Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado
An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad. ~ Proverbs 29:6
It’s hiking day! Time to don the boots and get out there and burn some calories!
The trail we chose for today was advertised as 3.8 miles round trip and involved some decent climbing as your journey takes you across seven different bridges, crisscrossing North Cheyenne Creek. Hence the name, Seven Bridges.
But you shoulda seen me trying to get out! : )
Unfortunately, there were no signs! Can you believe it? We had to do a best-guess, based on what Blaine could find on his AllTrails map. As we started out where we finally assumed we were supposed to be, a woman passed us going the other way, so we asked, and she confirmed that we were in fact, headed in the right direction.
Nope. Nothing on the sign except a list of do’s and don’ts of who’s allowed on the trail.
And that was all well and good, until we came to a fork in the road. And still no sign. Eventually, Blaine discovered where someone had written ‘bridges’ and drew an arrow on a sign that was posted there pointing out other trails. Weird, that the bridges weren’t on the sign, because all the bridges are actually numbered, so you’d think they would’ve included this trail on the sign . . .
but there are probably at least a dozen people milling about here.
Blaine had also read that someone went beyond the 7th bridge, so of course that’s what we did! And while, the end of the bridges trail was pretty crowded, there was barely anyone as we moved on. And it provided a lot of fun, some scary moments, and beautiful views! And we were blessed to be able to see, or at least hear rushing water nearly every moment we hiked today!
“That’s what the sign says . . . .”
But then, where we’re concerned, what exactly is “normal” anyhow? : )
We decided to trust the direction of the arrow someone took the time to make.
Let’s hope they’re not pranksters!
We could’ve kept going for quite a while, but once we came to the end of our trail number and a new one started, we turned around.
but there was a guy hanging around asking me questions about the trail ahead. : )
Another portion of the Gold Camp Road continues on from the parking lot, so we took that, all the way to Rudy’s BBQ, sort of on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. We kept reading how this was the best restaurant in all of Colorado Springs, and it always smelled wonderful whenever we drove by, and the parking lot was always full, so we decided to stop by for a late lunch/early dinner.
Good thing he wasn’t halfway through, we never would’ve seen him in the dark!
At least he stopped and waited for us.
Below you’ll find an internet picture. For free. : )
Completed in 1937, the Shrine stands 114 feet high and was fashioned from a single boulder of Cheyenne Mountain granite. It was constructed entirely without nails or wood, and is instead bound together by 200,000 pounds of steel and 30 wagonloads of cement. The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun was named in a two-part tribute. The first is to actor, philosopher, and humorist Will Rogers after his untimely death in a plane crash in 1935. The second is in appreciation for the sun, captured each morning and evening as it illuminates the tower’s stark angles.
The Shrine houses several notable cultural attractions, including a 340-square-foot mural by renowned Santa Fe artist Randall Davey. The mural depicts the history of the Pikes Peak region and was commissioned by Spencer and Julie Penrose in honor of their love for the local area and its rich history. Additionally, photographs of Will Roger’s life are displayed in the stairways and enclaves, and the tombs of Julie and Spencer Penrose can be found through a separate entrance in the lower level of the Shrine.
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun features:
historic photographs from the life of Will Rogers
a 340-square-foot mural painted by renowned Santa Fe artist Randall Davey that depicts the history of the Pikes Peak region
an impressive panoramic view of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area
chimes that play music throughout the neighborhood on the quarter hour
a chapel filled with 15th and 16th century religious relics and the tombs of Spencer and Julie Penrose
Well, after reading and seeing all that, I wish we would’ve paid the entrance fee . . . .
Not sure why . . . .
Oh. My! It was probably the best bbq we’ve ever had! We both ordered the loaded (sour cream and cheese) smoked baked potato with two meats – chopped beef brisket and shredded pork. It was mouth-wateringly good! And huge! I only hate half of mine, which meant I can enjoy the other half tomorrow when we have leftovers!
Made me giggle!
Tomorrow promises to be another full day of adventure!