springs)

Question for you: What is your favorite hike or area to hike? Have you been to the Seven Bridges Trail? 

Hollie 1 Comments
Nov 19 2017
King Chefs Diner (Colorado Springs)

King Chefs Diner (Colorado Springs)

While driving through Colorado Springs, I knew there was one diner I wanted to go too: The King Chef Diner.  It had been on the Food Network before! Located on 131 e Bijou St., the King Chefs Diner cannot be missed.

King Chefs Diner Atmosphere: A
The King Chefs Diner is a small, purple, castle located on the main road.  If you aren’t familiar with it, you’ll wonder what you are driving by.  That being said, the King Chefs Diner is one of the best atmospheres out there!

King Chef Diner Colorado Springs Outside

The inside sits 13, and everyone must sit at the bar.  You can watch the chef in the back or talk to the waitress.  Everyone speaks to everyone, and you immediately meet new friends.  It’s clear that it’s a local favorite.

King Chefs Diner Coffee: A
The coffee was brewed hot and fresh, with plenty of whipped cream.  I have no complaints.

King Chefs Diner Service: A
For the entire diner, there is one waitress and one cook.  Which makes sense because it’s so small!  Our waitress was extremely friendly, knew almost everyone, and our food came out quickly.

King Chefs Diner Food: A
The King Chef diner is open for breakfast and lunch (not dinner), and you can order anything at any time.  The King Chef diner menu has unique options such as a burrito that appeared on the Food Network.  Since the breakfast burrito was on the Food Network, I knew immediately what I needed to order. If you are looking for something healthy, you probably won’t find it at the King Chefs Diner. A few other things they are known for include huevos de king chef and country gravy.

The portions are huge. The burrito had a flour tortilla stuffed with two scrambled eggs, sausage, grilled onions, hash browns & shredded cheese. I choose to top mine with their signature green chili!  It was spicy (which I like!).  It was one of the best burritos I have ever had.  I had watched the Food Network episode, so I knew to come hungry.  My husband and I had also run earlier and I even I struggled to finish the burrito.

King Chef Diner Colorado Springs

King Chefs Diner Cost: $
For the coffee and burrito, the cost was $13.  Most people would get two meals out of it.

Overall Thoughts/Summary of the King Chefs Diner:

I enjoyed the King Chef Diner, and I would go back anytime I’m in Colorado Springs.  It’s a unique experience!

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: A
Food: A
Service: A
Cost: $6-12
Overall: A

Other Diners I went on the Trip:

Sams 3 (Denver)

New Castle Diner (New Castle, Co)

Questions for you:
What is the smallest restaurant you’ve been too?
Have you ever been to a restaurant on the Food Network?

Hollie 0 Comments
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