First time hiking Lion's Lair was a blast. The trail led to the top of Mt. Sanitas (a personal favorite mountain run, from Red Rocks) Hikers tend to park off a Sunshine Canyon switch-back. As you begin the hike, meadow vibes transition to plentiful pines. Beautiful views omnipresent, between luscious greenery and sprawling needles. A diverse trail with increasingly epic scenery. This hike is vegan cake.
Halfway through the trail, you notice solitude. The path is smooth, nothing to climb or dodge, Great for introspection, nothing but crickets.
Approaching the summit, we met a chef from Virginia. This dude loved Gwar. Colorado locals were getting a taste of "Beefcake the Mighty" and conceptualizing Juggalo gatherings "on mushrooms" The conversation was also spiced with thoughts on the east coast heroin epidemic, masala, and Thai jasmine rice (his favorite flavors)
We hiked up and ran down. Not away from circus rap and southern rock, but for fun. The run was effortless. I'd almost trust it barefoot. Cushey, assorted forest debris, imitates floating on carpets of moss. I'd looked forward to seeing a frog sculpture at the top of Mt. Sanitas, drilled to the peak-post sometime in 2017. The frog was gone, but the trail is rewarding regardless. If Mt. Sanitas is rough, but you enjoy the view, try Lion's Lair. The same destination for very little effort (though two recorded deaths by lion in 2016 are great fitness motivators)
While it can be done on a 28, the ascent definitely calls for a 32/40T cassette (seated) Found the rear wheel spinning sand (out the saddle) Blazing sun, convenient rest stops, gorgeous views. With a maximum grade of 21-24% Sunshine Canyon definitely requires pacing. Underestimated the climb for sure. It's convenient to blame altitude acclimation, wonky sleep, slacking nutrition/glucose exhaustion, 28T cassette, or emotional stress. In reality, the climb is just a bit soul-crushing. I recommend going up in peak condition...otherwise, relax. The descent offers short and steep switchbacks, many blind turns, very few potholes. Epic ride. 
