I know I have said it before, but it is one hot summer! In Phoenix, we’ve had 34 days and counting when the temperature is above 110. That’s just too much for this Colorado dog! I guess that is why I keep reminiscing of days gone by and remembered the Lady Moon Trail near Red Feather Lakes in Northern Colorado.
You travel 22 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. At Livermore turn left on County Road 
74E, Red Feather Lakes Road, and travel west for about 20 miles. Parking is available at the Mount Margaret trailhead on the right hand or north side of the road. The trail is accessed through an unmarked gate directly across the road from the Mount Margaret parking area.
As with any high-altitude hiking, you will want to bring extra water for you and your pup. You have a couple of options once you park: a 6.5-mile loop or a 2.5 mile out and back. Check the skies as afternoon showers are common in the Rockies. If you chose the shorter route, look for Lady Moon trail markers that lead to an interchange for additional trail like Granite Ridge, which would be your turnaround spot.
As for the day we went, it was nice and cool – just the way I like it! I do alright in the heat these days being a desert dog and all, but I certainly get a bounce in my step with cooler temps. Woof! Anyway, it must have been near fall as some of the trees were turning color. My mom loves that!
Immediately, we had gorgeous views of granite rocks as we hiked the easy to moderate trail. Apparently, this trail gets heavy traffic now, but when we went, it was nice and quiet. You would probably want to get there early to find a parking spot and beats the crowds. That is always a good plan anyway with afternoon storms.
As we continued on through the forest, we began to see the Rocky Mountain views in all their majesty. I do miss those rugged, snow-capped peaks! For a short hike, it is quite scenic. We came just to hike, but you could backpack in picnic or do the longer loop to make it a full-day outing. That’s the beauty of this trail system – lots of options!
It all went by rather quickly, and before I knew it, we were back home in Loveland, Colorado. We all have to hold on 
to our memories of cooler days until they come, which they will. So, stay safe, cool and healthy!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
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