A post at the start of Larkspur Trail near Larkspur Park in Bend. Because the trail crosses streets and connects to city sidewalks, there are several of these trail markers along the way.

The warmth of a December sun washed over me as I made my way back to Larkspur Park after a quick and easy jaunt down the trail of the same name. I couldn’t see for the glare, but being able to soak in those UV rays like a lizard was heavenly.

Larkspur Trail is one of those tucked away paths in town that, unless you know it’s there, you’d never guess the route from the park at Reed Market Road that ends at Pilot Butte (for those of you who want to tackle the full 7-ish-mile round trip trek) was there.

It is the perfect way to get your steps in for a day, to walk off some holiday meals or to steal away a few minutes of outdoor wandering when they present themselves during the shorter days of winter.

Under the ponderosa

The trail starts at the edge of Larkspur Park, where you make your way from the lawns immaculately maintained by the stalwart Bend Park & Recreation crews to being plunged into a natural area full of ponderosa pines, junipers, rabbit and sagebrush. The Pinewood Natural Area is large enough that if you look in a certain direction, you could easily forget you’re in the heart of Bend.

The trail is on the edge of private properties throughout its course, so be mindful of posted signs and be respectful of the folks who call this place home.

Within this natural area, the trail follows an old irrigation ditch and has a couple of well-placed benches where you can sit and enjoy the rugged section along with the wildlife that frequents it like rabbits, squirrels and songbirds.

The area is set to change, however, with the proposed Wildflower development, which will build desperately needed rental units for Bend. The Pinewood Natural Area and the Larkspur trail are outside of this development area, but it does potentially mean less nature to look at along this section of the trail.

Good fences, good neighbors

As you continue down the route, you’ll eventually be reunited with Bend neighborhoods and a few small street crossings. The trail turns from crushed gravel to smooth pavement as it meanders its way past the backsides of homes.

If you are in the market for new fencing or outdoor living ideas, this is a great place to be inspired by both.

Despite being paved, the walk is still a delight. Some homeowners who neighbor the trail decorate the backs of their fences for passersby, and some even play along with looky-loo desires to peek at their backyards.

This section of the Bend is a little older with more tall ponderosa trees still standing, which keep the trail from being too exposed.

Cold plunge meets sauna on the Deschutes River

Larkspur Trail then meets with Bear Creek Road, the busiest road crossing on the trek, as it continues under U.S. Highway 20 at Pilot Butte through the state scenic viewpoint and up to Neff Road. But on that chilly afternoon, as I turned onto the sidewalk at Bear Creek, I was met with a little frost that had created a slick surface. Having already walked a quick mile, I decided that was enough that Sunday, so I turned back.

Connected

Larkspur Trail is a great trunk trail that leads to several other trails and parks in mid-town Bend.

If you want more of a challenge, add the Pilot Butte Trail, or hit up Ponderosa Park for a skate session, then take Coyner Trail to Juniper Park for a frolic or a dip at Juniper Swim and Fitness Center. Or you can take it as far as you have time for and enjoy a pleasant stretch of the legs when you’re pressed on time.

Just bring a hat — that winter sun can be a killer on the retinas.