As I'm sure happens to most people, time has a way of slipping by, especially when summer is filled with family, friends, and long sunny days back "home" in Minnesota.
Unfortunately, these beautiful summer conditions also bring a greater risk of natural disasters. It filled me with sadness to read this past week about the wildfires that are currently burning along the route that we had followed through Utah and Colorado as we made our way back to the Midwest. Some of the lesser-known "hidden gems" we discovered along our route are now threatened by these nearby wildfires. One of those gems was actually devastated by a wildfire last year. Fortunately, as we discovered while visiting our 62nd of the nation's 63 national parks, nature has a remarkable ability to emerge even stronger and more beautiful after a wildfire.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Tucked along the western edge of the Colorado Rockies, this relatively young national park is often overlooked in favor of some of Utah and Colorado’s more famous destinations. Perched high above the Gunnison River at an altitude of 8000 feet, it took all of Baby Beest’s power to ascend 2000 feet up the road to the visitor's center. The effort was well worth it!
Once inside, we quickly discovered that Black Canyon of the Gunnison has every reason to be proud of its national park status. Its dramatic, dark canyon walls reveal some of the steepest cliffs and oldest exposed rock formations in North America. Carved over millions of years by the powerful Gunnison River, this rugged landscape is both awe-inspiring and humbling ... another reminder of water's powerful ability to reshape our world.
The Grand Canyon's "mini-me"!
The effects of last year's wildfires were still visible across portions of the surrounding landscape, yet new growth and bright wildflowers offered hopeful reminders of nature's ability to heal.
While it is possible to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison from both its northern and southern rims, the south rim is much more easily accessible. From the visitors center, the park's seven mile paved road led to twelve scenic overlooks. Each overlook was packed with beauty on both a massive ...
as well as miniature scale.
With only the National Park of American Samoa remaining, our national park quest is nearly complete. Whether Doug will convince me to make the long ... and admittedly expensive ... journey to the final park remains to be seen. Stay tuned!
During our years of RV travel, we've learned that some of the most memorable places aren't always the ones with the biggest names. The hidden gems we discover along the way can be every bit as awe-inspiring, offering a deeper appreciation for our natural heritage and the importance of preserving these extraordinary places for generations to come.
Some of our favorite hidden gems of Utah and Colorado included:
Kodachrome State Park
Located less than an hour from Bryce Canyon National Park, this state park offered hiking and camping in smaller, more tranquil surroundings.
Trails led us past red rock hoodoos that looked vaguely familiar. Settle our debate ... is that Fred Flintstone or Barney Rubble???
What do you think? Are these sandstone hand prints 1000 years old or friendly reminders of recent park visitors?
Kodachrome State Park was smaller in scope then its famous neighboring parks, yet it was still filled with beauty on a massive
and miniature scale.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Near the entrance of Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park delivered more picture-perfect views of the Colorado River's magnificent carving skills.
Utah and Colorado's Scenic Drives
There is no such thing as a "boring" drive through the mountains. Around every bend were colorful rock formations,
meandering riverside roads,
and breathtaking mountain passes that left us in awe.
We were equally grateful that Baby Beest's new engine and transmission, and especially her well-seasoned brakes, were up to the challenge.
Lower Calf Creek Trail
With the help of Google Maps and the All Trails app, Doug found some spectacular hikes to break up our travel days. Lower Calf Creek Trail, located between Bryce Canyon and Capital Reef National Parks, received rave reviews for its spectacular views of the canyon walls along the trail as well as for the "cool" treat at the end.
While dredging through the occasional sandy patches of the trail didn't particularly thrill me,
... the colorful canyon views and artistic rock formations were quite spectacular.
And the "cool" surprise at the end? Well, when is a refreshing waterfall ever not worth the effort??!!
Rails to Trails Hikes
The historic Denver, South Park, and Pacific railroad route transported people and freight through some of Colorado's highest mountain peaks during the early 1900s. Abandoned in 1937, this relatively flat train route tucked between massive 14'ers has been transformed into a number of hiking trails that provide epic views without strenuous elevation gains.
We hiked the 2.2 mile Narrow Gauge Trail 1432 portion with beautiful views of Mt Antero and Mt Princeton.
With a gentle 3% grade, this scenic trail was easy on the legs and generous with its rewards, leading us through the beautiful mountain surroundings to a cascading river at the end.
Colorado National Monument
Just west of Grand Junction, Colorado, towering monoliths rise up among the red rock cliffs. While Colorado National Monument is most famous for the scenic twists and steep, narrow turns along its 23 mile Rim Rock Drive, I wasn't convinced that I wanted to explore the monument the "white knuckle" way.
Instead, we opted for the Monument Canyon Trail hike.
... around a few of the park's famous monoliths,
... and past some colorful creatures who were also out enjoying the warm sunshine.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Instead of hugging the eastern edge of the Rockies from Colorado Springs up to Denver, we decided to head further east to check out Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, Colorado.
Having left the Rockies, we wondered what spectacular gem could be found among the endless stretch of grasslands. As we walked into this county park that had been recommended by some friends, we were not disappointed.
A colorful collection of geological splendor greeted us!
Tucked beneath the hoodoos, colored clay, and sandstone-capped spires, delicate wildflowers seemed to provide the perfect finishing touch to Mother Nature's masterpiece.
Colorado Mountain Towns
As we drove across the Rocky Mountain range of Colorado, cute mountain towns provided comfortable camping spots, interesting attractions, and of course, a craft brewery or two.
Grand Junction
We met Lynn and Mike earlier this year as we both camped along the shores of Conception Bay in the Baja of Mexico. Intrigued by their stories of their beloved hometown and their generous offer to "mooch-dock" on their property, we were excited to discover ...
life among the chickens as well as ...
a vibrant downtown filled with lively art, delicious food, and plenty of beers brewed with crisp mountain waters.
Salida
Driving across Colorado always means crossing over a few massive mountain passes. Our biggest challenge was Monarch Pass, which climbs to an elevation of 11,312 feet. After carefully easing Baby Beest over the summit, a well-earned reward awaited in Salida. At Elevation Beer Company, a good burger paired perfectly with a “two mile high” IPA was an appropriate "thank you" to my very skillful driver who got Baby Beest (and us) safely over the pass.
Just down the road, we explored downtown Salida's historic district where we found over 100 Victorian-era buildings, cute shops that support its thriving arts district, and wildlife that followed the "pedestrian crossing" rules better than many humans!
Being surrounded by fifteen of Colorado's highest 14'ers has earned Salida the nickname, "Heart of the Rockies". With whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and natural hot springs all within close proximity, it would have been nice to be able to hang around for a few more days ... but "advance planning" has never been our strong suit. And while it looked like a lot of fun, I think that it is best to leave the "surfing" on the Arkansas River that flows through town to the much younger adventure seekers.
Colorado Springs
With Pikes Peak in the distance, it was a (mostly) fun downhill drive into the Colorado Springs area. Are you getting the impression that driving through mountains is not my favorite thing to do??!!
We stayed overnight at a Harvest Host in downtown Colorado Springs and, conveniently, found ourselves within walking distance of a few more craft breweries. Oh, happy day! You’ve got to appreciate the magic of turning pure mountain water into a refreshing IPA … at least according to Doug.
I will stick with drinking the mountain water before it is converted into beer.
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And just like that we arrived ...
Back in the Midwest
The land of small towns,
... surprise rainstorms and double rainbows,
... festive "farmer" art,
... 5 cent Wall Drug coffee,
... Badlands with beautiful boondocking spots,
... welcoming smiles of Sioux Falls friends,
... and Kwik Trip cinnamon rolls!
After a long year of RV travel through western Canada, Alaska, the West Coast, Arizona, the Baja of Mexico, and the western Rockies, we're looking forward to a slower, more mellow summer in the Midwest. Along the way, we've learned that the best adventures aren't always the ones that attract the biggest crowds. Some of our favorite memories have come from the unexpected treasures that we found simply because we decided to see what lay around the next corner. These hidden gems are often the places filled with scenery and experiences that we will always remember and cherish.
