Lichen speckled rock outcroppings! Go on, say it aloud for poetic effect. Lichens abound in these high desert...
hiking
360-degree Colorado Aspen grove fall colors
The golden and amber hues of a Colorado river valley in the fall…unbeatable.
Kenosha Pass Leaf Peeping
Kenosha Pass is the place to be! So avoid it if you’re in a hurry. Sources say the fall colors will take their time making the southward journey across the fair state of Colorado. Here’s to a nice, long leaf-peeping season and many golden hikes and bike rides!
Marmot Sighting!
Also called “whistle pigs” because of the delightful sounds they make and their rather portly bodies, marmots have extensive dens and burrows systems with multiple entrances, tunnels, and exits that are used for shelter, hibernation, and breeding. They live 80% of their lives underground, so it’s a rare treat to see one.
Mount/Chief Ouray, just outside Salida, CO
The Devil’s Armchair! This is the bowl under the peak of Mount Ouray, visible from Salida if you look southwesterly. The hike up to it only takes about 2.5 hours (+1.5 to get down), and there are several stream crossings to keep you cool along the way. Local legend has it the feature got it’s name …
Purple/pink cones of the ancient Bristlecone Pinetree
Ever seen the bright magenta pine cones of a Bristlecone pine tree? Look for them just below treeline where this OLDEST KNOWN SPECIES thrives. This tree can live for over 4,000 years!
Moose Playing around Beaver Creek near Fairplay, Colorado
Less than a mile north of the cute little town of Fairplay, Colorado, on the Beaver Creek trail. These four moose made a brief appearance before disappearing back into the forest above the creek. Ski it, snowshoe it, or just hike it (likely not fit for bikes for at least a couple more months). It’s an easy trek you can make as short as you like, or follow it around all day!
Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River
Spectacular sunny views from the hiking and biking trails just outside of Royal Gorge Park. This time of year, there’s almost no one on them, and they’re surprisingly dry and warm. Miles and miles of easy biking and hiking trails to explore, and
Hidden ski trail and creek near Monarch, Colorado
Not far from Monarch Ski Area, this little gem of an unofficial trail was ripe for laying down fresh tracks.
Old Monarch Pass XC trek on a bluebird mornin…
Sunrise above the Continental Divide, with a sliver of a moon visible on the other side of the trail. Old Monarch Pass is all dressed up in snow and ready for your cross county outings!
Fall colors in Salida and thereabouts…
Aspens up high are just starting to turn and should peak this weekend-ish. In the meantime, enjoy the gorgeous yellow blossoming of the chamisa, also known as gray rabbitbrush. Just love how it makes this graffiti along the South Ark pop!
Gothic, CO – ghost town turned climate research station
The gorgeous little ghost town of Gothic was named for the rocky spires that overlook the town like so many medieval church towers. The town has a handful of hearty, year-round residents, but in the summer it is mostly populated by climate researchers and hikers heading up into the Maroon Bells Wilderness area.