Some thoughts and discussions from me.
Boulder Hiking: Gregory Canyon Trailhead
A couple weekends ago Shane and I met Heather at Gregory Canyon for a hike around the Green Mountain/Chautauqua area. Gregory Canyon is a short, but steep hike that provides a moderately challenging hike surrounded by abundant pine trees!
Gregory Canyon Trail is primarily a rocky trail, so although it’s nice and shaded, you don’t have to worry too much about lots of mud. There were a few muddy areas, but nothing we couldn’t get around. The trail gains 900 feet in elevation in 1.1 miles, so it provides a pretty good cardiovascular workout. I was breathing pretty heavy, but that could have also been due to chatting the entire way up and down with my new friend 
I also stopped to take in the views of the canyon, as well as the smells of the trees. I love, love, love tree-lined hikes. They just smell so GOOD!
We stopped where Gregory Canyon Trail ended (you can tell because the ground immediately levels out) but if we would have kept going, we could have continued through Ranger Trail through the woods. Ranger trail first provides a slight incline, and then further a steep incline of almost 1,200 feet in 1 mile. From here you can take the Green Mountain Trail to the summit of Green Mountain. Unfortunately we had to keep it short because we had a lot to do the rest of the day. Next time!
What I Loved About Gregory Canyon Trail:
- The trees!
- Lack of mud
- Various colors of rocks
- The distance for a quick afternoon hike
What You Should Know:
- It’s part of Boulder OSMP, but it does cost $5 for parking, and parking might be limited on a nice weekend day. I’m pretty sure we got the last possible spot there!
- Watch out for poison ivy. Stick to the trail! I’ve never gotten poison ivy, and I’d like to keep it that way
- Restrooms are available at the trailhead.
Gregory Canyon Trailhead
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Starting elevation: 5,856 feet
Elevation gained: 6,756 feet
Duration: approximately 1.5 hrs
Dogs allowed: Yes
Bikes allowed: No
Getting there: Take Baseline west past Chautauqua Park until the road turns into Flagstaff Rd. You will see a sign for Gregory Canyon Trailhead on your left.
And now it’s time to brave the snow roads and go teach a core class! Can you believe we were sweating and getting sun burned on Sunday and then today it’s back to snowy and cold?? Crazy Colorado weather.
Have you ever gotten poison ivy?
I’ve never gotten poison ivy, but I remember getting poison oak when I was a kid. Not an experience I recommend!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Breaking Down High Expectations.
i think we need to come train there for the summer, yes? so beautiful!
cottercrunch recently posted…MIMM: Giving in
Yes, yes, yes!!! I think it’s the perfect spot to train 😉 Convince James??
LOOK LIKE PERFECTION!!! Love it!
And I have gotten poison ivy more times than I can count. I am highly allergic. In fact after one hike in the 6 grade I had it all over my cheeks b/c the pollen was in the wind! It was not cute haha
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted…Training Tuesday #2
Poison ivy: uuugggghh. I got it for the first time about a year ago. Growing up we always ran around in the woods, and I was sure I’d run through the stuff on many occasions and assumed I must be immune. Last spring I decided to pull weeds and clear some brush in the wooded area of our backyard–paying no attention to what might be poison ivy because, again, I assumed I was immune. Oh, how wrong I was! Within a few days I had it all over my legs and arms. It was miserable. Lesson learned: apparently poison ivy tolerance is like filling up a bucket–every time you encounter the stuff you add a little to the bucket, and it won’t bother you until the bucket is full. From then on, you better watch out!
Catherine @ A Two Storey Home recently posted…Italian Chicken Sausage and Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf
Looks like a great short day hike. I’m putting it on my list for when I’m in the area!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…Tread Lightly!
Let me know when you’re here if you want an extra hiking buddy! 🙂
I wish I could go hiking as much as you do!!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted…Graze: Farm Fresh to your door
Looks like a great hike and a fun workout!
Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers recently posted…Earth Day Rewind
I’m so jealous of all these beautiful hiking trips you are going on! Such an out of the box way to get in a great workout!
Danielle (@CleanFoodCreativeFitness) recently posted…The Secret to Never Worrying About your Weight Again
I love these hike posts Paige! Such inspiration to get out more this summer. My husband and I went quite a bit last year, but I’m inspired to hunt down more that are new to us.
I’ve never been to Colorado, but these posts make me want to travel there soon!
Christa @ Edible Balance recently posted…You can’t win them all…
I love hiking!! Husband and I just did a new hike this weekend, too. I love that we live somewhere that has so many hiking trails.
Your hike looks great! And awesome that it was dog friendly. There are quite a few here that aren’t, which is strange to me, being from Texas, and having so many dog friendly areas and trails.
E recently posted…Kealia Trail
Thankfully, no, I’ve never gotten poison ivy. I bet it is miserable!
I love that smile on your face! Looks like quite the adventures!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) recently posted…Blueberry Baked Yogurt
I go on hikes here all the time! Maybe one day I will see you =]
Hayley recently posted…Putting my life in perspective
Ah! I continue to be jealous of all your hiking adventures. It looks so beautiful out there!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League recently posted…Gluten Free Breakfast Cookies
That was a fun hike – we need to meet up for another one soon! (or you could join me for fencing class that starts next week…just saying ;)).
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted…How Learning to Fence Makes You a Better Leader
Fencing class?! You are flipping awesome, Heather 😀
FYI, the link on Heather’s name in the first paragraph is broken. It’s missing a “http : //”