I didn't like it 'on paper' either because of the gaperdom as well: 2-3 people across, Texas tourists, self-absorbed crossfitters, and headphones, so many headphones.lordhelmut wrote: ↑Mon Jan 25, 2021 3:26 pm Last time I did the Barr Trail, the parking situation gave me a mild brain aneurism and then at the end of the day, I got cut off by a large group coming off the incline and had to take aggressive manuevers to get around them, most of which was met with hostility. I haven't been back since, which is a shame, cause I love that area despite the gaperdom.
Then for a few years, this time of year, there was a solid Fatass run down in the Springs, we'd go up the Red Mtn, Incline to Rocky Mtn, Waldo (before the fire) and Garden, man I miss that run. It was fun running with a gang in January when it wasn't too crowded and it was just part of the day. I did it a half dozen or so other times, either just visiting town and doing a sunrise workout, running with a friend, heading up Pikes, or hiking with the family. And then I'd enjoy chatting with a local like a Stapanowich or a Zach or a Seth, and old people that knew everyone, and you can see how there's a culture. But I also did enjoy seeing others that were doing something personally challenging for them, working hard, without doing any of the disrespectful things that would have set me in a bad mood.
It probably also sucks more now with masks and distancing, and I wouldn't want to hit in late morning or later on a summer weekday. And I would only park for free and jog through town.
I guess it can be as good or annoying as you make it!