#Flatirons Vista Trail

[faguscarolinensis]

Lupinus argenteus / Silvery Lupine on the Flatirons Vista Trail in Boulder, CO

[slytherin-bookworm-guy]

The Unique Charm of Broomfield, CO

Uncover the Unique Appeal of Broomfield, CO

Broomfield, Colorado, combines the charm of a close-knit community with the conveniences of modern living, making it a truly exceptional destination in the state. Positioned perfectly between Denver and Boulder, Broomfield offers scenic Rocky Mountain views, abundant outdoor activities, and a thriving business sector. Whether you're planning a visit or considering making it home, Broomfield’s distinctive qualities will leave a lasting impression.

1. Breathtaking Scenery and Outdoor Adventure

One of Broomfield’s defining features is its natural beauty, with sweeping mountain views and lush green spaces. Home to over 8,000 acres of open areas, parks, and trails, the city provides countless ways to explore the outdoors. Locals and visitors alike enjoy popular spots like Broomfield County Commons Park and Interlocken Trail, where mountain vistas and tranquil landscapes make for ideal hiking, biking, and picnicking locations.

In winter, Broomfield’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains means you’re just a short drive from world-class skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. No matter the season, Broomfield is a haven for those who appreciate the great outdoors and year-round recreation.

2. A Flourishing Hub for Tech and Innovation

Broomfield has become a significant player in Colorado’s tech and business scene. With major companies like Oracle, Level 3 Communications, and Vail Resorts headquartered here, the city’s Interlocken Technology Park has developed into a bustling center for innovation. This thriving business environment attracts entrepreneurs, professionals, and tech enthusiasts, providing ample job opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial culture.

Thanks to its strategic location near Denver and Boulder, Broomfield has emerged as a convenient base for professionals looking for both career growth and a balanced lifestyle. The city’s business-friendly atmosphere and dynamic corporate landscape make it a magnet for those in the tech industry and beyond.

3. A Welcoming, Family-Oriented Community

Broomfield consistently ranks as one of Colorado’s best cities for families, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities, Broomfield creates an environment where families can thrive. The Paul Derda Recreation Center offers diverse programs for kids and adults, making it a popular spot for community activities and fitness.

Broomfield’s dedication to fostering community spirit is evident in its year-round events, including holiday parades, summer concerts, and seasonal festivals. The city’s strong commitment to education and safety makes it especially appealing to families looking for a supportive and enriching place to live.

4. Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Broomfield has a vibrant cultural scene with something for everyone. The 1stBank Center hosts major concerts, sports events, and performances, bringing in well-known artists and entertainers. For a more local touch, the Broomfield Auditorium offers theater, music, and art exhibits, showcasing the talents of the community and creating a gathering space for residents.

For history buffs, the Broomfield Depot Museum provides insights into the city’s journey from a small agricultural town to a thriving suburban community. FlatIron Crossing, a nearby shopping and entertainment hub, combines retail therapy with great dining and entertainment options, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

5. Ideal Location and Regional Accessibility

Broomfield’s central location is one of its greatest assets. Nestled between Denver and Boulder, it offers quick access to both urban experiences and mountain adventures. Residents can easily enjoy the cultural and recreational offerings of nearby cities while returning to the tranquility of Broomfield’s neighborhoods.

Denver International Airport is about a 30-minute drive away, making travel convenient for residents and visitors alike. The city’s location and access to major highways make it a prime spot for those who want to experience all Colorado has to offer without sacrificing convenience.

6. A Focus on Sustainability and Open Space Preservation

Broomfield places a high value on environmental sustainability, dedicating significant resources to conserving open spaces and promoting green initiatives. Its well-connected network of parks, trails, and greenways encourages residents to walk or bike, reducing their carbon footprint while enjoying the outdoors.

The city’s sustainable initiatives include energy-efficient building codes, recycling programs, and tree-planting efforts. Broomfield’s commitment to environmental stewardship resonates with eco-conscious residents and visitors, making it a great place for those who prioritize sustainability.

7. Diverse Dining Scene and Local Breweries

Broomfield’s culinary landscape offers a mix of dining experiences to satisfy all tastes. FlatIron Crossing and its surrounding areas feature a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from cozy family diners to upscale dining establishments. Food enthusiasts can explore a selection of flavors, from classic American to international cuisines.

Local breweries are also an integral part of Broomfield’s culture. These establishments, often featuring handcrafted beers and seasonal specials, offer a cozy atmosphere where locals and visitors can relax and socialize. The food and drink scene in Broomfield highlights the community’s diverse tastes and commitment to quality.

8. Strong Community Bonds and Volunteer Opportunities

Community spirit is one of Broomfield’s most valued qualities. The city fosters a warm, welcoming environment through numerous community events, volunteer programs, and local festivals. Broomfield residents are known for their friendly, supportive nature, and newcomers quickly find opportunities to connect through volunteer programs and community gatherings.

From park clean-ups to helping at local non-profits, Broomfield encourages people of all ages to get involved, making it easy for residents to build meaningful relationships while contributing to the community. This emphasis on community bonds makes Broomfield feel like home for both longtime residents and newcomers.

9. Perfect for Exploring Colorado’s Front Range

Broomfield’s location is ideal for exploring the Colorado Front Range. Just a short drive from Denver’s nightlife, Boulder’s outdoor activities, and scenic mountain towns like Estes Park, it serves as the perfect base for adventure seekers. Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation, arts and culture, or simply enjoying the region’s scenic beauty, Broomfield’s location makes it easy to explore the best of Colorado.

The city’s proximity to Denver International Airport further enhances its appeal, offering convenient travel options for residents and visitors alike. Broomfield’s central position allows for easy day trips and weekend getaways, giving you the freedom to enjoy all the region’s highlights without the long commute.

10. Quality Living with Modern Amenities

Broomfield combines modern amenities with small-town appeal, providing an exceptional quality of life. The city offers a wealth of services, from healthcare and education to recreation centers and libraries. The Paul Derda Recreation Center is particularly popular, featuring swimming pools, fitness facilities, sports courts, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

With its well-planned neighborhoods, low crime rate, and strong public services, Broomfield offers a comfortable and safe environment. This combination of modern amenities and a supportive community atmosphere makes it one of Colorado’s most desirable places to live.

Experience the Unique Blend of Nature, Innovation, and Community in Broomfield

In summary, Broomfield, CO, is a city that combines the best of Colorado’s natural beauty with the conveniences of urban life. Its dedication to sustainability, support for local businesses, and strong community connections make it a remarkable place to live, visit, or explore. Whether you’re drawn to its scenic landscapes, thriving economy, cultural events, or welcoming community, Broomfield offers an experience like no other.

With its ideal location, close-knit community, and stunning views, Broomfield stands out as a true Colorado gem, offering residents and visitors an inviting and enriching experience year-round.

[ygarn]

2024-06-17 Flatirons Vista Trail

[ramblesrunsrides]

Arizona

Finally we made it to Arizona! The desert was just as I remembered. The Saguaros greeted us with their welcoming arms.

Our first stay was Roper Lake State Park where we rested for the night and enjoyed the amazing sunset over our campsite.

Time to push on to Lost Dutchman State Park but a slight detour to Picket Post Trail to stretch our legs and experience hiking at 28C. It was the first hike in the high desert and glimpses of Spring breaking through on bushes.

Next stop was Lost Dutchman and our home for seven nights. Nestled under the Superstition Mountains and only an hour to Phoenix we had little reason to venture offsite especially with our view.

The hiking and biking were wonderful on the trails that led into the Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Wilderness area. Lucy proved herself once again as a great hiker on the challenging Siphon Draw Trail that led to the top of Flatiron. We didn’t make it to Flatiron with winds and a little too much scrambling but the views were good. She hitched a ride back down in Don’s backpack.

We took the opportunity to bike a great paved trail from Scottsdale to Tempe. The route skirted golf courses and multiple sports fields where people were very busy and active. It was so much nicer than a rough trail that Don thought we could use to get to Apache Junction without using the busy road from Park entrance. It was paved too but the hills made it feel like a roller coaster ride.

For a change of scene we decided to take a little road trip from the Park to Tortilla Flat (population 6) along the Apache Trail. The scenic drive through canyon country had plenty of vistas and well worth the twisty, steep road. Tortilla Flat is an authentic remnant of an old west town, nestled in the midst of the Tonto National Forest, in the Superstition Mountain Range. It started out as a stagecoach stop in 1904 and neither fire nor flood has been able to take away this historic stop along the Historic Apache Trail.

Now it’s off to park #2 - Buckskin Mountain State Park near Lake Havasu for more adventure.

[thatsnakeman]

Flatirons Vista Trail, CO [OC] [3000x1601] via /r/EarthPorn https://ift.tt/2XqLZ3u

[seanwrenn]

⛰️Double Vision⛰️ Eldorado Mountain - - - #eldoradomountain #flatiron #eldorado #hiking #trail #abstract #edited #trippy #natute #bouldercolorado #Colorado #flatirons #may #spring #2020 (at Flatiron Vista Trailhead) https://www.instagram.com/p/CANtcWhDKGJ/?igshid=1dzdowbktipsx

[twobigears]

crystalsanddollarbills replied to your photo: Muddy hike today, but we’ll take mud and clouds...

Where in co ? I’m looking at finding new hikes this summer around Denver

This was the Homestead Trail from the South Mesa Trailhead near Boulder. There are tons of great hikes around the Boulder area. We just don’t do them often, and only on weekdays since they’re hella busy and full of dogs especially on weekends.

We also hike from the Doudy Draw trailhead, which is right across the street from South Mesa. South Mesa has frequent closures right now though because they are still doing repairs from the 2013 floods.

The Flatirons Vista trailhead is at the other end of the trail system from Doudy Draw, and usually not terribly busy during the week. Good hikes there too. Any of those three are where we usually go when we don’t want to spend a lot of time driving since they’re only about 30 min to get there for us. 

Of course lots of good hikes farther out too! We usually hit the Ward/Nederland/Rollinsville areas for hikes in the mountains instead of the foothills. Golden Gate Canyon is a good one too, lots of nice trails there. 

Starting this year I want to try and do a bit more exploring and find some of the lesser-known trails. Not so easy around crazy busy Denver anymore, lol. Heck just any different trail, certainly we get our favorites that we gravitate back to but I want to see different stuff too!

We do live north of Denver, so if you live more south I admit I don’t as much yet about trails south of I70.

[toomarvelously]

Checkin’ out #flatiron vista trail in #Colorado #travel #traveller #travelgram #instatravel #instapic #tagforlikes #instacool #instadaily #instagram #instagood #instashot #photooftheday #ignation #igtravel #travelpic #travelphoto #travelphotography #traveling #travelingram http://ift.tt/2zE72li

[faguscarolinensis]

Lathyrus latifolius / Broad-Leaved Sweet Pea on the Flatirons Vista Trail in Boulder, CO

[lauraguerrarealestate-blog]

Laura Guerra Real Estate

Denver Real Estate For Sale

The city of Boulder at Colorado's state is a gorgeous city. It's ranked 11th on the list of cities in the state of Colorado and is also the county seat. The town of Boulder lies at the intersection. Boulder is renowned for being home to campus of the Colorado State University.

Apart from the Colorado State University, the town is also home to a Buddhist inspired university- the Naropa University. With the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, this city offers beautiful panoramic vistas and greenery. The town of boulder Colorado offers more than thirty 1 million acres and more than one hundred and thirty miles of trails for hiking, which makes it a paradise for nature enthusiasts as well as hikers. It offers individuals a change to indulge in outdoor activities in the form of mountain climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, and playing golf.

You'll have a number of options to pick from, whenever you're currently seeking to buy a home in Boulder, Colorado. You will discover that alternatives are offered by Boulder property to individuals and families thinking of buying a home. There are plenty of alternatives for people looking for a house that is moderately priced, while a number can be quite expensive. Homes for sale in Boulder, Colorado offer options such as apartments, single-family houses, custom built homes, condos, studio flats, and lavish row homes and town homes.

For those individuals that are considering investing in lavish properties, the city of Boulder offers bungalows in the kind of golf course properties. Aside from these premium properties, the city also provides a slew of cheap homes in the areas and historical homes. These Boulder property properties provide essential facilities such as good schools, libraries, museums, parks, markets, and shopping malls and contemporary amenities. Another source of cheap houses in the city of Boulder is the foreclosed property marketplace that is Boulder.

No matter which kind of Boulder home that you are interested in, it is vital for you to have a few basic details in hand which can allow you to make your purchase decision in addition to help you to negotiate the best deal for yourself. These details deal with your budget any specific characteristics that are of interest to you, and also the location of the house. It'll be easy for you to zero in to a Boulder home that meets your requirements all, as soon as you've the relevant information in hand.

In a market Boulder property continues to hold its value.

At the start of the first quarter Denver and its neighboring cities continued to fight against depreciation brought on foreclosure and by home owner default. Boulder continued to entice home buyers who were looking to relocate from out of country, while just twenty miles off, and others who looked from across the Front Range.

So can the city of Boulder continue to attract home buyers on a constant basis?

One motive, there are many realtors that are well dressed and understand the folks, the community, and the market. Well established and experienced realtors have been one piece of this puzzle that has retained Boulder as one of the most sought not just in the state but in the country when regarding property.

In January of 2002 the median sales price for a house in the town of Boulder was $360,450. At the end of December of 2006 the median sales price for a home in Boulder was $440,000, which will be an increase of 18% during that time period (Source: Boulder County Government Department of the Assessor).

According to the statistic home values in Boulder appreciated over three per cent a Year on average.

Legislation is underway to control all. Who is at fault, and is Boulder not affected by an market?

Historically, Boulder has had a reputation of getting borrowers. Since Boulder property has been in a position to appreciate at a steady rate many home owners have managed to utilize the equity in their houses as large down payments as soon as they have sold their home and bought a new property or refinance to obtain a better house loan or interest rate.

Many borrowers in cities throughout the Front Range haven't managed to do so because these markets have depreciated in value.

Since many of those loan programs have affected borrowers throughout the nation with credit scores to qualify to get homes, Retail, wholesale, and private investors are partly to blame. As a result, a number of these borrowers have defaulted and gone into foreclosure. Now the three biggest investors in the United States; Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae need to tighten up their guidelines so shaky markets like Colorado can recover.

Boulder at Colorado's state is a beautiful city. The city is the county seat. Boulder is the most populous city in the county. Additionally, it ranks 11th in the state of Colorado since the most populous town. The most important thing that makes the town of Boulder known is the University of Colorado. Boulder's town houses Boulder Homes the University's campus. This is the greatest university in the state of Colorado. The Naropa University, that is a licensed Buddhist inspired university, is located in the town of Boulder. The town of Boulder is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, where the Great Plains have been met by the hills.

Whether you're relocating or buying property, Boulder offers a variety of Boulder property. It'd be a great idea to get a home though you're looking for a home in Colorado.

It's needless to describe the splendor of Boulder. With the Rocky Mountains standing as background and extensive greenery makes the city a lover's paradise. Boulder has an open space of more than half of one thousand acres. It is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Boulder has one hundred and thirty miles of hiking tracks. Nature lovers can go mountain biking biking, and play golf.

The Boulder real estate's costs vary from high to low. It caters to individuals from every walk of life. Boulder also supplies golf course properties for people who are eager to invest in bungalows. There are plenty of homes which you can see in Boulder. The neighborhoods are pleasant with all kinds of facilities like libraries parks, and daily markets. Boulder offers a living for the residents and of the Boulder real estate properties are adorned with the amenities. Boulder also supplies a lot of historic houses for buyers. If you are currently searching for houses at very affordable prices, you can opt for foreclosure properties too.

Boulder Colorado has often been called the "Berkeley of the Rockies." While it can look like that from the outside, using youthful and liberal bumper stickers, hipsters lining the streets, homes and the homes of Boulder are actually conservative.

Whether your Boulder real estate. Are your main residence or used just as investment property, you will be happy to hear that land in Boulder has valued more or 5 percent each year. Appreciation is shown by A long time since 1979 significantly greater than 5.

There are loads of homes offered in the 100,000 all the way to the millions while the typical cost for a single-family house in Boulder is $ 400,000. According to estate market reports of the area, houses are on the market For 60 - 90 days before they sell. Sellers normally get between 95% and 100 percent of their asking price, when they are purchased. Houses are priced fairly and there's a continuous influx of people.

Which sort of person owns real estate in Boulder? There's one major university and a small number of schools, so there are lots of students and professors in the region. Amgen, Ball Aerospace, National Center for Atmospheric Research, IBM, Lockheed Martin and Celestial Seasonings have every put up shop in Boulder using a number of the neighborhood residents Too. The annual earnings of Boulderites is about $20,000 more than the national average.

Boulder supports and encourages small businesses to join with the community. The businesses that set up shop in the town, whether on Pearl Street (featuring earthy goods ranging from gypsy to ethereal) or Twenty-Ninth Street (upscale and rather posh), have historically done quite well. Many of these shops are types, bringing in spenders from all around the Denver Metro area.

The Chamber of Commerce established an Economic Vitality Program, bringing resources together with people seeking to relocate or start a business in the community that was robust to keep their growth and prosperity. A slew of Information Regarding the Economic Vitality Program is available at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce's web site.

The conservation-minded will discover lots of the housing options in Boulder are right in line. There are plenty of self-sustaining and solar-powered homes available in the region greater per capita than any other incorporated area in the US. There's even an whole community built around the idea of environmentally friendly.

In Holiday, the "green" community, the roads are made to allow residents to see the majesty of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and Flatirons in addition to promote auspicious solar vulnerability. The neighborhood park was planned to improve the quality of runoff water in the area. Homes were constructed with tools which are sustainable throughout and after harvesting, and nontoxic construction materials. Street lighting has been modeled to be energy efficient so citizens may respect the stars at 20, and reduce light pollution.

The diversity is unmatched. Throughout rush-hour, you will find nearly as many cyclists commuting house. Each Memorial Day more than 50,000 participants, from gorillas to mothers hoping to induce labour, participate in the Bolder Boulder, the countries most attended 10K run/walk. You will find over 120 paths place paths for runners. Every April 20, a group of marijuana enthusiasts join for an yearly cannabis culture ritual around the University of Colorado, Boulder's campus.

There are a range of famous homes and structures in and around Boulder. The Stand, by Stephen King, was place in Boulder, where Mr. King lived for about a year. The hotel from The Shining was motivated by The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, a city about 30 minutes. Boulder was utilized by mystery author Stephen White in a series of books as the background. The tv sitcom Mork & Mindy starring Robin Williams was set in Boulder. The house in 1619 Pine Street at Boulder was utilized as Mindy's home's outside shot.

Famous people have called a bit of Boulder property home. Besides Stephen King, the founders of the animated television series South Park attended the University of Colorado, Boulder. Kristin Davis, of Sex in the City fame, was born at Boulder and spent a bit of her childhood there. Jon Benet Ramsey, a 6-year-old beauty queen and murder victim, was also from Boulder.

You will find summer Shakespeare festivals, an open-air farmers market twice per week rides which draw hundreds of bikers each Thursday to multiple community events every day of this week. It is no wonder there are so many people ready to move to Boulder and find a great bit of real estate to call house.

[ygarn]

2020-06-17 Early morning walk on the Flatirons Vista Trail

[neilmillerne]

5 Bucket List Wildflower Hikes

Spring is in full bloom, but there’s still time to catch wildflowers on hiking trails around the country. In fact, in alpine areas, you could spot flowers through the summer. Here are five trails already brimming with color, so you can score a low-impact, calorie-burning hike while enjoying high-impact aromas and views.

1. BAR ISLAND

Where: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine High bloom: June Flower highlights: Lupine

Spot pink, white and purple hues all along Bar Island, a small island located in Acadia National Park. You’ll need walk there at low tide, but timing your visit for the three-hour window is worth it. Once on the trail, you’ll head up through a meadow to find views not just of flowers, but of the park and sparkling harbor. The Bar Island trail itself is fairly easy to navigate and the entire walk is family friendly, at about two hours total, round trip.

2. TANAWHA TRAIL

Where: Linville, North Carolina High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Rhododendron

The Tanawha Trail itself is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and spans more than 13 miles. You can skip to more floral areas by parking in the Rough Ridge lot accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike a mere half mile south on the Tanawha from Rough Ridge to find blooms. Note: The trail itself has some steep, rocky spots, so watch your step as you flower spot.

READ MORE > 10 AMAZING BENEFITS OF WALKING

3. SIPHON DRAW TRAIL

Where: Apache Junction, Arizona High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Brittlebush

This 5.5-mile trail, located in Lost Dutchman State Park, can get your heart rate up with steep climbs, so bring plenty of water and prepare to work as you spot wildflowers including vibrant lupine and poppies. (If you feel like pushing yourself even more, you can hike a half mile further to the top of the Flatiron, for additional views.)

4. UPPER CAPE HORN TRAIL

Where: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Purple Larkspur

Enjoy sweeping vistas and views of the Columbia Gorge and get up close and personal with Cape Horn Falls. Enjoy maple groves, the easy sway of long grass and the shade of fir trees. Of course, there are loads of wildflowers to spot along the way. While the rugged trail is open year-round, the lower portion is closed from February to July 15 to protect nesting falcons. The upper portion still provides a scenic workout, however, and is only about a 45-minute drive from Portland.

5. ANTELOPE VALLEY POPPY RESERVE

Where: Lancaster, California High bloom: April/May Flower highlights: Poppies

Even though California’s state flower blooms relatively early, there’s still time to see the landscape awash in orange. The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve boasts eight miles of trails for those with a moderate fitness level, so you can lose yourself and relax only about an hour and a half from Los Angeles. Enjoy rolling meadows and hills filled with poppies, along with stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The post 5 Bucket List Wildflower Hikes appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2sbCsLI

[almajonesnjna]

5 Bucket List Wildflower Hikes

Spring is in full bloom, but there’s still time to catch wildflowers on hiking trails around the country. In fact, in alpine areas, you could spot flowers through the summer. Here are five trails already brimming with color, so you can score a low-impact, calorie-burning hike while enjoying high-impact aromas and views.

1. BAR ISLAND

Where: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine High bloom: June Flower highlights: Lupine

Spot pink, white and purple hues all along Bar Island, a small island located in Acadia National Park. You’ll need walk there at low tide, but timing your visit for the three-hour window is worth it. Once on the trail, you’ll head up through a meadow to find views not just of flowers, but of the park and sparkling harbor. The Bar Island trail itself is fairly easy to navigate and the entire walk is family friendly, at about two hours total, round trip.

2. TANAWHA TRAIL

Where: Linville, North Carolina High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Rhododendron

The Tanawha Trail itself is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and spans more than 13 miles. You can skip to more floral areas by parking in the Rough Ridge lot accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike a mere half mile south on the Tanawha from Rough Ridge to find blooms. Note: The trail itself has some steep, rocky spots, so watch your step as you flower spot.

READ MORE > 10 AMAZING BENEFITS OF WALKING

3. SIPHON DRAW TRAIL

Where: Apache Junction, Arizona High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Brittlebush

This 5.5-mile trail, located in Lost Dutchman State Park, can get your heart rate up with steep climbs, so bring plenty of water and prepare to work as you spot wildflowers including vibrant lupine and poppies. (If you feel like pushing yourself even more, you can hike a half mile further to the top of the Flatiron, for additional views.)

4. UPPER CAPE HORN TRAIL

Where: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Purple Larkspur

Enjoy sweeping vistas and views of the Columbia Gorge and get up close and personal with Cape Horn Falls. Enjoy maple groves, the easy sway of long grass and the shade of fir trees. Of course, there are loads of wildflowers to spot along the way. While the rugged trail is open year-round, the lower portion is closed from February to July 15 to protect nesting falcons. The upper portion still provides a scenic workout, however, and is only about a 45-minute drive from Portland.

5. ANTELOPE VALLEY POPPY RESERVE

Where: Lancaster, California High bloom: April/May Flower highlights: Poppies

Even though California’s state flower blooms relatively early, there’s still time to see the landscape awash in orange. The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve boasts eight miles of trails for those with a moderate fitness level, so you can lose yourself and relax only about an hour and a half from Los Angeles. Enjoy rolling meadows and hills filled with poppies, along with stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The post 5 Bucket List Wildflower Hikes appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2sbCsLI

[albertcaldwellne]

5 Bucket List Wildflower Hikes

Spring is in full bloom, but there’s still time to catch wildflowers on hiking trails around the country. In fact, in alpine areas, you could spot flowers through the summer. Here are five trails already brimming with color, so you can score a low-impact, calorie-burning hike while enjoying high-impact aromas and views.

1. BAR ISLAND

Where: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine High bloom: June Flower highlights: Lupine

Spot pink, white and purple hues all along Bar Island, a small island located in Acadia National Park. You’ll need walk there at low tide, but timing your visit for the three-hour window is worth it. Once on the trail, you’ll head up through a meadow to find views not just of flowers, but of the park and sparkling harbor. The Bar Island trail itself is fairly easy to navigate and the entire walk is family friendly, at about two hours total, round trip.

2. TANAWHA TRAIL

Where: Linville, North Carolina High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Rhododendron

The Tanawha Trail itself is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and spans more than 13 miles. You can skip to more floral areas by parking in the Rough Ridge lot accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike a mere half mile south on the Tanawha from Rough Ridge to find blooms. Note: The trail itself has some steep, rocky spots, so watch your step as you flower spot.

READ MORE > 10 AMAZING BENEFITS OF WALKING

3. SIPHON DRAW TRAIL

Where: Apache Junction, Arizona High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Brittlebush

This 5.5-mile trail, located in Lost Dutchman State Park, can get your heart rate up with steep climbs, so bring plenty of water and prepare to work as you spot wildflowers including vibrant lupine and poppies. (If you feel like pushing yourself even more, you can hike a half mile further to the top of the Flatiron, for additional views.)

4. UPPER CAPE HORN TRAIL

Where: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Purple Larkspur

Enjoy sweeping vistas and views of the Columbia Gorge and get up close and personal with Cape Horn Falls. Enjoy maple groves, the easy sway of long grass and the shade of fir trees. Of course, there are loads of wildflowers to spot along the way. While the rugged trail is open year-round, the lower portion is closed from February to July 15 to protect nesting falcons. The upper portion still provides a scenic workout, however, and is only about a 45-minute drive from Portland.

5. ANTELOPE VALLEY POPPY RESERVE

Where: Lancaster, California High bloom: April/May Flower highlights: Poppies

Even though California’s state flower blooms relatively early, there’s still time to see the landscape awash in orange. The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve boasts eight miles of trails for those with a moderate fitness level, so you can lose yourself and relax only about an hour and a half from Los Angeles. Enjoy rolling meadows and hills filled with poppies, along with stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The post 5 Bucket List Wildflower Hikes appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2sbCsLI

[johnclapperne]

5 Bucket List Wildflower Hikes

Spring is in full bloom, but there’s still time to catch wildflowers on hiking trails around the country. In fact, in alpine areas, you could spot flowers through the summer. Here are five trails already brimming with color, so you can score a low-impact, calorie-burning hike while enjoying high-impact aromas and views.

1. BAR ISLAND

Where: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine High bloom: June Flower highlights: Lupine

Spot pink, white and purple hues all along Bar Island, a small island located in Acadia National Park. You’ll need walk there at low tide, but timing your visit for the three-hour window is worth it. Once on the trail, you’ll head up through a meadow to find views not just of flowers, but of the park and sparkling harbor. The Bar Island trail itself is fairly easy to navigate and the entire walk is family friendly, at about two hours total, round trip.

2. TANAWHA TRAIL

Where: Linville, North Carolina High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Rhododendron

The Tanawha Trail itself is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and spans more than 13 miles. You can skip to more floral areas by parking in the Rough Ridge lot accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike a mere half mile south on the Tanawha from Rough Ridge to find blooms. Note: The trail itself has some steep, rocky spots, so watch your step as you flower spot.

READ MORE > 10 AMAZING BENEFITS OF WALKING

3. SIPHON DRAW TRAIL

Where: Apache Junction, Arizona High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Brittlebush

This 5.5-mile trail, located in Lost Dutchman State Park, can get your heart rate up with steep climbs, so bring plenty of water and prepare to work as you spot wildflowers including vibrant lupine and poppies. (If you feel like pushing yourself even more, you can hike a half mile further to the top of the Flatiron, for additional views.)

4. UPPER CAPE HORN TRAIL

Where: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon High bloom: May/June Flower highlights: Purple Larkspur

Enjoy sweeping vistas and views of the Columbia Gorge and get up close and personal with Cape Horn Falls. Enjoy maple groves, the easy sway of long grass and the shade of fir trees. Of course, there are loads of wildflowers to spot along the way. While the rugged trail is open year-round, the lower portion is closed from February to July 15 to protect nesting falcons. The upper portion still provides a scenic workout, however, and is only about a 45-minute drive from Portland.

5. ANTELOPE VALLEY POPPY RESERVE

Where: Lancaster, California High bloom: April/May Flower highlights: Poppies

Even though California’s state flower blooms relatively early, there’s still time to see the landscape awash in orange. The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve boasts eight miles of trails for those with a moderate fitness level, so you can lose yourself and relax only about an hour and a half from Los Angeles. Enjoy rolling meadows and hills filled with poppies, along with stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

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