Vacation 2017, Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Located in the heart of The Rocky Mountains this crown jewel of national parks is surrounded by 12,000 to 14,000 foot peaks. Wildlife, alpine tundra, wild flowers and majestic valleys make this park a special place for those who come to visit in the summer months. We stayed at Moraine Park campground with a beautiful view of Long's Peak the highest mountain in the park at just over 14,000 feet

Longs Peak

Alpine Tundra on the Trail Ridge Road

View point from Trail Ridge Road

Bear Lake

West side of Rocky Mountain National Park, headwaters of the Colorado River 

Sprauge Lake 

Our dear friend from Florida Jim Pearson drove out to join us during our stay at Rocky Mountain National Park. During our stay at the park we took a drive on the Peak to Peak Highway  over to Nederland, Colorado from Estes Park, Colorado. All along the way we marveled at the great mountain scenery all around us pass through small mountain towns along the way.

The Train Car Coffee & Yogurt Company, Nederlands, CO

These passenger cars were used for The Buffalo Bill's traveling wild west show

The The Carousel of Happiness is a special ride which is all enclosed and has animals carved by a Vietnam Vet over the years that he did to commemorate his fellow soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.  What a wonderful place to stop and smell the wild flowers that populate this area. 

The Carousel of Happiness

Our friend Jim who joined us in The Rocky Mountain National Park

Vacation 2017, Georgetown Loop Scenic Railway, Georgetown, CO

Georgetown Loop Scenic Railway

Located just off Interstate 70 near Georgetown, CO this scenic railroad takes you back to the old mining days when prospectors mined for gold and silver. 

You Tube Video of the Georgetown Loop Scenic Railroad

This scenic adventure takes you through some spectacular scenery which makes this area so special. The winding loops and the uphill climbs made by the classic steam engine which was used during the old mining days to haul ore provided for a unique experience. All the passengers had smiles on there faces as they enjoyed the view high up in the Rocky Mountains.

Georgetown, CO is known for it's rich history during the gold rush days during the 18th century. Much of it's charm comes from this history as many of the buildings and shops beckon back to these early days

Vacation 2017, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs, CO

 Iron Mountain Hot Springs Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Located on the banks of the Colorado River this new facility with it's pools nicely placed on the banks of the river provide a spectacular way to relax and take in the vistas of the surrounding mountains. The hot mineral waters of the springs that feed these pools are a very soothing providing a welcomed res bit for those who come to relax and heal. The staff is very friendly and there is a cafe that serves great food and even libations. We left so relaxed and ready for a good nights sleep at our next stop at Gore Creek, a national forest service campground just 60 miles east of Glenwood Springs very near Vail, CO.  

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

View from the hot springs pools with the Colorado River in the background

White water rafting on the Colorado River

One of the ten pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Vista's and hot spring pools making for a very relaxing day

We were pleasantly surprised and fully refreshed making our next stop at Gore Creek a delight with the rushing waters of the creek providing white noise for a great nights sleep. This place is special to for those who love nature as it surrounded by the high peaks of the Rockies with great Vista's everywhere you look. 

Gore Creek Campground

Gore Creek

Our campsite about ten yards from Gore Creek

Vail as seen from the entrance of Gore Creek with I70 curving through the mountains

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Vacation 2017, Black Rock Canyon National Park

Black Canyon National Park

Located near Montrose, Colorado this beautiful canyon is a place that can take your breath away with it's deep cliffs that drop off some 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River. We camped out  in the park at an elevation of about 8,500. Up here the air is thin but the views are spectacular with clear vistas reaching out for over 100 miles to the Grand Mesa and beyond. This is nature at it's best. The night skies are illuminating with the entire milky way visible from horizon to horizon. 

Gunnison Point near the Visitors Center

The Gunnison River from Gunnison Point

Our Campsite in the park

Nice shady spot to enjoy our time at the park.

View of the surrounding mountains nearby on a very clear day.

Sunrise as seen from our campsite

The Visitors center at Black Rock Canyon taken from Gunnison Point Overlook

Deer who commonly visited out campsite

Cliffs of the Black Canyon with The Grand Mesa some 50 miles away in the background

View from Pulpit Rock lookout into the Canyon with The Gunnison River raging below

The Painted Wall 

The white water rapids of the Gunnison below the Painted Wall

Vacation 2017, Ridgeway State Park near Quray, CO

Ridgeway State Park

Located in southwest Colorado with a view of the majectic San Juan Mountains this little oasis is located on a reservoir which draws visitors who cool off in it's refreshing waters.  

After a nice campfire the next morning we drove into Telluride, CO., about an hours drive through some of the best scenery out here. The day we arrived was the first day of Telluride's yearly Blue Grass festival. We had a real special time in this beautiful mountain town enjoying the blue grass musicians performing in the town square 

We enjoy this part of Colorado as it is so beautiful with the rugged San Juan mountains framing the landscape like a portrait.  Ridgeway, CO, an historic western mountain town, is well known as the home to many of some of the best western movies which were filmed in the surrounding area starring John Wayne and other actors of that period of time so many years ago. The True Grit cafe in the center of town has memorabilia lining the walls making for an interesting place to stop to have lunch of dinner. This town in southwest Colorado embraces it's heritage. 

 On the way back to Ridgeway State Park we stopped by Dennis Weaver Memorial Park. Dennis Weaver was the deputy who played Chester in the TV series Gunsmoke. He made Ridgeway his home. He passed away in 2007 at his home nearby. This park was designed by his family and is has as it's center peace a beautiful statue of an eagle. Dennis believed that he found direction in live through nature and the eagle represented a vision of unlimited potential through the birds ability to soar through the air almost effortlessly.

Our next stop on this trip will be to The Black Canyon National Park. I will be postings next as soon as I get back to a area where I can gather in a signal. Be sure to come back soon.