Colorado 2021

I spent 12 amazing days exploring parts of Colorado.  This was my first solo road trip and the longest.  It was a nice change to spend a couple of days hiking and exploring these amazing places.  I flew into Denver, picked up my rental and made my way to Estes Park, CO for three solid days of hiking through Rocky Mountain NP from there I spent one day in Snowmass Village where I attempted to hike up a ski slope in the pouring rain after that hilarious experience I made my way to Montrose, CO where I spent 2 days hiking and exploring Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. From there I made my way to Alamosa, CO where I spent 1 day hiking through the Great Sand Dunes NP and Preserve.  I had planned 2 days there but chose to hike to Zapata Falls which is outside the park on the 2nd day. From Alamosa I made my way to Salida CO where I attempted to find Browns Canyon NM and failed.  This was the first time I was unable to find a National Monument LOL!  During my search I did find the Brown's Creek Trailhead which ended up being a great hike with a surprise waterfall at the end.  It was also the first time I ran into more people on horses than hikers. I stayed the next 2 nights in Colorado Springs, where I hiked through the Fossil Beds NM in Florissant, CO and Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs, CO on my final day I rode the COG train to the top of Pikes Peak a great way to end my trip!