Magnolia Mill | Star Spirit Adventures

Just got back from a lovely trip to Colorado. I have now visited in the early part of September as well as the later part. I have found that there can be advantages and disadvantages to both, but mostly these situations are due to the weather.

My family chose to stay in Winter Park. This particular location lived up to its name. We experienced a five-inch snowfall overnight and had to cancel some of our plans for the week. When we visited in the earlier part of September, we did not have to battle the snow, but again, this changes year to year. Sometimes you get snow, and sometimes the leaves change before you arrive. It is best investigate the situation year to year.

My husband, Neal, and I, did take a nice drive to view the Aspens, and while quite a few were losing their leaves, some parts of Colorado were still in full color. One particular location I would love to recommend for Fall lovers, is Aspen Ridge. The drive can be a little bumpy, but the colors are amazing.

Despite the snow, we still did some smaller hikes to destinations such as Magnolia Mill. Even with a little cooler weather, and all of the snow, it was totally worth the short jaunt. Magnolia Mill and Montgomery Reservoir look amazing with the snow glistening around them. They looked even better after my stepdaughter decorated the mountainside with a smiling snowman for future hikers to see.

If you would like to plan a Fall trip to Colorado, there are a ton of great sites that list hikes and drives to see the colors. Please visit the following for further information:

http://www.playwinterpark.com/top-5-spots-fall-color-near-winter-park-colorado?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Sept%20Guest%20Enews&utm_content=Sept%20Guest%20Enews+CID_e86868db63ed3eb8f0025a6896a0af11&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=SEE%20FALL%20COLOR

http://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2017/09/14/colorado-fall-colors-guide-where-and-when-go/659938001/

http://www.9news.com/weather/fall-colors/9-best-drives-to-see-fall-colors-in-colorado/315377917

Montgomery Reservoir and Magnolia Mill

Colorado is by far one of my favorite travel destinations. I cannot get enough of that amazing mountain air and the peaceful feeling that comes over me when I am exploring the trails. I have been hooked on exploring Colorado from the moment I set foot in the state. It was seven years ago and it was the very first hike my husband, Neal, ever took me on.

We were visiting Colorado in early May; very few trails were open. He took me to check out Montgomery Reservoir, which is located in Alma, Colorado, just outside of Breckenridge. The view of the reservoir was beautiful. I was very excited to learn that there was a mill just up the trail a little further. I love checking out old buildings.

We hiked up to Magnolia Mill and it quickly became one of my favorite places in Colorado. It looked so cool from the outside. I couldn’t wait to step through the door. My husband, gentleman that he is, let me go first. As I stepped over the threshold I was quickly brought to my knees. I realized through shear panic that I was sliding toward the edge of a fairly high drop-off.

I hadn’t taken my sunglasses off, which was clearly a mistake. I failed to recognize that I was stepping onto a very thick layer of ice. Neal quickly pulled me to safety. I quickly lost my privileges of first person through the door, and I also learned my lesson about taking off my sunglasses when entering an unknown building.

Despite that first experience at the mill, we still come back to visit as often as possible. We have photographed Magnolia Mill, and the weathering it has been subjected to, each time we visit. The last time we were there we hiked up even further on the trail and we were able to see a group of Off-roaders coming down the mountainside.

At this time I do not believe it is possible to enter the mill; it has been boarded up for safety reasons. It is, however, possible to hike quite a distance beyond the mill. I suggest at least going to the top of the waterfall; this provides a great view of the area.

For more information on hiking Montgomery Reservoir, please visit: http://www.summitpost.org/montgomery-reservoir/155632

Adventure is wherever the desire takes you.