Today’s hiking adventure began at West Palmer Park.
A light dusting of snow gently covered the trail as we began our hike.
We diverted from the Palmer Lake Trail to follow along Shingle Creek on the Shingle Creek Regional Trail towards Brookdale Park. The ducks were enjoying the open waters of the creek.
Brookdale Park has a nice looping trail that follows alongside Shingle Creek.
We spotted a deer across the creek from us. It was so still I thought for a minute it was a statue. As soon as our eyes adjusted to the brown landscape, we began to notice several more deer were lying down camouflaged by the tall dry grass.
We continued to hike around Brookdale Park crossing over Shingle Creek again.
After closing the loop at Brookdale Park, we made our way back to the Palmer Lake Trail. I loved seeing the little footprints in the snow of the wildlife throughout the park.
Once again, we diverted from the Palmer Lake Trail to hike the Shingle Creek Regional Trail.
We crossed over Highway 94/694.
On the other side of the highway was Centennial Park. This park also has a short looping trail that follows alongside Shingle Creek.
After closing the loop at Centennial Park, we made our way back to Palmer Lake.
Growing up, I used to rollerblade and bike around this area with my brother and friends. I haven’t been to these parks since I was a teenager. It was interesting to see how the trail system and parks nearby have changed for the better.
Today’s hiking adventure was 8.5 miles.
Neaton Adventures 