Leadville is one of the finest historic towns to visit in Colorado. Strolling along the historic district will make you think about what it was like back in the days when it was a boom town during the height of the silver mining days. It was once the second most populous city in Colorado, after Denver, in the late 19th century. Beside the town's historical gems, its altitude and rugged terrain make it a good site for mountain biking, hiking and climbing, as well as a base for high altitude training. We stay in this town when hiking nearby, but for those who are keen on trains, you can check out the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. It's a two and a half hour ride through the wilderness of the San Isabel National Forest, along the Arkansas River Valley with spectacular views of the Fremont Pass, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert - the two highest peaks in Colorado. TO GET HERE From Denver via I-70 takes about a little over a two-hour drive to Leadville. Take I-70 W to CO-91 S in Summit County then take exit 195. You will pass the resort of Copper Mountain. Follow CO-91 S to US-24 E. If you are from out of state visiting, you might want to stop along the way, but that will take you longer of course. I won’t blame you if you do, there are plenty of scenic spots and other historic towns to visit along the way. THE CITY Leadville is a former silver mining town that lies near the headwaters of the Arkansas River, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Situated at 10,152 feet (3,094 m), it is the highest incorporated city in the United States. Leadville is a statutory city, the county seat, and the only municipality in Lake County, Colorado. The County Airport is the highest airport in the United States at just under 10,000 feet elevation. Mount Massive Golf Course is also the highest golf course in the country. Leadville was founded in 1877 by two mine owners named Horace A. W. Tabor and August Meyer. They set off the Colorado Silver Boom and by 1880, Leadville was one of the world’s largest silver camps, with a population of over 40,000. Tabor, known as the "Bonanza King" of Leadville, was an American prospector, businessman and politician. After gaining his fortune from the Matchless Mine, he established newspapers, a bank, the Tabor Grand Opera House and the Tabor Block. However, he lost his entire fortune after extravagant spending and when the value of the silver crashed. He died in 1899, leaving his family almost penniless. The Impact of Mining in Leadville The closing of the Climax molybdenum mine in the 1980’s was a major blow to the town’s economy. The years of mining left behind substantial contamination of the soil and water. The United States law designed to clean up sites contaminated with hazardous substances (called Superfund sites) is commonly known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) designated some sites in Leadville for clean-up. The town and surrounding area are now 98% cleaned up, but the unsightly scar at the Climax Mine as well as the tailings ponds nearby will remain a visual blight on the landscape for years, if not centuries. - HISTORIC DISTRICT - The buildings which were once an important hub of activity in Leadville can be found in the Historic District, designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1961. It preserves many historic structures and sites from the mining era, including 67 mines in the mining district east of the city, some portions of the village area, and various buildings - structures that were built before 1917 such as the Tabor Grand Hotel, St George’s Church, Annunciation Church, Tabor Opera House, City Hall, Healy House, Dexter Cabin, Engelbach House, and Tabor House, as well as mining structures and small homes. TABOR OPERA HOUSE is one of the finest remaining Victorian opera houses in the West, and was once known as the finest theater between St. Louis and San Francisco. It was built in 1879 by Horace Tabor - he brought art, culture and grandeur to the once wild mining camp of Leadville. The Tabor Opera House was one of the most expensive and most substantially built structures in Colorado history; no expense was spared in its construction and furnishings. It was completed in 100 days from the date of ground-breaking. The massive 3-story structure was built using stone, brick and iron, trimmed with Portland cement. Although the building’s solid 16 inch thick brick walls weathered the test of time, restoration is ongoing to prevent deterioration due to the extreme climate in Leadville. The Tabor Opera House is a proud monument to Colorado history. It hosted many notable talents such as Harry Houdini, John Philip Sousa, and Oscar Wilde during his lecture tour in 1882. HYMAN BLOCK was built between 1885 to 1890. Doc Holliday shot his last man here, fortunately the man survived. Doc Holliday, a well-known gunfighter was a dentist by profession. He was a hot-tempered, educated and respected man, fluent in Latin and played the piano very well. He was also a professional gambler, known for his skills with a six-shooter and a long knife, and was a friend of Wyatt Earp and his brothers. Doc Holliday died in bed, not from a gunshot wound, but from consumption (tuberculosis), probably contracted from his mother who also died from consumption when he was fifteen years old. THE OLD CHURCH, called “Old Church” by the local residents, is a Presbyterian church, located across the City Hall. It was dedicated on December 22, 1889. It has a Gothic-style bell tower and decorative hand-painted glass windows. The Old Church is a landmark on Harrison Avenue. BREENE BLOCK was built in 1887, named after Lt. Governor and State Treasurer of Colorado, Peter W. Breene who provided the funding. Initially, the first floor was operated as a liquor store by Adolph Hirsch. WESTERN HARDWARE was first opened in August 1881, as Manville and McCarthy hardware. This building is an example of 19th century commercial architecture. The store operated for 100 years; its original fixtures, including the long counter and drawers, are still on display and in use today. LEADVILLE CITY HALL was built in 1905 as a federal building. It was used as a Post Office until 1973. The plaque on the front denotes fallen lawmen. In the lobby is an antique popcorn wagon. ANNUNCIATION CHURCH'S construction started in 1879, and was dedicated on New Year’s Day in 1880. The church and rectory cost $40,000. The steeple is a masterpiece of intricate carpentry, a web-like interweaving of timbers built to last for centuries. The bell called “St. Mary” was installed in 1885; it weighs 3,026 pounds. The prominent “Unsinkable Molly Brown” was married in this church on September 1, 1886; she survived the sinking of the Titanic. The funeral services for Baby Doe Tabor were held here in 1935. The tall spire of the church is a landmark in town. AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK is a three story brick and sandstone building built in the Romanesque style. The corner tower is topped with a bell-shaped metal-painted dome. The building's first occupant was the American National Bank in 1892. TABOR GRAND HOTEL was built from 1883 to 1885, designed by noted architect at that time, George King. The four story building was renovated and re-opened in 1992 with shops on the lower floor and apartments on the upper floors. SILVER DOLLAR SALOON is Leadville’s oldest establishment; it was originally called the Board of Trade Saloon - the name was changed after 1935. The antique bar inside the saloon, made by the Brunswick Company, and its original tile floor is still in use today. DELAWARE HOTEL BLOCK first opened in October 1886, named in honor of the home state of the three brothers who built it. Construction cost an estimated $60,000. A few years after the building was built, the entire lower floor became a dry goods store, Crews-Beggs, until 1980. The building underwent extensive renovation in 1992; the entire building is now the Delaware Hotel with two restaurants. - TOP ATTRACTIONS - National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum Top attractions in the area include the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum. The Museum contains more than 250 stories about the men and women who achieved lasting greatness in mining and natural resources. There are also plaques for honorees in the Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame which was established in 2013 to pay tribute to the pioneers of past and present-day industry leaders. The Matchless Mine, purchased in 1879 by Horace Tabor was one of the richest silver mines of the era which was estimated to have produced $7.5 million. Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad A train ride is always a fun way to explore part of the Rocky Mountains. There are several special tours on offer so check their website. NOTE: For more info on the Leadville Scenic Rides click the link. https://www.leadvillerailroad.com/ A Map to Guide You LEGEND: 1. Hyman Block & Tabor Opera House 2. Silver Dollar Saloon 3. American National Bank 4. Delaware Hotel 5. Tabor Grand Hotel 6. Leadville City Hall 7. Annunciation Catholic Church 8. Leadville Railroad - Colorado & Southern Railroad

Staunton State Park is one of the the newest state parks in Colorado, opened on May 18, 2013. The park is still in the developing phase today, so every time we come here there is something new. This is a beautiful park that offers something for everyone who seeks outdoor activities - hiking, climbing, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, bird watching and wildlife viewing. We’ve been hiking here since it was first opened, sometimes twice or even three times a year. Here, you can find some of the best views in Colorado without going up to the high mountains. THE PARK When exploring this park, you will find many remnants left behind of what was once a ranch, homestead and a sawmill operation. Staunton Ranch, owned by Rachel and Archibald Staunton in the late 20th century, was gifted to Colorado State Parks in 1986 by their daughter, Frances H. Staunton. Frances protected and preserved the ranch throughout her life to have it developed as a park someday. She got her wish, Staunton ranch is the heart of Staunton State Park today. In later years, the park purchased more parcels of land such as Elk Falls Ranch, Davis Ranch and the Chase property. Added to that is the land donated by Allen Dines, former Colorado State Senator and Representative. Today, the park covers 3,918 acres with elevations that range from 8,100 to almost 10,000 feet. Staunton Ranch Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Staunton Ranch-Rural Historic Landscape. The park has plenty of parking spaces with charging stations for electric cars near the Visitor Center. There are picnic shelters and picnic areas with BBQ grills, as well tent camping sites. The open pit toilets are clean! If you have plans for an outdoor wedding , check the Marmot Burrow Amphitheater. TO GET HERE To Staunton State Park from Downtown Denver is about 47 minute-drive (40 miles) via US Highway 285 South, the fastest route. Take US-6 West and CO-470 East to US-285 South in Jefferson County. Then take exit 5A from CO-470 East and follow US Highway 285 South. Turn right to South Elk Creek Road/83 to Staunton State Park. - HIKING TRAILS - We have hiked all the trails in the park except West Meadow Trail. Trails here interconnected and most are multi-use, but some are designated for hikers only - the trail signs/junctions will tell you which ones to take. Depending on your hiking capabilities you can choose your own combinations. Take a map with you, it’s free! It will be useful in case you decide to take on a more challenging and longer hike. Hermann and I usually follow a loop using a combination of trails, which means longer hikes but that’s what it takes to get to some of the best parts of the park. We vary our hikes, taking combinations of trails to all the overlooks, which can be as long as twelve miles at the most. Of course, you can make it longer if that is not enough for you. Don’t know where to start? Staunton Ranch Trail is pretty much in the middle of the park. Taking this trail will take you to various other trails and overlooks in the park, also to the Historic Cabins Trail. However, getting to the three overlooks in the northeastern part of the park we take the Mason Creek Trail. Below are examples of the trails we like to hike in the park. ELK FALLS POND & ELK FALLS OVERLOOK - 12 miles From the western end of the Staunton Ranch Trail, follow the Bugling Elk Trail to Elk Falls Pond then to Lions Back Trail and to the Elk Falls Overlook. You can either end your hike by the pond or continue on. If you have a fishing license you can try your luck here. From Elk Falls Pond to Elk Falls Overlook is about 1 mile. The view is wonderful there, a beautiful spot to have lunch and recharge before hiking back down. From here you will see Elk Falls below, but too far away to get a good view of it. Once you are back at the pond, you have a choice of trails to take. If you want to make a loop hike, instead of hiking back to Bugling Trail take the Marmot Passage Trail and Scout Line Trail back to Staunton Ranch Trail. TO ELK FALLS – 11-12 miles When we first hiked in the park, the trail to Elk Falls was not yet constructed. We could see the falls from the Elk Falls Overlook, but is too far to appreciate it. Soon enough Elk Falls Trail was built and opened for hikers to get up close and personal with the falls. To get here from Staunton Ranch Trail, we took the Bugling Elk Trail, passing Elk Falls Pond to Chimney Rock Trail. The Elk Falls Trail branches off from this and will take you over several switchbacks as it descends to the falls. The falls drop 100 feet into North Elk Creek. We first hiked here in Autumn, so the water was not as spectacular, but we imagined it in Spring. Needless to say we got to see it then. Photo and video below shows the difference. Elk Creek Falls is gushing with snow melt in spring. Any day is the best time to see this falls but for us, Spring is definitely the best time to hike here. Especially when we had the place to ourselves. CATAMOUNT OVERLOOK, PIKES PEAK OVERLOOK & EAGLE CLIFFS OVERLOOK – 8.5 miles These overlooks are the newest ones and offer some of the best views you can get in the park as far as we are concerned. The new Bear Paw Trail takes you to these fine viewpoints and is rated moderate, but that also depends on your hiking skills. We began this hike at the main parking lot and followed the Mason Creek Trail about two miles to the Bear Paw Trail junction. The Overlooks We hiked her recently and we got lucky having all three overlooks to ourselves. Not a person in sight throughout so we took our time. Coming from the Mason Creek Trail the first overlook is the Catamount Overlook. The view is stunning enough but wait until you reach the other two. Most of the Bear Paw Trail was covered in snow, which may be why we saw nobody else on it. The Catamount and Pikes Peak Overlooks are close to each other. To get to the Eagle Cliffs Overlook, however, is about a mile beyond the other two. You would think you missed it after a while, but just keep following the trail downhill and look for the sign. Among the three overlooks, the Eagle Cliffs Overlook has the best view. You will have a little scrambling on rocks to reach the top but it is doable for almost everyone. Going back down from overlook, you continue on the Bear Paw Trail. You can either hike back to Mason Creek Trail the way you came or continue on to the Old Mill Trail which takes you back to the Staunton Ranch Trail, which take you back to your starting point to complete the loop. If you want an even longer hike, instead of the Old Mill Trail, take the Border Line Trail. Snow can linger here in Spring and some areas can be icy so take spikes with you. On this trail you will find remnants of a Sawmill. Logs that was milled here was used for building cabins and other structures, as well as for railroads. What is left of the mill is a structure that collapsed in the 1970s and a 1919 Pierce Arrow car engine. Past the Mill Site you will be amazed at the many protruding rocks in this park. Look up and you will find climbers scaling to the top. - THE PARK IN AUTUMN - We like to come here in Autumn when Aspen trees change their leaves to a vivid gold. You don't even have to hike far, these aspen groves are found all along the Staunton Ranch Trail. You just have to time it right - their peak season is short and varies from year to year, depending on the weather conditions, though early October is a good time. NOTE: There’s a fee to enter the park, $10 per vehicle or $4 per person for non-vehicle entry. If you come here often enough it is worth buying the $80 annual pass.

Monument Valley is the image of the American West, made famous by Hollywood filmmakers during the era of the early western movies. Can you just visualize a wagon train or John Wayne on his horse? The area is part of the Colorado Plateau, in the Navajo Nation reservation. Although the park is a long way from any place, this is definitely worth going out of your way to visit. We visited Monument Valley as part of our Southwest Utah road trip, a loop starting in Colorado to Capitol Reef National Park, Escalante, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Glen Canyon Dam, Monument Valley and Natural Bridges National Monument. It took us several days and was one of the best road trips we did here in the United States. TO GET HERE The entrance to the tribal park can only be accessed from Utah. If you are coming from Colorado, it’s about 8 hours and 25 minute-drive via US Highway 285 South and US-160 West, the fastest route. It’s about 460 miles so you either start early or spend the night along the way. Better yet, make it a road trip like we did. But then, if you are in a hurry you can fly there and land at a private airport, but there is no commercial airline service. If you are coming from other adjacent states such as Salt Lake City, Utah, the fastest route is about 6-hour drive via US-6 East, US-191 South and US-163 West. Coming from Flagstaff, Arizona it is about 3-hour drive while coming from Albuquerque, New Mexico, it is a little over 5-hour drive. THE PARK Monument Valley, in Navajo (Diné) Tse’ Bii’ Ndzisgaii, meaning "valley of the rocks", straddles the Arizona-Utah state line, in the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation, one of the largest American Indian tribes, encompasses much of the Four Corners area, including Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly and Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona. In 1849, the first United States militia explored this area and Captain John G. Walker found the valley “as desolate and repulsive-looking a country as can be imagined.” But then in the 1930s, John Ford started filming his western movies here and the area became internationally famous. When visiting the valley, you can drive around the park, once you paid the entrance fee of course, which is $20 person per vehicle (which includes four passengers) and $6 for each additional passenger. Take note though, parts of the monument such as Mystery Valley and Hunts Mesa can be accessed only with a tour guide. From the Lookout Point, you can get a spectacular view of the East and West Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte. The tall pinnacles of rock, or buttes, reaching 1,000 feet (300m) are surrounded by miles and miles of red sandy desert - about 92,000 acres - straddling the Utah-Arizona border, 5,564 feet above sea level. The once vast lowland basin became a plateau resulting from hundreds of millions of years of accumulated sediment deposits. Subsequently, the force of wind and water peeled away the surface layers, revealing alternating layers of soft and hard rock that we see today. The red color is due to the presence of iron oxide. 17-Mile Valley Drive Don’t just take in the view; you can drive the 17-mile Valley Drive, a dirt road that loops through the park and among the towering cliffs and mesas. The drive is suitable for any vehicle, except after heavy rain. Either that or you can join tours of your choice. For a two-hour trip it will cost you around $75 dollars. There’s also a 3.2-mile Wildcat Trail which starts at the visitor center and loops around the West Mitten Butte. We could not spend a lot of time there since we had already driven 260 miles that day, and still had to find a motel for the night, but it would be nice to see that place under differing lighting conditions. But late afternoon is not bad, since the sun will be behind you as you view the buttes from the viewpoint. NOTE Don’t forget to visit the Visitor Center’s gift shop. They offer all sorts of beautiful native keepsakes to take home. OTHER SIGNIFICANT SITES TO VISIT IN THE AREA: FOUR CORNERS MONUMENT (FOUR CORNERS TRIBAL PARK) CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT

Visiting the County of Taos was part of our road trip in New Mexico. We started in Santa Fe, drove to Chimayo and then to Taos. Taos is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Taos valley, initially founded in 1615, formally established in 1795 and incorporated in 1934. Located in the north-central part of New Mexico, the town was once a fortified plaza and trading outpost for neighboring communities. This historic town as well as the historic village of Taos Pueblo and San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos are worth visiting if you are in the area. TO GET HERE From Santa Fe to Taos is about 1 hour and 25-minute drive via US-84 W/US Highway 285 N and NM-68 N. But if you planned to stop at Chimayo, from there to Taos is about 1 hour and 10 minute-drive via 76/High Road to Taos. Then from Taos to Taos Pueblo is about an eight-minute drive north from town. THE COUNTY The County of Taos contains seventeen out of the twenty five highest peaks in New Mexico, of which Wheeler Peak (13,161 feet), located northeast of Taos, is the highest point in the State of New Mexico. The Wheeler Peak Wilderness was designated by United States Congress in 1964. If you are a hiker, several hiking trails can be found here. The name “Taos” derives from the native Puebloan language meaning, “place of red willows.” Native Americans ranged through the Taos area about 6,000 years ago. Then about 900 years ago Puebloans moved into the Taos and Picuris Pueblo areas. In 1540 the Spanish arrived in the Taos valley (also called Lower Taos Canyon) and after the Spanish conquest of the Indian Pueblo villages a settlement was established in 1615 as Don Fernando de Taos, which later became just Taos. Later, with pressure to convert to Christianity and demands to pay tributes to encomenderos (conquerors), resentment and hostilities built up against the Spaniards which led to a revolt of the Pueblo in 1640. The Spanish fled, but returned in 1661. In 1680, Taos Pueblo joined the widespread Pueblo Revolt. The Spanish re-conquered the town in 1692 and the Taos Pueblo continued armed resistance until they were defeated by Governor Diego de Vargas in 1696. In 1710 the Spanish regained the territory. In 1847 New Mexico became a territory of the United States during the Mexican-American War. Beaver trappers made Taos their home in the early 1800s. At that time there were about 500 settlers. Kit Carson, an American frontiersman and legend, married Josefa Jaramillo from Taos. One block from Taos Plaza you can visit his home, the Kit Carson Home and Museum, located along, guess what? Kit Carson Road. Taos Downtown Historic District Exploring the downtown historic district is enjoyable. We love the adobe style architecture, plus there are plenty of shops and historic structures to visit. If you are an art enthusiast, Taos offers many galleries and museums. In July each year, a Pow Wow is held here and many tribes participate for a weekend of trade and festivities. Since the beginning of 1899, many artists were attracted by the culture of Taos Pueblo, and Northern New Mexico. They settled around the plaza and the Taos Society of Artists was then formed in 1912. Hippies arrived in town in the 1960s and 1970s and added influence to the culture of Taos today. FOOD Food is diverse in Taos and you will never get hungry if you are craving food other than the Mexican specialties. Of course we had to have the local fare, even once or twice while in the area. So, if you are longing for Mexican food, then Taos will satisfy your cravings. We got to eat at the Alley Cantina, a restaurant and bar housed in the oldest building in Taos. The building was built in the 16th century by the Pueblo Indians. It was partly destroyed, rebuilt and then was added on to through the years. It was once an outpost along the Chihuahua trail. Then it became an office of the first U.S. Territorial governor of Taos, Charles Bent, who was assassinated in 1847. We dined there way back in 2008 and this restaurant is still there. I don't have pictures of our food, sorry to say, but as we remembered it we had a good meal in this restaurant. - TAOS PUEBLO - Three miles northeast of Taos is Taos Pueblo, designated a National Historic Landmark on October 9, 1960 and UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. In the village are two structures called Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house). Taos pueblo is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States, estimated to have been built between 1000 and 1450 A.D. Taos Pueblo is one of eight Northern Pueblo communities and one of the most private, secretive and conservative among the pueblos. The Pueblo is a combination of multi-storied complex, up to five stories high in some places. Located on either side of the Rio Pueblo de Taos, also called Rio Pueblo and Red Willow Creek, the complex was constructed with reddish-brown adobe, the largest multistoried Pueblo structure that still exists. The individual homes have common walls but no connecting doorways. With the Taos Mountains of the Sangre de Cristo Range as a backdrop, the complex’s beautiful setting is like a postcard perfect scene that you can find in the area. Its north side is said to be one of the most photographed and painted buildings in North America. When the Spanish arrived in Pueblo country, they thought they had found the "Cities of Gold", because the adobe houses glitter in thr light. Little did they know that the glitter is due to the micaceous mineral (soil containing mica) mixed in the clay for mudding (or plastering) the buildings - they do this every year to maintain the structures. The homes in the Pueblo are inherited over generations of ownerships. Some homes are open as shops selling native American jewelry, pottery, drums and other native items as souvenirs to take home. I sure found some. Native Americans are famous for their work with animal skins, including drums. We got to hear a sample of what their drums sound like when we were there, unfortunately neither of us are musicians. But it would be nice to have one on display, come to think of it. In the village you will find these beehive-shaped mud ovens called "horno", the Spanish word for oven. They were originally introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors and adopted by the Spanish who carried the concept to all Spanish-occupied lands. They were used by native Americans and early settlers in north America. The Rio Pueblo de Taos, a tributary of the Rio Grande, passes through the center of the village. Its source is the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, at the Blue Lake two miles southeast of Wheeler Peak. The river's entire upper part is within the Pueblo Indian Reservation. In Pueblo, modern conveniences such as power, running water and indoor plumbing are not allowed. It is said that as of 2006, no one lives in the community full time, for reasons you can imagine. Most live outside the village and occupy the Pueblo houses only during ceremonials at which time they closed to the public. St. Jerome (San Geronimo) Catholic Chapel Puebloans practice their original spiritual and religious tradition as well as Roman Catholicism. About 90% of Puebloans are Catholic. The first construction of the Catholic church in the Pueblo was in 1619, called the mission of San Geronimo de Taos (St. Jerome). It was destroyed during the Spanish Revolt of 1680. It was rebuilt but was also destroyed during the Mexican-American War in 1847, after which the present church was built in 1850. St. Jerome is the patron saint of Taos Pueblo. NOTE: The Pueblo is open to the public - for a fee of $16 per adult (it was $10 when we visit here 13 years ago), plus an additional fee for each camera brought in (including cell phones). Photos are for personal use only and taking photos of tribal members is not allowed without permission. On All Souls’ Day the village is closed to outsiders or non-Indians, while the locals spend their day with families. San Francisco de Asís (Assisi) Mission Church South of Taos is the San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. This church was founded in the mid-18th century by the villagers - civilian Spanish and Mexican families - who settled permanently in Ranchos de Taos. The settlers built their adobe homes around this church, close together to defend themselves against Comanche raiders attracted to the rich valley of Taos. The church, located on the plaza, was completed in 1816 in the large sculpted Spanish Colonial style. Well known artists such as Ansel Adams photographed this church for his Taos Pueblo art book. Georgia O'Keeffe painted a series of perspectives of this church describing it as “one of the most beautiful buildings left in the United States by the early Spaniards”. To maintain the church, the local villagers and visitors gather annually each June for two weeks to re-mud the exterior.

About forty minutes north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, lies the tiny community of Chimayo. The Tewa Indians named the village “T’si Mayoh”, after one of the four sacred hills above the valley. On our way to Taos, we stopped here to visit El Santuario de Chimayo, a pilgrimage church visited by thousands of pilgrims and visitors internationally. The village of Chimayo was founded in the 17th century by Spanish settlers, in the fertile valley that was nourished by the Santa Cruz River. The town contains many neighborhoods called plazas. One is called El Potrero de Chimayo, where the said pilgrimage church is located. Many believe a miracle happened 200 years ago at the site where the church stands today. THE SETTLERS The area around Chimayo was inhabited by the Pueblo Indians since the 12th century. The Spanish arrived here initially to convert the natives to Christianity, but then in 1680 the Puebloans revolted, thus ending the Spanish commitment to the region. In 1693 the Spanish re-conquered New Mexico, led by Diego de Vargas, and regained control of the area. The newly arrived Hispanic families scattered along the Santa Cruz River and in the village of El Potrero. The settlers committed themselves to a miraculous crucified image of Christ of Guatemala known as Our Lord of Esquipolas. The villagers became experts in farming, raising stock and weaving wool. Their present-day descendants are still accomplished in those skills and are famous for high-quality weaving, horse and sheep raising, fruit orchards and red chilies. Chimayo is also famous for traditional Hispanic and Tewa Indian Arts such as wood and tin working, pottery and other Indian crafts. TO GET HERE From Santa Fe to Chimayo is about forty minutes-drive via US-84 W/US Highway285 heading north. Then head northeast to La Puebla Road/88 and on 76/Santa Cruz-Chimayo Road. EL SANTUARIO DE CHIMAYO El Santuario de Chimayo, originally called Santuario de Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas, was first built in 1813 then expanded in 1816. The villagers built this church on land owned by Don Bernardo Abeyta, a member of Penitentes, which performs the rituals of penance, and a member of the brotherhood that kept the catholic faith alive in New Mexico. There are several versions on how this site became popular to many pilgrims. One legend says, in 1810 Abeyta saw a light shining from the hillside near the Santa Cruz River. Upon digging with his bare hands, he found a large crucifix with a dark image of Christ, immediately associating it with Our Lord of Esquipulas. He notify Fr. Sebastian Alvarez, who took it to the nearby Santa Cruz church, but the next day the crucifix was gone and they found it again where it was originally found. By the third time that this mystery happened, Abeyta and Fr. Alvarez realized they needed to build a church at the original spot. According to Tewa Indians, the same spot had earlier been a sacred place to many Indian tribes, where originally a spring rich in iron and other minerals bubbled up from the ground. The spring has since dried up. A church was built in 1813, and with pilgrimages increasing, the church started to grow and it was replaced with a larger shrine in 1816. The church is charmingly hand-constructed, full of odd angles, built of wood and adobe. The church and the two towers were once flat-topped; the sloped roof and wood caps on the towers were added in the 1920’s. An archway leads to a courtyard before the entrance to the church. Within the church is the "el pocito", the small pit of Holy Dirt located in a small room which many people claim to possesses remarkable curative powers. Since pilgrims take small amounts of this dirt, the church replaces it with about 25 to 30 tons annually from the hills nearby. Skeptics claimed that holy dirt in this pit is unwarranted. There is also a designated place where canes, braces and wheelchairs hang on the wall, a testimonial from people cured from what ailed them. El Santuario de Chimayo became known as the "Lourdes of the Southwest," as “the church of many miracles,” and one of the most important catholic pilgrimage centers in the United States. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage churches in the world, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists, close to 300,000 visitors a year, most especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Some walk from as far away as Albuquerque. This shrine was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

One of the best historic cities to visit here in the United States is Santa Fe, in New Mexico. Santa Fe. meaning “Holy Faith” in Spanish, is located at the foot of the Sangre de Christo Mountains. The city is the fourth largest city and capital of the state of New Mexico, the highest state capital (7,260 feet, or almost 2,000 feet higher than Denver, Colorado) in the United States. The city is also the seat (administrative center) of Santa Fe County. It has a semi-arid climate with chilly winters and hot summers. So we come visit here when the weather is cooler and the peak of the summer season is over. THE CITY Santa Fe originally consisted of many villages of Puebloan people that dated back to between the years 1050 to 1150. The city was founded in 1610 by New Mexico’s second Spanish governor, Don Pedro de Peralta. He called the place “La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis” (The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi). He made Santa Fe the capital of the province - it has remained until today the oldest state capital city in the United States. The Spanish laid out the city according to the “Laws of the Indies”. The town planning and ordinances were established in 1573 by King Philip II. The town was laid out around a central plaza; on its north side is the Palace of the Governors and on the east side is the church that later became known as the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Santa Fe is a beautiful city, with a predominance of Pueblo style architecture, consistent with the adobe structures of the surrounding area. Any new or renovated buildings, especially in the city center and other historic districts, must adhere to this style in conformance with ordinances that have been in place since the 1950's. There is one house that is said to be the oldest house in the United States, dating back to 1646. - FESTIVALS - FIESTAS DE SANTA FE Santa Fe's annual festivals are something you might want to experience at least once. The last time we were there, they were celebrating Fiestas de Santa Fe. It's an annual celebration on the first weekend after labor-day. Since 1712, the city has commemorated the re-conquest of Santa Fe in 1692 by General Don Diego de Vargas. It is a fun celebration with parade, live music, dancing, art market and food! There is an annual pageant to commemorate La Reina and Don De Vargas in addition to other religious ceremonies. One noted celebration in this fiesta is the Burning of Zozobra, the "Old Man Gloom". At the beginning of the festival, a giant marionette effigy, called the epitome of gloom, is constructed and then burned. This ritual is to destroy peoples' worries and troubles for the coming autumn. We were not able to see that unfortunately. - NATIVE ARTS & CRAFTS - So, you don't go to Santa Fe without exploring the beautiful shops, boutiques and vendors. Arts and jewelries are everywhere! You can't leave Santa Fe without bringing something home, believe me. Those native jewelries are uniquely beautiful. But if you are looking for authentic native American jewelry on a budget, the best place to go is to the Palace of the Governors. You have to bring cash though and the sellers (native Americans) don't charge sales tax. About potteries and arts? You will fill your display shelves or walls if you are not careful. They are beautifully crafted so that you will have a hard time choosing one. But no matter what you choose, it will be exceptionally beautiful and memorable. You don't want to miss visiting the art district. Even if you are not buying, this area is such a pleasant place to explore, very colorful and artsy with stunning art collections to admire. Santa Fe has over 250 art galleries. - HISTORIC CATHERDAL & CHURCHES - SAINT FRANCIS CATHEDRAL Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, also known as Saint Francis Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in downtown Santa Fe. It is the most celebrated landmark in the city. The Cathedral was officially elevated to a Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on October 4, 2005. Before this cathedral was built, there were two older churches built on the same site. The first church was built in 1626, but was destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt against the Spaniards in 1680. It was replaced by La Parroquia, an adobe church built in 1714 to 1717. Saint Francis Cathedral was built between 1869 and 1886 by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy. The cathedral was designed in the French Romanesque Revival Style. Archbishop Lamy, being French born, influenced the design. It has rounded arches separated by Corinthian columns and truncated square towers. The towers' 160 foot (49m) steeples were never built due to lack of funds, so they stayed as they are today. SAN MIGUEL CHAPEL San Miguel Mission, also known as San Miguel Chapel or Chapel of San Miguel, is a Spanish colonial mission church, located on the south side of the Santa Fe River. The chapel was built between 1610 and 1626 by the Tlaxcalan Indians. It was damaged by fire during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680, but the walls are so thick and solid, that only the wood was damaged. The church was rebuilt in 1710. It was repaired and rebuilt several times since then, but its original adobe walls are still intact. The church claims to be the oldest church in the United States that is still in use. The old bell in San Miguel Mission weighs seven hundred and eighty pounds; it is four inches thick. It bears the inscription “San Jose ruega por nosotros” (St. Joseph, pray for us). The bell's age and history have been a subject of great discussion; it was said that the bell was cast in Spain in 1356 and brought to America by Nicolas Ortiz Nino Ladron de Guevara. LORETTO CHAPEL The Loretto chapel is known for its "Miraculous Stair", a subject of legend, mystery and rumor for over a hundred years. The spiral staircase, called "St. Joseph's Staircase", has two complete 360-degree turns, stands 20 feet tall, has no center support and rests only on its base. It has 33 steps made of unknown wood, constructed with square wooden pegs without glue or nails. The mystery has never been satisfactorily solved, as to who the carpenter was and where he got the lumber, or how he even got it to the site. An author named Mary Jean Straw Cook claims to have solved the question in the late 1990's. According to the author, the builder was Francios-Jean "Frenchy" Rochas, an expert woodworker from France, who arrived in Santa Fe around the time the staircase was built. He was shot and found dead in 1895. The author found his death notice in The New Mexican, naming him as the builder of the staircase. The chapel is now being used as a museum and for wedding ceremonies; it is owned by a private company. An entrance fee is required to go into the chapel. - FOOD & DRINKS - What about food you ask? You will never want for food in Santa Fe. Whether it's hearty New Mexico dishes you want or Asian, Italian, Indian or Middle Eastern, it is just a matter of choice. For us, when in Santa Fe we always opt for the favorite local food fare. Chili is New Mexico's official state vegetable, needless to say, so you will find it in most, if not all, local dishes. Warning though! Just make sure you know your level of heat when ordering Mexican Chili. Hermann learned his lesson when he ordered some for lunch one time. They have different levels of heat there, so be sure to ask. You've got to have a Margarita of course. Santa Fe is known as the "Margarita Capital of the World". As Hermann said, Santa Fe served the best Margarita he ever had. I don't drink alcohol, but a Margarita without it is superb for me. They do serve virgin Margaritas if you ask.

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have plenty of choices of trails to take. The park is big, with 265,461 acres (414.78 square miles) to explore. As I mentioned before, this is one of the most visited national parks (ranked third) in the United States, so it can be crowded at times. But there is still a way to get away from the crowds, if you wish to. We come here at least once or twice a year to hike. Some of the best alpine lakes in Colorado are found here. The longer the trail, the more lakes you can discover. One of the best trails in the park with several lakes that you can hike to (if you are an average hiker) is the Black Lake Trail. This trail offers several lakes and waterfalls. - GLACIER GORGE TRAILHEAD - When hiking to Black Lake, we start at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. To get to the trailhead from Beaver Meadows Entrance Station is about 8.6 miles. From Highway 36, turn left and follow the Bear Lake Road all the way - the same road going to Bear Lake. Unless you are really early, as in arriving at dawn, the parking area here is almost always full. Your best bet is to park at the Park & Ride located along the Lake Road and take the free shuttle bus to the trailhead. It will save you time when you find the Glacier Gorge parking full and have to turn around. MILLS LAKE TO JEWEL LAKE TO BLACK Lake – 11 miles round-trip This hike starts easy enough but soon becomes more moderate. One thing about taking this trail is that you can hike as far as you wish, depending on your stamina and hiking skills. Make sure to take a map with you, trails in RMNP are interconnected, and you don’t want to end up farther away than you originally planned. This trail will take you first to Alberta Falls then on to Mills Lake and Jewel Lake before you reach Black Lake. The trail goes beyond Black Lake, but this is where we stopped. ALBERTA FALLS The trail to Alberta Falls, named after Alberta Sprague, wife of Abner Sprague, who homesteaded in Moraine Park in 1874, is where you will find a crowd. The close proximity of the falls to the trailhead and easy access makes Alberta Falls popular for most visitors to the park. Alberta Falls is less than a mile and the beautiful waterfall is enough to keep most of the tourists here. It is indeed a beautiful waterfall, pretty spectacular in early summer when the water is gushing down from snowmelt above. We especially love this first stretch of the trail in Autumn when the Aspen leaves turn into gold. Past the falls the trail gets steeper, but the crowd gets thinner. Above the falls, there are more aspen groves on both sides of the trail. Combine this with the landscape and you will get a spectacular view, in addition to the view that you will find from the lakes. This is anything but a boring trail with plenty of photo ops along the way. Part of the trail above Alberta Falls follows alongside Glacier Creek. You can hear the water flowing down toward the falls below as you hike. Don't rush to your destination, take time to look around and you will find interesting spots along the trail. MILLS LAKE About a mile from Alberta Falls is a junction leading to three different trails, make sure to read the sign going to Mills Lake, on the left. The other trails lead to The Loch and Sky Pond and to Lake Haiyaha. From the junction to Mills Lake is about half a mile. Mills Lake alone is enough to end your hike here. The lake is beautiful with a stunning view of the mountains. We stop here for some energy boost before continuing on and enjoy the view at the same time. JEWEL LAKE From Mills Lake to Jewel Lake is just a short hike. Jewel Lake is smaller than Mills Lake, some hikers probably think it's part of Mills Lake. Hikers who are in a hurry to reach Black Lake will probably skip it. But Hermann and I take our time when hiking. RIBBON FALLS & BLACK LAKE From Jewell Lake to Black Lake is about 1.5 miles. But before you reach the lake, you will pass by Ribbon Falls, The trail passes alongside this falls. This is a beautiful spot, as you can see from the photo below, where you can admire the cascading water and the mountain peaks above. From above the falls it is a short hike to Black Lake. Here, you will get a closer look at the surrounding mountain peaks, such as Pagoda Mountain (13,497 feet), Chiefs Head Peak (13,579 feet) and McHenry's Peak (13,327 feet). For an even tougher hike, you can extend your hike to Frozen Lake, Green Lake and Blue Lake. This is for, as our friend says, "hardcore hikers". My husband went as far as Blue Lake before on a solo hike, but to Black Lake is enough of a hike for me. I admit I climbed a fourteener and hiked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand, but those were one-time hikes which I was willing to take just for the unique experience.

Rocky Mountain National Park has plenty of stunning waterfalls. Some are easy to hike to and some need a little more effort on your part to reach them. There are at least 31 named waterfalls in the park. One of the easier ones (take note, I didn’t say easy), is hiking to Ouzel Falls located in a remote area of the park, between the small communities of Meeker and Allenspark. Ouzel Falls was named after a songbird called Ouzel, or American Dipper (formerly known as Water Ouzels). This type of bird catches its food by diving and ducking its head underwater, hence the name "dipper". They are usually found near mountain streams in forested areas. TO GET HERE Ouzel Falls is located in the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. You have to enter at the Wild Basin area and not at the main entrance of the park near the town of Estes Park. Coming from Estes Park, it’s about 12.5 miles south. From Highway 7 turn right to County Road 84 (2 miles from Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock) and then right on Highway 115. From Denver is about 68 miles, a 90-minute drive via US-36 W/Denver Boulder Turnpike and CO-7 W (South St. Vrain Drive). Then a little over 2 miles past Allenspark, turn left to County Road 84 W and then right on Highway 115 which is a narrow gravel road but well maintained - RV’s are not suitable to drive here. The Wild Basin Trailhead is at the end of this road. WILD BASIN TRAILHEAD TO OUZEL FALLS – 6 Miles round-trip On this trail you will pass three cascading waterfalls before you reach Ouzel Falls – Lower and Upper Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades. The uphill trail follows North Saint Vrain Creek for about 1.5 miles then veers off southwest. Make sure to read the signs, otherwise you might end up somewhere far from where you want to be. COPELAND FALLS – 0.5 mile The first waterfalls you will find on this trail is Copeland Falls, just half a mile from the trailhead. The trail follows the creek with easy access to the falls. Hiking on this stretch of the trail always takes us longer, we just can't resist the sound of the water. The flow of water on these waterfalls depends on the time of year. They are more spectacular in early summer when the snow is still melting in the high mountains resulting in lots of water gushing down the creek. In late summer, Copeland Falls has more gentle cascades (photo below). You might just want to hang out here and enjoy the gentle sound of the water. I don't blame you if you do, but there are more waterfalls above, which you might not know if it's your first time hiking here. This trail probably passes more waterfalls than any other trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, as far as I know. CALYPSO CASCADES – 1.8 miles After Copeland Falls is Calypso Cascades. Yes, the falls cascade down as you will find out soon enough. There is one part of the trail where you have to cross on slippery rocks. Water flows over the rocks - at least when we hiked here in early summer - so that you really have to be careful when crossing the rocks. Having hiking poles helps a lot to steady yourself. There are so many water features on this trail, so don't hurry to reach the top and just enjoy what this unique trail has to offer. That's why it's always nice to start early so you can take your time. When standing on the bridge over Cony Creek you will see the Calypso Cascades when looking upstream. OUZEL FALLS Some hikers stop at Calypso Cascades. But it's just another mile to Ouzel Falls, not that far at all. but it gets really steep for the last part of the trail, so I can understand why some hikers don't want to push it. Reaching the waterfall is just half of the hike after all, and you have to hike back down again, which can be tough for some people. Taking photos of Ouzel Falls is a little difficult, but the setting is quite nice. Its location is like a small oasis in the forest, which is actually what it is. We hung out here to have lunch and rest before hiking back down. On this trail are camp sites for tough hikers and backpackers who hike farther up past Ouzel Falls. If you are a seasoned hiker, you can extend your hike to Ouzel Lake, an addition of a little over 2 miles of hiking, one way. If that is not enough for you, there are even more lakes and ponds above waiting to be explored - Bluebird Lake, Junco Lake, Pipit Lake, Isolation Lake and Lark Pond. But then you would have to camp in the area in order to see all of these. These lakes sit below Copeland Mountain (13,176 feet), Mahana Peak (12,632 feet) and Isolation Peak (13,118 feet). NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on trails in national parks. This is a bear country so be bear-aware and follow the rules of the park. OTHER TRAIL TO EXPLORE IN RMNP WILD BASIN ENTRANCE: FINCH LAKE

One of our favorite places to hike in Colorado is in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Although this is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, which can be crowded during peak season, the park is big enough so that you can still get away from the crowds - at least in some areas. We come here either in early Summer, when the wildflowers are in bloom, or Fall when the autumn colors are at their peak. Fall is when you are likely to see herds of elk as well. RMNP has plenty of interconnecting trails, with various levels of difficulty. You can make your hike short or long, depending on your hiking capabilities and available time. There are trails suited for everyone, just make sure you have a map with you - you don’t want to get lost here if you are venturing farther from the most popular trails. TO GET HERE From Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park is about 1 hour and 30 minutes via US-36 W/Denver-Boulder Turnpike. This route will take you all the way to the RMNP Beaver Meadows entrance station. Take note, if you are 62 years old, get a lifetime pass. It gives you and everybody in your car free admission to all national parks in the country - forever. Not a lot of people know this, so I thought I should mention it here just in case. As my husband says, it is probably the best deal you will ever get from the government. We sure have taken advantage of it. LOOP HIKE (Bierstadt Lake to Bear Lake to Sprague Lake) – 8 to 9 miles Since hiking in RMNP has many interconnecting trails, there are plenty of variations you can take. Here, we did a loop hiketo three beautiful lakes in the park - Bierstadt lake, Bear Lake and Sprague Lake. We started at the Bear Lake Park & Ride located along Bear Lake Road. We often park here since the free shuttles can take you to the other trailheads which are often crowded. Bierstadt Lake From the Park & Ride, the Bierstadt Lake Trail will take you to, of course, Bierstadt Lake. Even non hikers can hike there and back without too much effort. It’s about 1.5 miles each way, if you don’t walk around the lake, and only takes less than an hour. You can walk around the lake, but that will take a bit longer. The other trails to Bierstadt Lake is via the Flat Top Mountain Trail which begins at Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, along Bear Lake Road. The trail is located less than two miles from the Park & Ride. The parking area here is very limited so you have to be early to get a spot. It’s a little shorter to take this trail to Bierstadt Lake, but it is steeper. Bierstadt Lake to Bear Lake From Bierstadt Lake to Bear Lake, the trail follows a short section of the Flat Top Mountain Trail. At a junction, there is a sign to Bear Lake, so pay attention or you might end up going to a different destination. It’s about 2 miles to reach it and in about less than an hour. From the junction, the trail goes downhill all the way to the lake. At some point, as you hike around the lake, you will see Bear Lake below you. Photo below. Bear Lake is very popular so expect to find people all around this area. Most tourists go to this lake since it's just a short walk from the parking lot behind the Bear Lake Ranger Station. You can walk around the perimeter of this lake, which is less than a mile. The view of Hallett Peak as well as Longs Peak from this lake is beautiful. Bear Lake to Sprague Lake From Bear Lake to Sprague Lake is longer. It’s a little over an hour hike, depending on your speed. It’s about 3.4-miles going downhill for a short time, then it pretty much levels off as you reach Glacier Creek. The most interesting part along this trail is the impressive cascading water as you cross Glacier Creek. The other scenic spot is an unnamed pond where Yellow Pond Lily thrive. You will find some wildflowers along this trail as well, but nothing as impressive as in the other areas of the park. Sprague Lake was once part of a dude ranch and lodge opened by Abner Sprague who homesteaded in the area in 1874. The area became part of Rocky National Park in 1915. For non-hikers, you can drive to this lake from Bear Lake Road to the Sprague Lake Road. To walk around this lake is just half a mile, and it's wheelchair accessible. The beautiful mountain landscapes seen on this trail will make you want to just hang out here and enjoy the view or do some fishing. There are some benches along this trail where you can sit and relax. To catch the shuttle bus back to the Park & Ride, just walk from Sprague Lake in about five minutes to the Sprague Lake/Glacier Creek Livery.

One area in Colorado that you can hike in without driving far is Arapaho National Forest. In this forest are six officially designated wilderness areas - Byers Peak Wilderness, Indian Peaks Wilderness, James Peak Wilderness, Mount Evans Wilderness, Never Summer Wilderness and Vasquez Peak Wilderness. The area provides outdoor adventures all year-round. Whatever your preference is, there is plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to pursue such as hunting and camping, off-roading, winter sports and of course, hiking. Arapaho National Forest was established on July 1, 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It consists of 723,744 acres largely encompassing Grand and Clear Creek Counties. It actually extends over into neighboring counties so some trails cross county lines. Arapaho National Forest includes the high Rockies and river valleys, parts of the Colorado River and the South Platte River. It straddles the Continental Divide as well. - HIKING - There are many trails that we hike in Arapaho National Forest. We only do day hikes and each of these trails varies from moderate to hard. Some might find the trails easy but not for others so it depends on your hiking capabilities and acclimatization. Some of the trails here start at high elevation so you have to consider if you are a "flatlander", or not used to thin air. Acclimating yourself first will prevent you from getting sick and will give you a much better hiking experience. Here are some of the best trails to hike. BUTLER GULCH TRAIL – 6 miles round trip This trail, located in Clear Creek County, is popular for winter sports – snowshoers, back country skiers and cross country skiers – but in summer this is one of our favorite trails for wildflowers. Besides that, the view itself is worth hiking here. TO GET HERE From Denver to the trail is a little over an hour drive via I-70 W. Take Exit 232 (US-40 W) through Empire. Turn left to Jones Pass/Henderson Mine (County Road 202) then follow the road for 2.6 miles, the trailhead is on the left. The trail follows an old mining road. You will be in the shadow of the trees most of the way and there are some steep trail segments and soggy crossings but once you reach above tree line the view opens up. But before that, about 1.5 miles from the beginning of the trail, you will pass a cascading waterfall. Above tree line is where you will find meadows full of wildflowers, right alongside the steepest part of the trail. We spend more of our time here than anywhere else on the trail I think. How could you not? Butler Gulch is home to over 100 species of wildflowers. A paradise for wildflower lovers. Below the ridge of the Continental Divide are some rusted remnants (old machinery) of an old mine. This area is the abandoned Jean Mine which once produced lead. It's now part of the landscape and quite interesting to hang out there for a few minutes looking at the machinery. Hermann sure loves to sit on this old rusted vehicle every time we come up here. The trail does not end at the mine - it continues up to the ridge where you can see an even more spectacular view. They call this whole trail "lollipop loop trail" because of the shape looking down from above. If you want to hike the Butler Gulch/Lollipop Loop Trail you have to start early so you won't get caught in an afternoon thunderstorm, which is very common in Colorado. NEXT... SECOND CREEK TRAIL TO TWIN CONES HERMAN GULCH TRAIL BUTLER GULCH/LOLLIPOP LOOP TRAIL WATROUS GULCH TRAIL SILVER DOLLAR AND MURRAY LAKE TRAIL

White River National Forest, located in western Colorado, encompasses 2.3 million acres. It has eight wilderness areas - Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Flat Tops Wilderness, Holy Cross Wilderness, Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness, Ragged Wilderness - as well as 10 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, 11 ski resorts and 2,500 miles of trails. Needless to say, this is the most visited national forest in the nation. The White River, a tributary of the Green River passes through the forest's northern section, hence the name. The road to the trail is called Shrine Pass, which was originally used by Ute Indians and then later by settlers and miners. Today, it is busy with hikers and equestrians during summertime and back country skiers, snowshoers and snow mobilers in wintertime. The name “Shrine” is due to the view of the Mount of the Holy Cross from the ridge. TO GET HERE From Denver to Shrine Pass Trailhead is 85 miles, a little over 2 hours drive via I-70. Take exit 190 to Shrine Pass Road and then go two miles to the trailhead. This trail is popular in summer, so you have to be early to get a spot in the parking lot, otherwise you have to park by the side of the road. SHRINE RIDGE TRAIL - 5 to 7 miles round trip When hiking the Shrine Ridge Trail, even at the beginning of the trail you will find great views. It is only a sample of what you will find at the summit. This trail is family-friendly so you will find all types of hikers here, from kids to senior citizens. It is a short hike with a gentle ascent, but there are some areas that some people might find challenging - this is a high mountain trail after all, the elevation and thinner air might catch you unawares, especially visitors from out of state. It's wise to start early so you can take your time and not worry about afternoon thunderstorms which usually happen in the high mountains. WILDFLOWERS Shrine Ridge Trail offers wonderful wildflowers in summer which usually reach their peak in late July to the first week of August. You definitely have to bring your camera when hiking here. You will understand why, just look at the pictures we took here. There are so many varieties of wildflowers - Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, American Bistort, Arnica, Monkshood, to name a few. It's always hard to leave the colorful meadows, but the view at the end of the trail is not to be missed. It has almost a 360 view of some of the most stunning Colorado landscapes. Here, you will find the Gore Range to the north and east, Uneva Peak to the east, Copper Mountain ski area and Tenmile Range in the south, the Sawatch Range and Mount of the Holy Cross to the Southwest and Flat Top Wilderness to the northwest. TRAIL TO WINGLE RIDGE There is another trail once you get past the steepest part of the trail. The trail to the right is the most popular, but if you want to get away from the crowd, then follow the trail to the left, to the Wingle Ridge. Not a lot of hikers come up here so you will get the solitude you seek after leap-frogging with the crowd most of the way. The length of this hike varies, depending on how far you want to go. This trail is mostly open and level, without any trees on top. NOTE: If you like some back country experience, there are cabins that you can rent located near the beginning of the trail. The cabins are open year round.

Historic mining towns are scattered all over Colorado; some are easily accessible and only a short drive from Denver, but others take a few hours of driving. Ouray and Silverton are located in southwestern Colorado, tucked in the San Juan mountains. These towns were built during the mining boom in the 1800’s, which put Colorado on the map. Some mining towns became "ghost towns", but Ouray and Silverton are not among those forgotten towns. This area is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts – hiking, climbing, biking, fishing, Jeeping and ATVs. A favorite starting point for anyone seeking nature. We come in Ouray to hike. There are beautiful hiking trails nearby such as Blue Lakes Trail and Portland Creek Trail. There are hot springs as well, a perfect way to ease aching muscles after a day of adventures. If you have time, you might want to explore the Box Canyon Falls. TO GET HERE The shortest route to Ouray from Denver is about 5 hour and 30-minute drive, via U.S. Highway 285 going south and U.S. 50 going west. You can also drive via I-70 to Grand Junction, from where you can go south on U.S. 50/550. HISTORIC DISTRICT OF OURAY Ouray is nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”, the sign at the viewpoint above town says so itself. It is also called “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado”. You will understand why once you visit this town. The Ute Indians once lived and roamed this area, but with the discovery of gold in Colorado their lives were severely changed and they ended up living in Utah. However, the town's name bears that of the Utes' chief. Chief Ouray was the leader of the Tabeguache (Uncompahgre) Ute Indian Tribe. He once lived in a small cabin at the foothills of the Amphitheater, now a landmark. The Portland Creek Trail-Chief Ouray Mine Trail will take you there. It is said that Chief Ouray was highly regarded for his intelligence and diplomacy. He was a friend of the white man and protector to the Indians. The Historic District of Ouray is located in a narrow valley surrounded by mountain peaks. The town has one main street and no traffic lights but it’s a vibrant town. As one saying goes, real people live here and their town was not over-developed like other towns. The town was once a supply center for the nearby mining sites from 1886 to 1915. The buildings here represent various architectural styles with richly decorative details. There are significant numbers of 19th century buildings such as the Beaumont Hotel, Ouray County Historical Society (formerly St. Joseph Hospital which served until 1964), Wright’s Opera House, County Courthouse, the Western Hotel, St. Elmo Hotel and City Hall. There are walking tours of 19th century private homes. A significant number of families with children lived here in the 1890s. The town offers plenty of Jeep rentals for exploring the mountains. BOX CANYON WATERFALLS & PARK Box Canyon Falls is located just south of Ouray, at the west end of Third Avenue. There is a fee to visit here. There are three trails that you can follow: the Falls Trail, the Bridge Trail and the Native Plant Loop. The trails are all easy and family friendly. The canyon is recognized by the National Audubon Society as a hot spot for birding. It is home to a significant colony of Black Swifts which migrate to the canyon in early June and then migrate to Brazil in Autumn. The 285-foot waterfall plummets into a narrow quartzite canyon. It is Ouray’s natural wonder, formed when the limestone of Canyon Creek was eroded by rushing water. MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY The towns of Ouray and Silverton are only about 24 miles apart and about a 43-minute drive. The only thing is, between these two towns is a stretch of Highway 550 known as the Million Dollar Highway. You probably heard of this famous road. This stretch of road has made the list of the world’s 12 most dangerous roads - alongside the “Highway of Death” in Iraq and the “Death Road” in Bolivia. Locals say its reputation is somewhat overblown, so you just have to drive it yourself to find out. The section of US 550 stretch over San Juan Mountains. It is one of the roads on the Trails of the Ancients Byway, a New Mexico Scenic Byway, and part of the San Juan Scenic Byway. This stretch of road is one of the nation’s most scenic drives, but at the same time dangerous if you are not careful. If you haven’t driven in the Colorado Mountains, then driving on this road can be a bit intimidating. For one thing, there is no guardrail and if you don’t pay attention you can drive over the edge and down into the gorge - and to your death. There are hairpin turns, switchbacks and “white knuckle” segments without guardrails. The reason for not having a guardrail is that there is no room for snow removal in winter. The snowplow drivers here are real heroes. The speed limit here is 25 mph and you better heed it, there is a reason for it. There is an overlook above Bear Creek Falls. If you are squeamish about heights, then you might not want to go out there, the viewing area hangs over the cliff 227 feet above the river below. It can be a vertigo moment for you if you look down. There is a hiking trail nearby for tough hikers. There are many theories why it was called Million Dollar Highway; if you Google it you will find the answers, though not necessarily the right one. Anyhow, one thing that my husband, Hermann, told me is that a million-dollars worth of silver was mined in that area. That's one theory, the other is that the highway cost one million dollars to build. RED MOUNTAIN PASS On this road, you will drive over Red Mountain Pass (11,018 feet), which name is derived from the iron oxide rock you see on the slopes. The pass divides the counties of Ouray and San Juan. It also separates the Uncompahgre and Animas River watersheds, as well as Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests. You will find evidence of mining relics here. South of Red Mountain Pass was the site of several mines during the silver boom in 1882 and 1893. At the end of Million Dollar Highway is the Historic Town of Silverton. The ordeal of driving that road is well worth the sweat and anxiety. But remember, you only drove half of the way, you have to drive back. It's not really that bad. You might even find driving this road exhilarating and fun. NEXT... HISTORIC MINING TOWN OF SILVERTON