Dawson Butte

DAWSON BUTTE RANCH 🍂

I had a girls weekend planned with my college friends that didn’t pan out. But I already had the day set aside for myself (which is big currency, right?).

So what did I do? I embarked on a solo hike!

I hit up Dawson Butte here in Douglas County because it was a little longer than I usually like to carry a kid in a backpack carrier. Walking 5 miles with her on my back is rough these days, but I could easily do this on my own!

This 5 mile loop took me so darn long (2+ hours) because I stopped to take so many pictures. It had gorgeous colors, wonderful views of Devil’s Head, and lovely forest landscapes.

It was peaceful, flat, and pretty. If you are looking for a hike that doesn’t involve a huge incline, this one is perfect 😍

My tips for hiking alone!

🥾 Bring a knife or mace. I don’t encounter jerks often, so I don’t know how swift my reflexes are. I don’t think my HIIT classes have prepared me to roundhouse an assailant, so I bring these light weapons as backup!

🥾Bring a granola bar or piece of fruit! The carbs give you the zip of energy you need. I’m not a dietician but Google and my friends have advised me of this 😂

🥾 WATER. I try not to drink too much right before or else I’ll be peeing on the side of the trail. So I hydrate plenty the day before and bring a big water bottle along.

🥾MUSIC. It’s annoying to listen to other peoples music on the trail, but you know what else is annoying? Not hearing a mountain lion approach 🐆 So I avoid headphones. If you have the buds that allow you to hear ambient sound, that can help you listen to music while being aware of your surroundings.

🥾For the love of everything, please let someone know where you are going. I told my husband and a friend where I was at. If your phone is on a low charge, change your voicemail to indicate the date, time and your location.

Want to see my original post on this hike? Check it out on Instagram!