https://www.runskitirol.com/trails/pendling-express

oday, I wanted to share a great route with you. It's a challenging, yet rewarding course along the Inn Valley, one where you can be almost alone, even during peak running seasons. A bonus? It’s accessible early in the season thanks to its lower elevation and so great for spring long runs.

Fishers Peak State Park, south of Trinidad, Colorado close to the New Mexico border, is Colorado's newest state park (as of June 2023). The 19,200 acre park connects grasslands to the east with foothills and mountains to the west, and serves as an important corridor for wildlife movement. The park provides habitat for large native species such as elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain lion, and black bear.

Route started at Long Swamp Campground which seems to be used more by outfitters and I was lulled to sleep the night before with hobbled and belled horses grazing out of the back of the van the night before I left.  Route started up towards Windy Peak and the grade wasn't too rough but was steady.  Trail was in great shape.  Of course, there has been fire in the area so there was blow down but not excessive and it was manageable.  I opted not to tack on any summits since the route was clocking in at just over 50 miles through some remote country and I was running solo.  From Windy Pass (whi