As much as my family loves the outdoors, they enjoy their technology, too. So when I suggested we participate in Cabela’s Disconnect Day, there was a mixed response and surprisingly, the push-back was mostly from my husband who loves his TV time in the evenings. This isn’t the first time we’ve been challenged to disconnect. Earlier this year, my daughter’s school encouraged families to go for one evening without technology and electricity. We failed. Ever since then I’ve realized just how dependent we are upon modern conveniences.
We went camping at Brainard Lake in June so that was my family’s official Disconnect Day but my kids and I recently had another memorable day where we unplugged with friends in the most beautiful setting.
Maxwell Falls
Evergreen, Colo. is one of my favorite local getaways and only 20 miles from Denver. We’ve hiked extensively at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park and around Evergreen Lake but had never done popular Maxwell Falls until I decided to do a solo hike last winter. There are essentially three hikes from which to choose:
1) The 4-mile Lower Maxwell Falls route starts at the lower lot before eventually connecting with the main trail that takes you past two small water falls and Upper Maxwell Falls. You have the option to take the Cliff Loop for extra mileage. This is the hike I did in the winter and got lost. Disclaimer: There was snow and poor signage if you can’t see the trail.
2) The Upper Maxwell Falls from the upper parking lot. This is a short 1-mile round-trip jaunt to the falls.
3) The Upper Maxwell Falls-Cliff Trail Loop. Our group of friends opted for this 3-mile option where we started at the Upper Maxwell Falls trailhead and followed the Cliff Trail through aspen groves and lodgepole and ponderosa forests. There was a moderate ascent with stunning rock promontories that gave us gorgeous views of the Arapahoe National Forest.
This adventure was not just about the 30+ kids we had in our midst but about the mothers who (usually) love them.
Mama Hikers
I thought the umbrella was a particularly nice touch on a hot summer’s day. If you were in the South of France.
From our gorgeous view point off the Cliff Trail, we descended to the valley floor–connecting with Maxwell Creek–and that is where the real fun began as they kids played in a culminating set of two cascading falls along the route.
We spent so much time in the smaller cascades that when we saw the actual Upper Maxwell Falls, they were a bit of a letdown because they’re inaccessible from the trail. However, that didn’t stop my monkeys from scaling down the steep ledges to the base of the waterfall.
Maxwell Falls
In the summer months, Maxwell Falls is usually reduced to a trickle but after our wet spring, this hike is definitely a Disconnect Day Adventure worth taking!
Directions: Upper trailhead lot. South of Evergreen on Highway 73, take Brook Forest Road for three miles. To access the upper trailhead, continue to Black Mountain Road, turn left and drive another one and a quarter mile. Lower trailhead lot: Take Highway 74 to the center of Evergreen. Turn right at the stoplight onto Highway 73. Go to Brook Forest Rd. and turn right. The lower trail head is encountered first on the left just past Columbine Road.
Contest
We are giving away a Custom Adventure Pack provided by Cabela’s. Enter the contest by filling out the form below.
The prize is valued at approximately $300 and includes:
• A Daypack
• A Multitool
• Freeze dried macaroni and cheese
• Lip Balm
• A Battery Powered Lantern
• A First Aid Kit
• A Pie Iron
• Cornbread or Cobbler Mix
• A Cabela’s hat for each member of your family
• Your Choice of Outdoor Game:
o Tent Pole Ladderball
o Big Game Bag Toss
o Washer Toss
To take the pledge:
1. Get online to take the pledge and choose the day you will disconnect. http://mydisconnectday.com/
2. Go have an awesome adventure with your family! After you day is over, feel free to share your experiences with the hashtag #MyDisconnectDay
CONTEST CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNER RHONDA F.!
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
