On a recent hike in Ute Valley Park, we got to thinking about how fortunate we are here in Colorado Springs. About how fortunate we are for this park between north side neighborhoods, this place close to home but seemingly far away, wild.  From certain vantage points, it’s easy to imagine home s marching on here where woods, meadows and bluffs dominate instead. Instead, there we were with a great view, feeling fortunate indeed.  There we were along Rattlesnake Ridge. The rattlesnakes were hibernating. And we were enjoying a splendid loop around the park’s west side and best overlooks. We started in the neighborhood, from the trailhead near Pinon Valley Park. Up Pinon Park Drive, the wide path steeply and briefly rises to Triple Treat Trail, marked to the left of the map showing the simple, scenic loop to be made with Rattlesnake Ridge Trail.  Rattlesnake Ridge Trail at Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs. Seth Boster, The Gazette Triple Treat Trail runs sandy and rocky through low oak with views out to Austin Bluffs and Black Forest. Shy of a mile, the trail meets Ute Valley Regional Trail. We proceeded left through the meadow, coming to the four-way with Rattlesnake Ridge Trail on the left.  The trail swoops back south and steadily rises to Ute Valley’s highest reaches. The trail is well-marked between the rocky ridge’s angling outcrops, captivating like the views of Pikes Peak and points running north to south, from Blodgett Peak to Cheyenne Mountain.  In a little more than 2 miles, the trail drops back to Triple Treat Trail. We went right, back the way we came.  Trip log: 2.4 miles round trip (loop), 312 feet elevation gain 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 Rattlesnake Ridge Trail at Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs. Seth Boster, The Gazette ...read more read less