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Colorado Trip Recap w/ Pics
Posted on 6/18/24 at 4:33 pm
Posted on 6/18/24 at 4:33 pm
Spent a glorious week in the Rocky Mountains last week with the gf. Definitely up there with my favorite trips I have ever taken. Weather was great, the mountains were beautiful, and the wildlife was plentiful.
I'm not going to type too many sentences because play by play reviews can be boring, so I will post mostly pictures.
We landed in Denver Friday night/Saturday morning at about 12:30 am. Stayed with a good buddy, then got up and headed to Estes Park. We were there for two nights, and stayed at Brynwood on the River which was less than two miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance of RMNP. Hard to beat this place for the price and location, and considering the fact we booked it less than a month prior.
Day of arrival we checked in and drove a stretch of Trail Ridge Road.
Scores of elk everywhere.
It was storming a bit the first couple of hours we were there, and when it cleared out we were treated to a rainbow. One of the coolest things I've ever seen.
Some other views from the day:
I'm not going to type too many sentences because play by play reviews can be boring, so I will post mostly pictures.
We landed in Denver Friday night/Saturday morning at about 12:30 am. Stayed with a good buddy, then got up and headed to Estes Park. We were there for two nights, and stayed at Brynwood on the River which was less than two miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance of RMNP. Hard to beat this place for the price and location, and considering the fact we booked it less than a month prior.
Day of arrival we checked in and drove a stretch of Trail Ridge Road.
Scores of elk everywhere.
It was storming a bit the first couple of hours we were there, and when it cleared out we were treated to a rainbow. One of the coolest things I've ever seen.
Some other views from the day:
This post was edited on 6/18/24 at 5:25 pm
1
Posted on 6/18/24 at 4:49 pm to Funky Tide 8
The second day we head up Bear Lake Road to hike to 3 lakes: Nymph Lakes, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake. All three were stunning.
Nymph Lake
Dream Lake
Emerald Lake
Cutthroat in Dream Lake
Marmot that was creepily fixated on my girlfriend
Long's Peak
Waterfall
We winded down the day with a hike up to Gem Lake. Got caught in a rain storm coming down so we waited it out in a little cave.
Nymph Lake
Dream Lake
Emerald Lake
Cutthroat in Dream Lake
Marmot that was creepily fixated on my girlfriend
Long's Peak
Waterfall
We winded down the day with a hike up to Gem Lake. Got caught in a rain storm coming down so we waited it out in a little cave.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 5:09 pm to Funky Tide 8
Day 3 we got up to head south to Leadville. The drive on Trail Ridge Road was incredible. We saw 4 moose total.
Views from Trail Ridge Road
The drive from Estes Park to Leadville was a nice one. We popped into my favorite brewery on the planet: Outer Range in Frisco. Sipped a couple of beers, bought some 4 packs, and headed on.
Views from Trail Ridge Road
The drive from Estes Park to Leadville was a nice one. We popped into my favorite brewery on the planet: Outer Range in Frisco. Sipped a couple of beers, bought some 4 packs, and headed on.
This post was edited on 6/18/24 at 6:48 pm
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:06 pm to Funky Tide 8
When did yall go? I was there June 1-8 after spending time in South Colorado the prior week. The snow on the three lakes hike looks about the same that we dealt with.
Great shots
Great shots
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:12 pm to Funky Tide 8
First day in Leadville we drove up Independence Pass. We didn't do as much hiking as we wanted off of the pass because there was still so much snow. We did go to the Grottos ice cave which was really cool, and also walked around the ghost town of Independence.
Independence Ghost Town
Grottos
girlfriend got a really cool shot of the sunlight coming through the crack above
She did end up falling through the ice, and scraped and bruised her leg up pretty good, but she is a trooper, and took it in stride.
The scenery off the pass was breathtaking.
Independence Ghost Town
Grottos
girlfriend got a really cool shot of the sunlight coming through the crack above
She did end up falling through the ice, and scraped and bruised her leg up pretty good, but she is a trooper, and took it in stride.
The scenery off the pass was breathtaking.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:14 pm to MintBerry Crunch
quote:
When did yall go? I was there June 1-8 after spending time in South Colorado the prior week. The snow on the three lakes hike looks about the same that we dealt with.
We were there 6/8-6/15. There were some small sections with snow starting at Dream Lake. Some of them were on slopes and I definitely busted my arse once. Were you in the Sangres?
quote:
Great shots
Thank you.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:23 pm to Funky Tide 8
Were you up here when the Twin Lakes fire got started.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:29 pm to Funky Tide 8
When we were coming back down the pass, right before Twin Lakes, we rounded a corner and a massive, mushroom smoke cloud appeared within our view. It was a wildfire. It freaked us out a little because we didn't know if it was in our path back to Leadville. Turned out it was on the other side of lake from which we were driving. We stopped at the lake and spectated for a bit, as we had never seen anything like that. It had started shortly before we were passing through. The firefighter helicopters were valiant in their efforts to put it out. Last I saw it was 80% contained so that is good.
Video of the fire and the helicopter
https://i.imgur.com/VCvY3u8.mp4
Nice view if you looked to the right of the fire though
We then headed to do a trail above Turquoise Lake that takes you to St. Kevin Lake. The final mile was up a rutted, rocky dirt road that goes straight up. Our rental was a Crosstrek, so it did fine, but it was a little sketchy, and we couldn't find the trail head, so we aborted. Turns out the directions on All Trails aren't even correct. Oh well.
We ended up going to the Leadville Fish Hatchery, and did a pleasant hike through the woods and the ponds.
Cool views of Mt. Massive from the trail
Sunset on the mountains on the way back to town
Video of the fire and the helicopter
https://i.imgur.com/VCvY3u8.mp4
Nice view if you looked to the right of the fire though
We then headed to do a trail above Turquoise Lake that takes you to St. Kevin Lake. The final mile was up a rutted, rocky dirt road that goes straight up. Our rental was a Crosstrek, so it did fine, but it was a little sketchy, and we couldn't find the trail head, so we aborted. Turns out the directions on All Trails aren't even correct. Oh well.
We ended up going to the Leadville Fish Hatchery, and did a pleasant hike through the woods and the ponds.
Cool views of Mt. Massive from the trail
Sunset on the mountains on the way back to town
This post was edited on 6/18/24 at 6:31 pm
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:41 pm to Funky Tide 8
Great pics. Looks like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing.
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:44 pm to Funky Tide 8
Next day we woke up, got some breakfast, then drove to Iowa Gulch where the trail to climb Mt. Sherman is. Road was dirt and rock, but it wasn't too bad. It got kind of sketchy towards the end though with snow banks and cliffs so we parked and walked the last half mile or so of the road. We hiked around there for a bit, but couldn't go too far up because of too much snow. The snow we did walk on was fine though. It was gorgeous, and there is some neat, old mining infrastructure up there.
We then headed to Keystone, and stopped at the Mayflower Gulch trail. At least half of it was snow, and we went just past the old cabins before we started postholing up to our waist, and turned back. I would love to do more of this one with no snow, but it was still a great hike.
Stopped at Outer Range again for some beer after that, then headed to Keystone.
We then headed to Keystone, and stopped at the Mayflower Gulch trail. At least half of it was snow, and we went just past the old cabins before we started postholing up to our waist, and turned back. I would love to do more of this one with no snow, but it was still a great hike.
Stopped at Outer Range again for some beer after that, then headed to Keystone.
This post was edited on 6/18/24 at 6:45 pm
Posted on 6/18/24 at 6:56 pm to Funky Tide 8
We woke up in Keystone, and headed to Loveland Pass to hike to the top of Mt. Sniktau, and when we got to the top we were greeted by a mountain goat.
views from Mt. Sniktau
horned lark
Pass Lake off of the Loveland Pass
Big Horned Sheep off of Loveland Pass
We got some lunch and a beer after that at Goat Soup and Whiskey in Keystone which was very good. Staff is great. Highly recommend.
We ended the day with a relaxing hike to Lily Pad Lake. Actually hiked past there a bit. We were hoping to see a moose, but no luck. We did see some a Black-Chinned Hummingbird, and a Red-Naped Woodpecker
As we were walking back to the car, we heard a band playing some Dead, so we followed the music to what I am assuming was the Frisco town square, and listened to a few tunes. Good ending to the day.
views from Mt. Sniktau
horned lark
Pass Lake off of the Loveland Pass
Big Horned Sheep off of Loveland Pass
We got some lunch and a beer after that at Goat Soup and Whiskey in Keystone which was very good. Staff is great. Highly recommend.
We ended the day with a relaxing hike to Lily Pad Lake. Actually hiked past there a bit. We were hoping to see a moose, but no luck. We did see some a Black-Chinned Hummingbird, and a Red-Naped Woodpecker
As we were walking back to the car, we heard a band playing some Dead, so we followed the music to what I am assuming was the Frisco town square, and listened to a few tunes. Good ending to the day.
This post was edited on 6/18/24 at 7:04 pm
Posted on 6/18/24 at 7:29 pm to Funky Tide 8
Great trip review. Love the pictures
Posted on 6/18/24 at 7:48 pm to Funky Tide 8
quote:
When we were coming back down the pass, right before Twin Lakes, we rounded a corner and a massive, mushroom smoke cloud appeared within our view. It was a wildfire. It freaked us out a little because we didn't know if it was in our path back to Leadville. Turned out it was on the other side of lake from which we were driving.
Its calmed down a lot. Upper lake and Hope Pass are re-opened. Can still see it smoking across the lake though.
Glad you had a great trip
Posted on 6/19/24 at 5:39 am to Funky Tide 8
Great report + pics!
Interesting to see how much snow is still on the mountains this time of year
Posted on 6/19/24 at 9:21 am to Funky Tide 8
We headed back to Denver on Friday morning, but not before driving to the top of Mount Blue Sky (formally known as Mt. Evans.)
It was storming when we made the ascent, and lightning was popping off as we got closer and closer to the storm above. I was white knuckling a bit going around those sharps curves and up the steep grades in the wind, and rain. When we got to the top the wind was gusting 30 mph at least, it was 30 something degrees, and sleeting. You couldn't see 10 yards out off the mountain. Still, people were getting out of their cars to take pictures and videos into the abyss. We were in no hurry, so we decided to chill in the car, and wait it out. After about an hour and a half, the weather cleared out, and we made the short climb to the top. 14,265 ft. The views were A+.
Denver from Mt. Evans
Marmot
Meemaw taking videos of nothing
https://i.imgur.com/dlXBlrZ.mp4
It was storming when we made the ascent, and lightning was popping off as we got closer and closer to the storm above. I was white knuckling a bit going around those sharps curves and up the steep grades in the wind, and rain. When we got to the top the wind was gusting 30 mph at least, it was 30 something degrees, and sleeting. You couldn't see 10 yards out off the mountain. Still, people were getting out of their cars to take pictures and videos into the abyss. We were in no hurry, so we decided to chill in the car, and wait it out. After about an hour and a half, the weather cleared out, and we made the short climb to the top. 14,265 ft. The views were A+.
Denver from Mt. Evans
Marmot
Meemaw taking videos of nothing
https://i.imgur.com/dlXBlrZ.mp4
Posted on 6/19/24 at 9:36 am to Funky Tide 8
On the way back down we stopped at Summit Lake, and Chicago Lakes overlook, The lake was mostly frozen, and the craggy backdrop made for a beautiful sight.
When we walked around the lake to the Chicago Lake overlook, and it was like a Disney movie over there. There were 3 mountain goats, a big horned sheep, and marmots all hanging out with each other.
Marmot, sheep, and goat
As we were walking back to the car, my gf spotted two golden eagles flying over the lake. I'd never seen/photographed a golden eagle, so this was exciting for me, and it was a perfect ending to our rocky mountain excursion.
It was an incredible trip, and I can't wait to go back. Hope y'all enjoyed the recap.
When we walked around the lake to the Chicago Lake overlook, and it was like a Disney movie over there. There were 3 mountain goats, a big horned sheep, and marmots all hanging out with each other.
Marmot, sheep, and goat
As we were walking back to the car, my gf spotted two golden eagles flying over the lake. I'd never seen/photographed a golden eagle, so this was exciting for me, and it was a perfect ending to our rocky mountain excursion.
It was an incredible trip, and I can't wait to go back. Hope y'all enjoyed the recap.
This post was edited on 6/19/24 at 4:35 pm
Posted on 6/19/24 at 9:39 am to Duke
quote:
Its calmed down a lot. Upper lake and Hope Pass are re-opened. Can still see it smoking across the lake though.
Good to hear.
quote:
Glad you had a great trip
Thanks man. You live in an incredibly beautiful place.
Posted on 6/19/24 at 9:52 am to Funky Tide 8
Here are some short videos from the trip
Elk in RMNP
https://i.imgur.com/V86Q9j8.mp4
Rainbow in RMNP
https://i.imgur.com/UIzP1NW.mp4
Baby Elk cutting up
https://i.imgur.com/bmfcpEo.mp4
Moose in RMNP
https://i.imgur.com/JTwJjpL.mp4
Mallard floating down the Colorado River in Kawuneeche Valley
https://i.imgur.com/LV3MBpa.mp4
Marmot on Mt. Sniktau
https://i.imgur.com/QMOGyXE.mp4
Mountain goat on Mt. Sniktua
https://i.imgur.com/a7SQVna.mp4
Mountain goats at Summit Lake
https://i.imgur.com/XVeU04A.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/gWvbJ4b.mp4
Marmot and big horned sheep at Summit Lake
https://i.imgur.com/4bnpceb.mp4
Mountain goat, sheep, and marmot
https://i.imgur.com/bPkY48r.mp4
Elk in RMNP
https://i.imgur.com/V86Q9j8.mp4
Rainbow in RMNP
https://i.imgur.com/UIzP1NW.mp4
Baby Elk cutting up
https://i.imgur.com/bmfcpEo.mp4
Moose in RMNP
https://i.imgur.com/JTwJjpL.mp4
Mallard floating down the Colorado River in Kawuneeche Valley
https://i.imgur.com/LV3MBpa.mp4
Marmot on Mt. Sniktau
https://i.imgur.com/QMOGyXE.mp4
Mountain goat on Mt. Sniktua
https://i.imgur.com/a7SQVna.mp4
Mountain goats at Summit Lake
https://i.imgur.com/XVeU04A.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/gWvbJ4b.mp4
Marmot and big horned sheep at Summit Lake
https://i.imgur.com/4bnpceb.mp4
Mountain goat, sheep, and marmot
https://i.imgur.com/bPkY48r.mp4
Posted on 6/19/24 at 4:07 pm to Funky Tide 8
Great review and pix
Love that area we were there for a short trip 1st week June and will be back in late September
It’s the best
Love that area we were there for a short trip 1st week June and will be back in late September
It’s the best
Posted on 6/19/24 at 4:19 pm to Funky Tide 8
great pics. thanks for posting but it pisses me off how these animals rarely show up during their hunting season 
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