We made it all the way to Colorado June 30- July 2

Partway through our trip we considered cutting Colorado out because it was out of our way but boy am I glad we didn’t! Turns out it is quite the place. We started in Sand Dunes Nat’l Park, which was a bit too desert to spend much time in during the peak of summer, but we drove out on Medano pass to leave the area, which was a really neat trail. We crossed a river a handful of times and were surrounded by more aspen groves.

Then we headed north where we spent the rest of the day exploring. We went through Garden of the Gods, more incredible rock formations (I know, you’re surprised-more rock formations) right in the heart of Colorado Springs. We swam in paradise cove, a not-so-hidden swimming hole outside Florissant, where we also stopped to see fossilized redwood tree remains-huge ones! We set up camp right next to a Dinosaur Museum that we went to bright and early the next morning with enthusiasm and bed head. Apparently southern Colorado is a paleontologist’s dream- they had tons of remains on display and a crew working on assembly behind a glass wall.  

After we had our early morning dino fix we drove to Aurora where we stopped to scope out the school for Kate. Then through Denver to Nate’s friend Lucas’ house, where we’d stay for the night. Lucas and his roommates showed us around town that evening, which was a blast! (Thanks to Lucas for the good time, the shower and the warm bed.)

The next morning we rose with the sun ready to hike our first 14er. We went to the top of Grays Peak, which sits at 14,278 feet above sea level. The hike wasn’t too long or too steep, but it was taxing because of the altitude. Water from melting snow ran alongside the trail and filled pools of the clearest water I’ve ever seen surrounded by green grass and colorful wildflowers, making this one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The peak was rewarding and allowed a view of the Rockies all around us. The neighboring peak was also over 14k and less than a mile away. Nate bagged this one too while I started down the trail. Two 14ers in one day! On our way up we saw tons of marmots that were extremely friendly and a pack of mountain goats that were a bit less than friendly. They were enormous so we took the hint when they warned us that we were getting close enough.

After a nap at the trailhead we traveled back toward Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park. It wasn’t on our agenda for Colorado but we heard that there are moose there so we had to check it out. And we saw one! The morning view in the park was to die for, with huge bull elk resting everywhere. We left the park and drove the Boulder and Golden and headed back toward Utah in search of some Arches!!