MEEKER, Colo. -- (Editor's Note: 7NEWS Producer Deb Stanley has been writing hiking reports for more than a year on our Web site. This report comes from her boss, Executive Producer Robin Hoffman)

I'm the first to admit it; I am not "Avid Hiker Deb." I don't own a pair of hiking boots and couldn't find my way to Boulder even with a GPS system. In fact, my lack of a sense of direction is a running joke in the newsroom. Please cut me a little slack -- I'm from Pittsburgh where my biggest hike was a trip down Mount Washington to grab a sandwich at Primanti Brothers and cheer on the Steelers.

So how did I end up hiking my first trail in Meeker, Colo., (about 4 hours from Denver)? Here's the contradiction in my life -- my husband and his family are pure Coloradoans. They love to camp, hike and enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rockies; and they're really good at it. So when they suggested a family reunion at a campground in Meeker (complete with hiking), how could I refuse?

Simply put -- if you haven't been to the Flat Tops Wilderness, make sure to put this beautiful spot on your "To Do" list. Our party of eight, which included four dogs and a 3-year old, started out with the goal of reaching Spring Cave.

The Flat Tops Wilderness expands to more than 236,000 acres. Tucked inside are more than 300 miles of trail with elevations ranging from 7,600 to 12,994 feet.

We started out on a simply gorgeous trail that quietly took us over an older bridge suspended just feet above the rushing water. Just across the span, we found numerous sites perfect for a picnic lunch. After all, I needed sustenance if I was going to conquer my first climb.

The beginning of the hike is fairly simple. Our group walked along a beautifully wooded trail for a short distance before trekking up a simple incline with several switchbacks. Numerous times, we stopped just to take in the absolutely gorgeous view.

As we worked our way toward Spring Cave, the incline became a little steeper but it was manageable. After about a 45-minute hike, we finally arrived at the mouth of the cave. We immediately met several groups of cavers who told us the cave was partly filled with water so we didn't venture further.

According to White River National Forest's Web site, Spring Cave consists of two large entrances that converge to a 120-foot long, 25-foot high, level floored passage. After a right turn, that passage continues for about another 120 feet but narrows to a width of 6 feet at the end. There are apparently several extensions off the main passage; one of which is named the Pirates Den Room. At the end of the passage is a 10-foot deep pit leading to an underground stream. The stream, named Thunder Road, ends in a siphon.

After spending some time taking a couple family pictures, we started back down the trail running into several other families along the way. To say this trail is maintained is an understatement. In fact, during our walk, we ran into several volunteer groups giving their time to help make sure the area remained in its natural, beautiful state.

Resting back at our vehicles, I took one last look around just mesmerized at how a few hours in Colorado's mountains brought a new appreciation to this simply amazing state in which we live. Who knows? Maybe next time, I'll challenge myself to one of Deb's trails.

If you have questions or comments about this trip, e-mail Robin at robin_hoffman@kmgh.com.

Want to learn more about caving in Colorado? Visit our friend Margaret Harrison's Web site. Also check out our report on visiting Fulford Cave.

If you're looking for hiking trails, read Deb Stanley's hiking reports.