Month: July 2023

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5 Amazing Hikes in Colorado Springs, CO

If you’re moving to Colorado Springs, CO, you may already realize it’s a hiker’s paradise. This mountain town has so many trails that choosing which one to explore is the most challenging part. Here are five favorite Colorado Springs hiking trails with stunning scenic vistas around every bend.

Garden of the Gods

A registered National Natural Landmark and one of the most popular parks in the U.S., it’s easy to see why visitors and Colorado Springs, CO, residents flock to Garden of the Gods. Here, you’ll find stunning red rock formations against the dramatic backdrop of Pikes Peak and Colorado’s perennially blue skies.

You’ll also have your pick of hiking trails. The park has more than 20 miles of trails, from easy walks perfect for beginning trekkers to dirt scrambles for advanced hikers. Leashed dogs are welcome, and there’s an off-leash park on-site.

Palmer/Red Rock Loop Trail

With an elevation gain of 1,678 free across a 5.4-mile stretch, the Palmer/Red Rock Loop Trail offers a workout. This trail is rated “moderately” difficult, is open year-round, and is popular with hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

Also known as the Section 16 trail, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Garden of the Gods Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through juniper pines and red rocks. Keep dogs leashed, and prepare for sun exposure in the summer.

Midland Trail

The Midland Trail is about 8 miles out and back and is considered an easy hike. It’s also paved, making it a good choice for hikers of varied abilities. Want an easier hike? If you travel eastward, the trail slopes downhill for much of the way.

This urban trail runs from Colorado Springs’ America the Beautiful Park to Manitou Springs. It follows along Fountain Creek, offering lovely water views along the way. It’s popular with bikers, so be ready to share the trail.

Mount Muscoco Trail

Just southwest of downtown, the Mount Muscoco Trail starts in North Cheyenne Canyon Park. It’s a one-way trail that offers impressive views of the cityscape below and the Stratton Open Space.

At just under 4 miles roundtrip, the trail has a 1,329-foot elevation gain. It’s considered “moderate” in difficulty. Wear your sturdy hiking shoes and prepare for a workout — but the views along the way make the effort well worth it.

Barr Trail

Pikes Peak towers over Colorado Springs, and the Barr Trail takes you to the top. This challenging trail gains 7,500 feet in elevation along the 12 miles up to the summit, so it’s only for the experienced hiker. The trail is well-marked but considered “difficult,” so prepare accordingly.

Once you’ve scrambled to the summit of Pikes Peak, the views are unparalleled. Many choose to spread the hike between two days and camp along the way. You’ll share the trail with hikers, bikers, rock climbers, and (leashed) dogs.

On the Move

If you’re moving to Colorado Springs, Arrow Moving & Storage can help. Let us coordinate your move, so you can relax and enjoy your new home. Contact Arrow today.

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5 Steps to Moving Locally

Your upcoming local relocation is undoubtedly weighing heavily on your mind. Understanding the steps to your local relocation can help you make the event successful. Below are five steps to conduct a successful local relocation. Following these steps can help you complete your relocation and start your new life in your new home.

1. Declutter

Clutter is a challenge when you’re relocating. Clutter makes packing more difficult and also can make moving more expensive. The more stuff you bring when you move, the more you’ll pay to move it. If you can get rid of some of that clutter before you begin packing, you can meaningfully reduce the cost of your move. Decluttering also makes the packing and unpacking process easier, faster, and more rewarding.

Decluttering is a process. Do this room by room, cleaning out closets and drawers and removing clutter from surfaces you don’t need. Give it away if you last used something two years ago or more. If you’re unsure what to do with something, run it past a family member or friend. When you come upon sentimental items you’re not sure whether to keep, consider gifting those items to someone else who will also find them meaningful.

2. Buy Supplies

Buy packing supplies to have them on hand the entire time you move. Some examples of the types of packing supplies that you’ll need to include:

  • Boxes (all sizes and dimensions)
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing tape
  • Permanent markers (thick ones)
  • Scissors
  • Packing paper

You may also benefit from labels you can pre-print with the names of rooms on them. This will make designating which room each box goes in more straightforward and reduce the time you spend writing the names of rooms on boxes. Keep plenty of supplies on hand while packing. Always have extras, so you won’t have to wander around looking for the one pair of scissors or packing tape you set down somewhere.

3. Pack

Make a packing plan. A packing plan will ensure you have enough time to get through the entire packing process before the movers come.

4. Prepare for Your Arrival

You can prepare for your arrival at your new home in many ways. What you do in this step depends on what your needs are. Some examples of the type of preparation you might need include:

  • Turn on utilities at your new home
  • Buy curtains and blinds that fit your new windows
  • Buy furnishings that fit in your new home
  • Tear out the old carpet in your new home and refinish the floors
  • Repaint the walls in your new home

Doing this work before you arrive will help make your life easier when you get there.

5. Find Movers

Finding local movers is one of the most critical steps in your upcoming relocation. Get started by hiring a moving company you can trust. Look for a company with a good reputation, good references, and a long-standing presence in your community. Contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your upcoming relocation.