There are 3 different trails to choose from at Rabbit Mountain Open Space: Eagle Wind, Indian Mesa, and Little Thompson Overlook. I had read about all 3 of them ahead of time and had planned on taking the Eagle Wind Trail, primarily because it was the longest one. When we reached the first trail split, a sign directed hikers to the right for the Eagle Wind and Indian Mesa Trails and to the left for the Little Thompson Overlook Trail. We headed right toward the Eagle Wind Trail, but as I was walking I kept looking back. The land was much rockier and rugged looking to the left. Something was pulling me in that direction and I decided to go with it. We headed for the Little Thompson Overlook Trail.
The Little Thompson Overlook Trail is about 3 miles round trip and the trail gains nearly 200 feet in the first half mile. This may not seem like much but the trail is steep enough to have switchbacks and gets your heart pumping. After the first half mile the trail drops about 100 feet as it winds through an open area. The trail ends at a rocky overlook with a giant bench and sign that says, "End of the Little Thompson Overlook Trail. Please stay on the trail."
I loved the giant bench. There was a plaque on it that read "To Remember Emmy 1988-2000. An enthusiastic Springer Spaniel who touched many hearts and walked these trails and who will always remain in ours." I thought it was so sweet and of course it made me think of my sister's happy lab Emmy that I love very much. Emmy's bench is a great spot to take in the views and that is exactly what we did!
Rabbit Mountain whispers of the wild west. The land is raw and scrubby, drenched by the sun, plain, and absolutely beautiful. The overlook itself offers views down into the canyon carved by the Little Thompson River, and across the high plains to the north and east. It was so peaceful and quiet. The only sound we heard was the wind. However, we did have one brief interruption from a jogger who reached the summit and commented to us that he thought the trail would never end. He started to gaze out toward the overlook and then his cell phone started ringing. He answered it and started jogging back down the mountain. I know I am attached to my phone, as many others are these days, but this was a place where you really didn't need it. I was so happy when he left and we got to enjoy the sunshine and peace and quiet again. It is rare that you find that anywhere these days!
I had read that raptors (owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles) hunt in the area and that Golden eagles nest on the property. They actually close areas of the trails during their nesting season to protect them. I kept hoping to see one, but no such luck. We didn't really see much wildlife on the trail. It is still kind of early in the spring for wildflowers to bloom, but we did see a few small purple flowers sprouting out of the ground. Mostly, we saw ponderosa pines, grass, and cacti. At Rabbit Mountain, the grasslands of the east meet the tree-dominated mountains of the west. They call this transitional area the foothills and it supports a wide variety of plants and wildlife. I am looking forward to coming back to this area during different times of the year in hopes of seeing more.
It was a beautiful way to spend the day and to mark the beginning of the 2013 hiking season for me! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Cheers! :)
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