Tag: Colorado

Sometimes, a trip is about the destination. Sometimes, you can find even greater beauty just relaxing and enjoying the journey. These shots were taken from Interstate 70 in Silverthorne, Colorado on our slow, slow, meandering descent from Alaska back to Georgia. But, how amazing is it to see, the brightest blue end-of-summer skies, just starting to give way to the brilliant fall Alpine foliage. When we left for Our Big 2018 Trip, it was still Spring. But now, the golden colors of fall beckon us to reflect upon all the time that has passed, and all the adventures we have…

What a stunning way to start the day with a sunrise over the Colorado River in the White River National Forest. Grizzly Creek meanders its way down until it meets up with the Colorado River at Glenwood Canyon. Such a gorgeous backdrop of cliff walls against blue skies, with the spirited creek bubbling over the rocks beneath your feet, just before its waters intertwine with those of the Colorado… Hiking in Colorado is other-worldly beautiful!

As you begin the descent from the highest elevations of Alpine Tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park, back to the lower level altitudes, lush green valleys will once again appear before you. Or, if you are coming in from Estes Park, this is where you begin your journey! Make sure you keep an eye out for Elk in the Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park areas! Such huge, majestic animals! But, be careful! They are beautiful, but can be deadly! Respect their space, and always follow ALL National Park rules on keeping a safe distance!

Looking for snow in June? The Rocky Mountains have you covered! If you make it all the way up to the Alpine Levels of Rocky Mountain National Park, you can enjoy the Tundra Snowfield Hike! Or, basically, just spend an afternoon playing in the snow! Snow isn’t just for summer when you’re over 11,000 feet above sea level! And check out the little Pika! He’s so adorable!

Wow! 11,796 feet above sea level! It’s a whole different world in the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park! Gone are the tall trees, lush grasses, and thick patches of flowers; and instead you have rocks, ice, moss, lichens, and other smaller, more fragile vegetation. Four miles East of the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, the Alpine Visitor Center is the highest elevation of a National Park Visitor Facility! Even in the middle of Summer, you can be frolicking in your tank tops, shorts, and flip flops in the lower altitudes; but as you climb, you’ll see snow everywhere!…

Coming through Grand Lake, and into the Rocky Mountain National Park, your first Visitor Center is at Kawuneeche. Continuing along Trail Ridge Road, there are a variety of lower altitude trails through gorgeous lakes and rivers. In the summer season, you can see thick carpets of lush grass; endless forests of tall, stately trees; stunning bursts of colorful wildflowers; and, hopefully, you’ll luck out with the occasional wildlife encounter! As you begin your ascent in altitude, you’ll negotiate some crazy curves and hairpin turns; and the ecosystems will shift before your very eyes! The lower lying valleys are vastly different…

It is glorious up here, at 11,300 feet of elevation! The trees, the wildlife, the rocks, the plants… The hiking is well worth the effort! But, hiking in such thin air is most definitely harder to do! We were quite winded, quite frequently. If you’re hiking with littles, my recommendation is definitely to take it slow. Hike a bit, but then take a rest. Explore the details. The bark of a tree… The leaf on a flower… But, most importantly, stay hydrated, rest frequently, and be aware that the return trip IS a challenge! Enjoy! But, be safe!

Deep in the Rocky Mountains, the Continental Divide passes through, effectively separating which rivers ultimately drain to the Atlantic in the East, or the Pacific in the West. Along this Divide, at 11,314 in elevation, the Berthoud Pass was the travelway of Pioneers from the early 1860’s onward. Today, an easily accessible parking area leads you to a sign marking the historical, geological, and hydrological significance of the area. If you are feeling adventurous, take a hike along the Berthoud Pass Trail! But, let me be the first to warn you, hiking at 11,300 feet in elevation is no simple…

Hopefully you saw the post on Berthoud Falls itself! It truly is stunning! If and when you check out the Falls, be sure to enjoy some of the trails in that area! Here we are, just wandering through the forest, right around Sub-Alpine Level altitude! Rich in flora and fauna, the Rocky Mountains are just incredible!

Located along Highway 40, just north-ish of Empire, Colorado, and only about 8 miles off of Interstate 70, Berthoud Falls in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests is INCREDIBLE! An absolutely beautiful set of cascades, rolling down the rocky mountainside, and so easily accessible by all ages and abilities! Parking is just beneath the falls, and you really could spend some time hiking, scrambling, enjoying the flowers and leaves, and just taking in the absolute awe of Rocky Mountain Life at 9,800 feet elevation! Even if you are just passing through on Interstate 70, do yourself this favor! Take Exit 232, and…

Stunning mountain vistas as far as the eye can see… Majestic snow-capped peaks… Driving through the inside of behemoth mountains via the engineering marvel of tunnels! Remnants of glacial activity… The historical preservation of old gold mines… Rocky Mountain Life. The glimpses of such raw, powerful beauty along any stretch of Interstate 70 through the Colorado Rocky Mountains are jaw-droppingly beautiful…