Craig Daily Press

The spring sun has hit Moffat County, and with 1.5 million acres of public land -- well more than twice the size of Rhode Island -- there are plenty of excuses to get out and experience the numerous hikes available.

Considering that the cost for access to these lands -- largely controlled under the Bureau of Land Management -- is free, outdoor enthusiasts such as Ned Miller never miss an opportunity to spread the word about the Moffat County's vast hiking potential.

"We live in a sportsman's paradise, with hundreds of things to do and see outside. I don't see how anyone could say they're bored living in Craig," said Miller, sportsmen's information specialist for the Craig Chamber of Commerce.

From the moderate to the extreme, Craig residents do not have to venture far to find high-quality hiking trails. Miller noted that the nature trails at Loudy-Simpson Park, only a mile south of town, offer an excellent escape.

"It's beautiful open valleys along the river," Miller said. "That's where my wife and I had our wedding ceremony."

For hikers looking for more of a challenge, Miller recommended the Bears Ears loop on Forest Service Road 1144 near Elkhead Mountain. Close to 20 miles in length, the loop traverses high alpine passes with steep elevation changes, exposing hikers to remote backcountry with substantial wildlife.

Looking forward to the season ahead, Miller reminded those wanting to commit to hikes in isolated wilderness areas like the Bears Ears loop of a few important precautions.

"Get in shape, and take a good map, adequate clothing and equipment and some food rations like an energy bar so you're not hungry, soaking wet or getting hurt. And always, always, let someone know where you're going to be," Miller said.

Many Craig locals have their favorite hikes picked out and are just waiting for the right weather to pull their boots out of the closet.

"I like Black Mountain. You've got pine trees, aspen trees, bear, wild game. ... It's gorgeous, that's why you go," said Jim Simos, owner of Cashway Distributors.

Joe Herod, owner of Craig Sports, likes to get a little farther out of town to explore the cedar trees and rock ledges of Deerlodge Park, about 20 miles west of Maybell.

"There's a good series of trails with big, cool views of the canyon. I spent all day there," Herod said.