The Start of Wildflower Season
This weekend we didn't venture too far from home. With Katie recovering from COVID we decided to take it easy by hiking Arthur's Rock. It was a bonus that we got in without having to pay because of the Keep Colorado Wild pass that's tied to Katie's car registration. We got to the trailhead around 11 thinking parking might be tricky and hoping to snag an early-riser parking spot that was finishing their morning activity. But we didn't need to worry, there were plenty of parking spots left when we got there. In fact, the parking lot was full when we finished our hike so we ended up being the "early risers" taking up all the parking spots for the afternoon hikers.
The weather was great considering that the past few days it was raining and there's rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future. 50 degrees and just a slight breeze that we could have done without, but other than that it was a completely perfect hike. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground covering some wildflowers that we didn't see until our hike back after the snow melted. We're both excited for wildflower season, and it's just around the corner!
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Cold in the Shade
It was quite cold in the shade. So cold that there were still icicles hanging off the rocks.
Horsetooth
We made it to the summit of Arthur's Rock in just under an hour where we had a fantastic view of Horsetooth Reservoir and the city of Fort Collins.
Tiny
These tiny Filaree wildflowers are more of a weed than anything, but they're quite small and cute.
Beginning to Look Like Spring
I've seen some other photos from around the Fort Collins area that the Pasque flowers were in bloom and they weren't disappointing for our hike.
About to Bloom
These Pasque's hadn't opened up yet, but I'm sure they will within the next week.