Month: September 2023

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Best Fall Hikes in Colorado Springs, CO

You are in luck if you are considering relocating to Colorado Springs, CO! No matter the season, this mountain city is one of the best places to reconnect with nature. You can hike in the Pikes Peak region even when the temperature drops. Here’s a list of five favorite hikes to explore in fall and winter.

1. Aiken Canyon Loop Trail

Nestled in the foothills of the Front Range, the Aiken Canyon Preserve tends to get less snow than the nearby mountains. But even when the ground is white, the Aiken Canyon Loop Trail offers a scenic route. The trail is less than 4 miles long and is considered relatively simple. For more of a challenge and to reach the scenic overlook, add the .5-mile spur trail.

2. Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods may be a city park, but its rock formations make it a unique destination — and the perfect place for a scenic fall or winter hike. Trail choices that look especially lovely with some snowfall include the Perkins Central Garden Trail, an easy 1.5-mile loop with minimal elevation gain. The Siamese Twins Trail offers a bit more climb, with just under 150 feet of elevation gain and a fantastic view of Pikes Peak. For a longer hike, try the 2.5 Gateway & Central Garden Trail.

3. Dawson Butte

Open (and popular) year-round, Dawson Butte Open Space and Trail offers 5.1 miles to explore. The trail curves through meadows and woodlands, so you’ll experience a range of ecosystems along the way. Leashed dogs are welcome, and you’ll likely encounter mountain bikers in the fall and snow-shoers in the winter. The trail difficulty is rated “moderate,” with over 400 feet of elevation gain. Experts recommend heading clockwise on this loop trail, starting in scrubby areas before traversing tall conifers and flat meadows with amazing views.

4. Fox Run Loop Trail

The Fox Run Loop Trail runs for just over 3 miles, with an elevation gain of 420 feet. This popular trail has great Pikes Peak views you’ll glimpse as you wind in and out of the trees. Keep your eyes open for local birds and wildlife. While it’s considered an easy trail, remember that the Black Forest does get a lot of snow. If you hike this trail from October to May, make appropriate preparations.

5. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

A great place to visit in the fall is the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. A sizable portion of fossil beds known for their insect and plant-related fossils are protected by the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. You’ll find several easy-to-moderate trails within the monument. Especially popular is the 3-mile Boulder Creek Loop Trail, which offers a fantastic view of Pikes Peak and the Petrified Forest Loop. This 1.1-mile trail, rated as easy, winds through the ancient lake bed through the fossilized redwoods for a unique hiking experience.

Colorado Springs, CO, Relocation

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6 Reasons to Move to a Smaller Home

While many people make it their goal to move to larger homes each time they relocate, there are some benefits to moving to a smaller property. From money savings to energy savings and other benefits, there are many reasons to move from a large home to a smaller home. If you have an upcoming relocation and you’re trying to decide where to live, these reasons to move into a smaller home can help you decide whether a smaller home is the right type of house for you.

1. Save Money on Utilities

Smaller homes require less heating and cooling energy, which means lower utility costs. You can further reduce the money you spend on utilities every month by weatherstripping your home and boosting insulation in the attic. Wearing sweaters in the winter and running the ceiling fan in summer is another way to keep yourself comfortable indoors without spending more money on heating and cooling costs.

2. Easier to Maintain

Smaller homes tend to be easier to maintain than larger ones because they have fewer rooms and less square footage. For many people, this means less mess to clean up weekly, potentially a smaller yard to maintain, and some maintenance tasks (like painting the walls) taking less time. If you’re tired of cleaning and maintaining your current home, a smaller one could be a welcome change.

3. Less Expensive to Maintain

Just as a smaller home is easier to maintain, it costs less. The smaller your house is, the less you’ll spend on cleaning services and products. The same goes for specific maintenance tasks like painting the walls: the smaller your home is, the less money a contractor will charge.

4. Frees Up Funds for Other Things

Choosing a smaller home can free up funds for other priorities, such as travel, business investments, or even a dream water view. Consider what you might gain by sacrificing some square footage before deciding you “need” a certain amount of space.

5. Easier to Sell Later

Smaller homes tend to cost less, and that often makes them appeal to a broader range of home buyers when the time comes to sell. Larger, more expensive homes appeal to a smaller number of people, and that can make them hard to sell when you put them on the market.

6. Modest Homes Can Feel Roomy

A house does not necessarily have to feel small inside because its footprint is modest. Compared to a much larger home with an awkward floor plan, a smaller home with a well-thought-out design can feel just as spacious (if not more so) and has fewer hassles.

Ready to Relocate? Find the Right Movers

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