We saw friends catching up. We saw a mother with her young child. Others walked their dogs while runners and mountain bikers were bound for longer distances.

Just another splendid day at Ute Valley Park. 

Yes, the trails between the woods and rocks on Colorado Springs’ north side cater to all. That was obvious from a look around at last visit, starting from a less-visited side of the park. Right in the middle of a neighborhood, this southwest trailhead might best showcase Ute Valley: Wild nature is steps away from the front door. 

The Winding Woods await. This was our wonderfully named loop.

Adjacent to the green space and playground that is Pinon Valley Park, Pinon Park Drive meets the trailhead. The wide path escapes the neighborhood for quick views of Pikes Peak, Blodgett Peak and huge boulders and outcrops. 

Atop the hill, a sign points right for Winding Woods. Soon, we came to another marker pointing left for the thin trail entering the pines. 

The trail meanders under the canopy before the trees break. Here the path winds out of the woods and wraps around a wide open meadow. 

The pines return to the trail as it gently ascends back toward that hilltop starting point. Our tracker was just shy of a mile at a junction where Winding Woods continues left. Or one could turn right here, extending the trip to other loops called BeaUTEiful and Rocky Top (see the map posted at friendsofutevalleypark.com). 

But Winding Woods Loop satisfies on its own — as we saw on the smiling face of those hikers, runners, cyclists and dogs. 

Trip log: 1.5 miles round trip (loop), 256 feet elevation 

Getting there: Trailhead is at the southeast corner of Pinon Valley Park, 5585 Mule Deer Drive. Off Interstate 25, exit west for Garden of the Gods Road. Turn right for Centennial Boulevard and follow to the right turn for Mule Deer Drive. The road goes around the park to Pinon Park Drive and the trailhead. 

FYI: Park open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. November-April; 5 a.m.-10 p.m. May-October. Multi-use trails. Dogs on leash. Trails icy in winter; wear traction. 

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE