It’s rare to snap a view of Pikes Peak from Denver, but a 45-minute drive from my LoHi personal training studio in Denver gives a clear view of the floating mountain from Staunton State Park. The pictures from my recent hike show it (and much more) in the distance even on an overcast day. Definitely worth the challenge!

**My home away from the** **personal training studio in Denver**.

Mason Creek, Bear Paw, Old Mill and Staunton Ranch Trail Loop Trail

Time of Year: Saturday, April 8th, 2023.

Weather: 51 degrees and overcast.

Cover: 80% covered.

Time: 8:49 am - 12:08 pm.

Distance: 9.08 miles total, a steady 1499 total foot gain.

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Route: Staunton Ranch Trail (clockwise) to Old Mill Trail to Mason Creek Trail to Bear Paw Trail to Mason Creek Trail to the trailhead.

Traffic: Light to Medium traffic by the end.

Parking: 50% full (2 lots).

Equipment: Hiking boots and microspikes for the icy sections.

Terrain: Dirt-packed trail with some areas of rocks and ice. Easy access to the vistas.

Experience: Always a great experience in the well-manicured Staunton State Park. Heading clockwise on this trail saves you some work on the steeper grade in the other direction. While most of the trail is a tree-covered path with random views, the payoff is in the middle 2-3 mile stretch (where the vista turnoffs are located....each worth stopping to check out). Whether finishing the loop or heading out and back in either direction, you're locked in for at least 8 miles for all of the vistas. Even on an overcast day, Pikes Peak shined in the distance above the clouds. Well-worth the hike!

Cost: State park daily or annual pass.

Difficulty: Moderate for length and steady elevation-gain heading clockwise (steeper climb counter-clockwise).

Personal Trainer Notes: Definitely enough gain and distance for a workout but nothing too serious for anyone with an adequate cardio-baseline. The counter-clockwise route looked more challenging and, perhaps, most ideal for my eager personal training clients in LoHi.

My **personal training** **clients in Denver will love this old mill on the trail!**

**Climbing walls for my most ambitious** **LoHi personal training** **clients!**

**Even an Illinois native can handle this trail!**

**An incredible first vista on the Mason Creek Trail!**

**Quite the landing pad for a** **personal training** **session outside of Denver!**

**The trail to fitness with a** **Denver personal trainer! Who’s coming with me?!**

**While Staunton State Park is popular,** **personal training** **clients can find solitude at different points of the Staunton Ranch Trail.**

**Although the view seems far from the** **LoHi personal training studio, it’s only 45 minutes away!**

**I definitely need to start scheduling** **personal training** **on this boulder pad! So beautiful!**

**A nice little rock climb for a view!**

**A quick stroll away from the** **Denver personal training studio**, **and you’ll find yourself in a field of beauty!**

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!