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Colorado Fall Hiking Guide: Best Trails Near Fort Collins, Golden, and Denver

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Colorado’s fall hiking season offers some of the year’s most spectacular outdoor experiences, with golden aspen groves, crisp mountain air, and stunning Front Range views. From easily accessible trails near Fort Collins and Golden to challenging mountain hikes west of Denver, the region provides hiking opportunities for every skill level during the peak autumn months.

Fort Collins Area Fall Hiking

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

  • Distance: 5.8 miles round trip to summit
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Highlights: Panoramic views of Fort Collins and reservoir
  • Fall features: Mixed aspen and evergreen forests

Arthur’s Rock Trail (Lory State Park)

  • Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highlights: Classic rock outcropping and valley views
  • Fall features: Beautiful color changes in oak brush and aspen

Devil’s Backbone Trail

  • Distance: 3.1 miles one way
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Highlights: Unique rock formations and accessible for families
  • Fall features: Prairie grasses and distant mountain views

Greyrock Mountain Trail

  • Distance: 6.2 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Highlights: Summit views and granite formations
  • Fall features: Aspen groves in protected valleys

Golden Area Fall Hiking

Mount Galbraith Loop

  • Distance: 3.2 mile loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highlights: Views of Golden and Denver metro area
  • Fall features: Gamble oak and scattered aspen

Lookout Mountain Trail

  • Distance: 2.5 miles round trip to Buffalo Bill’s grave
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Highlights: Historic site and sweeping valley views
  • Fall features: Mixed deciduous forest color

North and South Table Mountain

  • Distance: Various trails, 2-6 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Highlights: Unique mesa formations and close-to-town access
  • Fall features: Prairie and foothill ecosystem transitions

Clear Creek Trail

  • Distance: 20+ miles total (various access points)
  • Difficulty: Easy (paved trail)
  • Highlights: Creek-side walking and biking path
  • Fall features: Cottonwood trees and riparian vegetation

Denver Metro Area Fall Hiking

Mount Evans Road and Trails

  • Distance: Various options
  • Difficulty: Easy to challenging (depending on altitude)
  • Highlights: Drive to 14,000+ feet elevation
  • Fall features: Alpine tundra colors and aspen at lower elevations

Kenosha Pass

  • Distance: 2-4 miles (various trails)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Highlights: Some of Colorado’s best roadside aspen viewing
  • Fall features: Massive aspen groves and mountain views

Guanella Pass

  • Distance: Various trail options
  • Difficulty: Easy to challenging
  • Highlights: Access to 14ers and alpine lakes
  • Fall features: Stunning aspen corridors and alpine scenery

Roxborough State Park

  • Distance: Multiple trail options, 1-4 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Highlights: Red rock formations and diverse ecosystems
  • Fall features: Gamble oak, sumac, and prairie grasses

Fall Hiking Timing and Conditions

Peak Aspen Season:

  • Higher elevations (9,000+ feet): Mid to late September
  • Mid-elevations (7,000-9,000 feet): Late September to early October
  • Lower elevations (6,000-7,000 feet): Early to mid-October

Weather Considerations:

  • Temperature swings of 40+ degrees possible
  • Snow possible at higher elevations after mid-September
  • Afternoon thunderstorms still occur but less frequently
  • UV exposure remains intense at altitude

Trail Conditions:

  • Leaf fall can make trails slippery
  • Early season snow may affect higher elevation access
  • Hunting seasons begin in some areas (check regulations)
  • Shorter daylight hours require earlier starts

Essential Fall Hiking Gear

Layering System:

  • Base layer for morning chill
  • Insulating layer for temperature regulation
  • Waterproof outer layer for weather protection
  • Extra layers in pack for elevation changes

Safety Equipment:

  • Headlamp or flashlight (shorter days)
  • First aid kit
  • Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
  • Emergency whistle
  • Extra food and water

Colorado-Specific Considerations:

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses (high altitude UV)
  • Extra water (dehydration occurs rapidly)
  • Microspikes or light traction for possible ice
  • Warm hat and gloves for higher elevations

Wildlife and Safety Considerations

Fall Wildlife Activity:

  • Elk bugling season (be aware of aggressive males)
  • Bear activity increases before hibernation
  • Mountain lion presence year-round
  • Moose in wetland areas

Safety Protocols:

  • Make noise on trails to avoid surprising wildlife
  • Store food properly and pack out all trash
  • Travel in groups when possible
  • Check weather and avalanche conditions for high-elevation hikes

Photography and Scenic Opportunities

Best Photography Times:

  • Early morning light on aspen groves
  • Late afternoon for warm-colored light
  • Overcast days for saturated colors
  • After storms for dramatic lighting

Iconic Colorado Fall Scenes:

  • Aspen groves with mountain backdrops
  • Golden leaves against evergreen forests
  • Red rock formations with autumn colors
  • Alpine lakes reflecting fall colors

Accessibility and Family Options

Easy Family Hikes:

  • Clear Creek Trail (Golden) – paved and level
  • Lily Lake Trail (Estes Park area) – short loop with mountain views
  • Brainard Lake area (Nederland) – high-elevation aspen viewing
  • Various reservoir trails for gentle terrain

Moderate Family Adventures:

  • Many of the Golden area trails work well for active families
  • Fort Collins foothills trails offer good introduction to mountain hiking
  • State parks provide well-maintained trail systems

Planning Your Fall Hiking Season

Weekly Considerations:

  • Weekends see heavy traffic on popular trails
  • Weekday hiking offers solitude and parking availability
  • School groups often visit popular areas on weekdays
  • College student activity peaks on weekends near Fort Collins

Seasonal Progression:

  • Early September: High-elevation color begins
  • Mid-September: Peak aspen season at altitude
  • Late September: Mid-elevation color peaks
  • Early October: Lower elevation and prairie colors
  • Mid-October: Season typically ends with weather changes

Colorado’s fall hiking season provides unparalleled opportunities to experience the state’s natural beauty during its most colorful time of year. Whether you’re exploring the foothills above Fort Collins, hiking the accessible trails around Golden, or venturing into the high country west of Denver, the autumn months offer ideal conditions for outdoor adventures with family and friends.

Sources:

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife Trail Information
  • U.S. Forest Service – Colorado Trail Conditions
  • AllTrails.com – Colorado Fall Hiking Reports
  • Colorado Mountain Club – Seasonal Hiking Guides

Colorado Apple Picking Guide: Best Orchards Near Fort Collins, Golden, and Denver

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Colorado’s apple harvest season runs from late August through October, offering families throughout the Front Range the chance to experience traditional farm life while gathering fresh, locally grown apples. From historic orchards near Fort Collins to family farms accessible from Golden and Cherry Hills Village, Colorado’s apple picking destinations provide scenic autumn adventures.

Northern Colorado Apple Orchards (Fort Collins Area)

Ela Family Farms Located near Hotchkiss (about 4 hours from Fort Collins) While farther from Fort Collins, Ela Family Farms represents one of Colorado’s premier organic apple operations. They offer u-pick opportunities and farm tours during harvest season.

Local Fort Collins Area Options:

  • Several smaller family farms offer seasonal apple picking
  • Many participate in the annual Tour de Farms cycling event
  • Check with Larimer County for current u-pick farms

Apple Varieties Common in Northern Colorado:

  • Honeycrisp (early to mid-September)
  • Gala (mid-September)
  • Red Delicious (late September)
  • Granny Smith (October)

Central Colorado Apple Picking (Golden and Denver Metro)

Miller Farms Located in Platteville (30 minutes from Golden) This family farm offers apple picking, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. They typically open for harvest season in mid-September and continue through October.

Chatfield Farms Located in Littleton (45 minutes from Cherry Hills Village) Part of Denver Botanic Gardens, Chatfield Farms offers apple picking along with their popular pumpkin festival. The farm features multiple apple varieties and educational programs.

Anderson Farms Located in Erie (accessible from all Front Range communities) Known primarily for their corn maze and pumpkin patch, Anderson Farms also offers apple picking opportunities during peak harvest season.

Western Slope Day Trips

For families willing to make a day trip, Colorado’s Western Slope offers some of the state’s best apple picking:

Eckert’s Orchard (Palisade)

  • Multiple apple varieties
  • Farm market and bakery
  • Scenic drive through wine country

Rocky Mountain Apples (various locations)

  • Commercial orchards that sometimes offer public picking
  • Check seasonal availability

What to Expect at Colorado Apple Orchards

Harvest Timeline:

  • Late August: Early varieties like Gala
  • September: Peak season for most varieties
  • October: Late varieties and extended harvest

Typical Orchard Activities:

  • U-pick apple harvest
  • Tractor rides through orchards
  • Farm markets with fresh cider
  • Educational tours about apple growing
  • Pumpkin patches (many farms offer both)

Pricing Structure:

  • Most orchards charge by the pound or bag
  • Some include containers or bags with admission
  • Group rates often available for families

Apple Picking Tips for Colorado Conditions

Weather Considerations: Colorado’s fall weather can change rapidly. Early morning picking often provides the best conditions, but temperatures can vary 30+ degrees throughout the day.

What to Bring:

  • Layers for changing temperatures
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
  • Sunscreen (Colorado’s high altitude intensifies UV exposure)
  • Water bottles for hydration
  • Cash for many farm markets

Best Picking Practices:

  • Gently twist and lift apples rather than pulling
  • Check with farm staff about which varieties are ready
  • Bring coolers for transporting apples home
  • Ask about storage recommendations for different varieties

Colorado Apple Varieties and Uses

Honeycrisp:

  • Best for fresh eating
  • Stores well in refrigeration
  • Peak harvest: Early to mid-September

Gala:

  • Excellent for children (mild, sweet flavor)
  • Good for baking and fresh eating
  • Peak harvest: Mid-September

Granny Smith:

  • Perfect for baking and pies
  • Tart flavor balances sweet recipes
  • Peak harvest: October

Red Delicious:

  • Classic variety for fresh eating
  • Colorado’s high altitude creates exceptional flavor
  • Peak harvest: Late September

Supporting Colorado Agriculture

Apple picking supports local Colorado agriculture and helps preserve farmland along the Front Range. Many orchards face development pressure, making community support through agritourism crucial for their survival.

Educational Benefits:

  • Children learn about food production
  • Families connect with agricultural heritage
  • Understanding of seasonal eating and local food systems

Economic Impact:

  • Supports rural Colorado communities
  • Provides farm income beyond wholesale markets
  • Encourages agricultural tourism throughout the state

Planning Your Apple Picking Adventure

Best Times to Visit:

  • Weekday mornings for smaller crowds
  • Early season for best apple selection
  • Call ahead to confirm harvest status and weather conditions

Combining Activities: Many families combine apple picking with other fall activities:

  • Pumpkin patch visits
  • Corn maze adventures
  • Farm market shopping
  • Scenic drives to see autumn colors

Storage and Use:

  • Most Colorado apples store well in cool, humid conditions
  • Use different varieties for specific purposes (baking vs. fresh eating)
  • Many orchards provide recipe suggestions and preservation tips

Colorado’s apple harvest season offers families throughout Fort Collins, Golden, Cherry Hills Village, and the greater Denver area the chance to participate in a time-honored tradition while supporting local agriculture. Whether you choose a nearby farm for a quick afternoon adventure or plan a Western Slope day trip for the full orchard experience, apple picking provides delicious results and lasting memories.

Sources:

  • Colorado Department of Agriculture – Apple Production Statistics
  • Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms Information
  • Colorado Agritourism Association Directory
  • Local Farm Websites and Seasonal Schedules

Best Fall Festivals in Fort Collins, Golden, and Cherry Hills Village 2025

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Best Fall Festivals in Fort Collins, Golden, and Cherry Hills Village 2025

Colorado’s Front Range comes alive each fall with vibrant festivals celebrating the season’s harvest, stunning autumn colors, and community spirit. From Fort Collins to Golden to Cherry Hills Village, families can enjoy weeks of outdoor fun, local traditions, and seasonal activities that make Colorado’s fall season unforgettable.

Fort Collins Fall Festival Highlights

FoCo Fall Fest 2025 October 11-12, 2025 The inaugural FoCo Fall Fest returns to Fort Collins with live music, food trucks, local artisans, and fall activities. This free event features a farmers market atmosphere, kids’ inflatables, and celebrates the local downtown business community on Linden Street.

Tour de Corgi Early October 2025 This beloved Fort Collins tradition features hundreds of costumed corgis parading through Old Town. The event includes a corgi meet-up at Civic Center Park with vendors, costume contests, and a festive trot through Historic Old Town. Proceeds benefit local dog rescues.

Pumpkins on Parade October 17-20, 2025 The Gardens on Spring Creek hosts this family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring hundreds of locally grown pumpkins and gourds arranged in artistic displays. The event includes festive activities for all ages and is candy-free as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Northern Colorado Mountain Bike Festival September 28-29, 2025 Located at Lory State Park, this festival celebrates mountain biking with poker rides, demo bikes, group rides, and family-friendly activities. The event showcases the incredible trail access around Fort Collins.

Golden’s Autumn Celebrations

Autumn Fest 2025 October 5, 2025 Golden History Park hosts this free family celebration featuring hands-on activities, crafts, farm animals, and big trucks. The event includes Native American dancers and drummers, a 4-H petting zoo, face painting, live music, and food trucks.

Golden Beverage Tasting and Chili Cook-Off October 18, 2025 This annual downtown Golden event combines craft beverage tastings with competitive chili cooking. Local restaurants and home cooks compete while visitors sample Colorado’s finest drinks and comfort food.

Wanderfest September 11-13, 2025 Golden’s Wanderfest celebrates outdoor adventure with activities that highlight the area’s incredible access to hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation. The event features gear vendors, guided activities, and family-friendly outdoor experiences.

Ghost Tours and Halloween Events Throughout October Golden embraces spooky season with haunted ghost tours, hayride beer tours, and trick-or-treat trains. The Colorado Railroad Museum hosts special Halloween train rides and family-friendly activities.

Cherry Hills Village Area Events

While Cherry Hills Village itself hosts more intimate community events, residents easily access numerous fall festivals in the greater Denver metro area:

Nearby Autumn Activities:

  • Anderson Farms Fall Festival (Erie) – corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides
  • Chatfield Farms Pumpkin Festival (Littleton) – pick-your-own pumpkins, farm activities
  • Denver area Oktoberfests and harvest celebrations

Local Community Events: Cherry Hills Village typically hosts smaller community gatherings, neighborhood harvest parties, and seasonal celebrations that bring residents together during the beautiful Colorado fall weather.

What Makes Colorado Fall Festivals Special

Stunning Natural Backdrop Colorado’s fall festivals benefit from incredible scenery as aspen trees turn golden and the Rocky Mountains provide dramatic backdrops. The crisp mountain air and clear skies create perfect conditions for outdoor celebrations.

Local Agricultural Heritage Many festivals celebrate Colorado’s farming traditions with local produce, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and harvest-themed activities. Visitors can experience authentic farm-to-table culture while supporting local agriculture.

Community Spirit These festivals strengthen community bonds, with local businesses, artists, and volunteers coming together to create memorable experiences. Many events are free or low-cost, making them accessible to all families.

Outdoor Recreation Focus Colorado festivals often incorporate the state’s outdoor lifestyle, with biking events, hiking celebrations, and activities that showcase the area’s natural recreation opportunities.

Planning Your Fall Festival Tour

Best Times to Visit:

  • Early October for peak aspen colors
  • Mid-October for harvest festivals and Halloween events
  • Late September for pleasant weather and smaller crowds

What to Bring:

  • Layers for changing Colorado weather
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera for autumn scenery
  • Cash for vendors and activities

Getting Around:

  • Fort Collins festivals are often walkable in Old Town
  • Golden events typically offer easy parking and downtown access
  • Cherry Hills Village residents can easily drive to nearby festivals

Supporting Local Communities

These fall festivals represent important fundraising opportunities for local organizations, from volunteer fire departments to dog rescues to arts groups. Attending these events directly supports the communities that make Colorado’s Front Range such a special place to live and visit.

Colorado’s fall festival season offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in local history, outdoor recreation, community celebrations, or simply enjoying beautiful autumn weather with family and friends. From Fort Collins’ vibrant downtown events to Golden’s historic charm to the greater Denver area’s extensive festival offerings, the Front Range provides weeks of autumn entertainment.

Sources:

  • Visit Fort Collins Official Events Calendar
  • Visit Golden Official Tourism Website
  • Colorado Festival Guides and Reviews (2025)
  • City of Fort Collins Special Events Calendar

Chiropractic Care for Car Accidents

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Car Accidents Effect on Your Body

Car accidents are not only scary, but they can leave the body with a lot of damage. Most individuals will recognize the acute symptoms of a car accident. This includes neck or low back pain, bruising, soreness, headaches, mood shifts including lingering anxiety. However, as an expert Loveland Chiropractor, we see there is a bigger culprit that may cause long-term issues or may be causing your symptoms not to get any better over time.

In our experience, as Loveland Chiropractors, we see that forces from the accident can lead to structural shifts within the spine. This is an issue because these shifts can lead to long-term dysfunction in the nervous system. Ideally, the brain should communicate down the spine and out at every spinal segment. These nerves control all your cells that include muscles and organs. When the spine shifts into an improper position it will put pressure on the nerves exiting the spine causing chaos. Including discomfort, muscle spasms, and organ dysfunction categorized as poor digestion, cycle issues, poor sleep, anxiety and so much more.

Your Local Loveland Chiropractors Can Help After your Accident

Car accidents are notorious for leaving long-term shifts within the spine that can cause these acute pain symptoms and long-term dysfunctions. It is imperative that you get checked out at a correctional chiropractic office after being involved in an accident no matter how minor it was. At Impact Chiropractic Loveland we do an extensive history and examination for individuals who have been in a car accident recently and in the past. This includes X-rays that help us determine what long-lasting damage your spine holds from your accident. The data gathered from this new patient experience helps us come up with a game plan in order to help improve spinal structure. In turn alleviates acute and chronic aches and pains, helping to decrease muscle tension and improve overall organ function.

Have you had your spinal structure checked recently? Contact your local Loveland Chiropractor at Impact to schedule your appointment today.

3 T Reduction (Stress)

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In our office, you’ll hear us talking about the 3 T’s of chiropractic. The 3 T’s are thoughts, traumas, & toxins. These are the 3 main ways we get subluxated in the first place; thoughts being our mental or emotional stress, traumas being physical stressors, and toxins being chemical stress. Everything we’re exposed to in our environment has to be processed by our nervous systems. So when the body is unable to adapt to whatever stress it encounters, it stores it in the body which is when symptoms start to show up. Before we get to the point of pain and discomfort, we want to encourage you to be PROactive rather than REactive when it comes to your health. By reducing “the 3 T’s” you can reduce stress on your system to help you feel and function better!


Reducing Emotional Stress


This can be a whole blog post in itself. But mental health can be an overwhelming topic to unpack, so taking baby steps can help it be a little more manageable. One simple thing you can incorporate into your day to reduce emotional stress is meditation. Numerous studies have shown amazing benefits of meditation, including reducing overall stress and anxiety. Insight Timer is an awesome free app you can use to start practicing.

Reducing Physical Stress


When we talk about physical stressors many people think of car accidents, broken bones, slips, falls, etc. But another major form of physical stress is actually LACK of movement. We live in the age of technology, which makes everything accessible at our fingertips. Society is sitting more than they ever have, and it’s affecting our health and wellbeing. The spine and nervous system need to be in motion to stay healthy. During those long days at the office make sure you’re incorporating some movement into your schedule. An easy way to do this is when you’re on your lunch break, do about 5-10 minutes of intentional movement. This can be a quick yoga flow or a few minutes of stretching to get the blood flowing and muscles warmed up again. It doesn’t take much, and your body will thank you!

Reduce Chemical Stress


Everything we put in and on our bodies must be processed by the nervous system. Chemical stress can come in many forms; it’s the food we eat, the water we drink, the medications we take, and even the personal care products we use on our bodies. Think about how many products we use in a day, then multiply that by months, then years. That is a lot of different chemicals we’re exposed to over our lifetime. That’s why being intentional with the products we purchase is so important. Everything adds up and impacts our health, so one way to help reduce your toxin load is to buy organic whenever possible. Although it’s slightly more expensive than other products, the health benefits far outweigh the financial investment.

Organic food has a lower risk of exposure to antibiotics, growth hormones, and pesticides (all of which have shown negative effects on hormonal health). Organic food also provides more nutritional value, so you’re getting more out of what you’re putting into your body. A good way to start transitioning to more organic is by replacing a few things at a time. Start with items on the “Dirty Dozen” list (a list of the top 12 “dirtiest” produce).

To start your 3 T reduction journey, get started with routine chiropractic care at Impact Chiropractic. Sign up for a New Patient Appointment today.

Seed Cycling: What it is, How it Works, and How You Can Implement it into Your Life

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What is Seed Cycling?

Seed Cycling is the rotation of different edible seeds into the diet at different times in the menstrual cycle. Different seeds will help promote estrogen production during the first half of the cycle, while others promote progesterone production during the second half. In turn, these seeds will balance the hormonal rhythm in a woman and promote a healthier cycle, as well as support different symptoms such as PMS, cramping, irregularity and even aiding in transition into menopause. 

How Does it Work?

Based on a 28-day cycle, the first 13 days represent the menstrual/follicular phase, in which day 1 is when menstruation begins. The egg is maturing in this phase so estrogen starts low and steadily increases. We want to keep estrogen balanced in the follicular phase. During days 1 to 13, it is recommended to consume either flax or pumpkin seeds daily to boost estrogen and support the ovary as it gets ready for ovulation.

Days 14 to 28, known as the luteal phase, it is recommended to intake sesame or sunflower seeds to boost progesterone at this time. Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are high in lignans which help to regulate estrogen and progesterone levels in the luteal phase.

Benefits of Seed Cycling

While it is not guaranteed, many women have experienced incredible benefits from seed cycling. When done consistently and accurately, it can be an amazing tool. Here are some of the things that seed cycling may help with:

  • hormone balancing
  • cycle regulation
  • PMS relief
  • stimulate period if it was absent
  • fertitlity

How to Implement Seed Cycling into Your Lifestyle

When adding the seeds to your diet it’s helpful to grind them up in order to increase the surface area for absorption of the essential fatty acids, minerals, and other nutrients. Below is our favorite recipe for helping to add the seeds to your daily routine.

Seed Cycling Energy Balls

  • Ingredients
    • Seed Cycle Blends
      • Folicular (day 1-13) Flaxseed and Pumpkin seeds: Ground up or whole
      • Luteal (14-28) Sunflower seeds and Sesame seeds: Ground up or whole
    • Shredded Coconut
    • Nut Butter
    • Oats
    • Mini Chocolate Chips: YUM!
    • Honey: Can be substituted for other sweeteners
    • Vanilla Extract: Just a splash for flavor
  • Instructions
    • Combine all ingredients: stir in large bowl
    • Chill: Cover and put in refrigerator for a few hours
    • Roll: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to help roll out balls

Store: Keep in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

https://monaseeds.com/

Another option for someone starting seed cycling is to invest in convenient seed cycling packets. We love the one from the brand MONA Seeds because it makes seed cycling convenient to start. Seed cycling chocolates are another amazing option. They taste great and reap so many benefits at the same time. The Moon Chocolate seed cycling products are our favorite!

Take Control of Your Hormones

The biggest thing we love about seed cycling is that it promotes the idea that women have the power to take control of their hormones and begin to understand their bodies. Seed cycling is one way to take an all-natural approach towards hormone health. Living with painful and irregulated periods is never ideal so give seed cycling a try and see what you think!