Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument- Colorado

A visit to the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument near Mueller State Park revealed a forest that is quite different than what we see today.  Amongst the living Ponderosa Pines are massive Redwood  stumps fossilized by volcanic mud.  This trio of Redwood stumps are related, because Redwoods will grow from a parent tree.

We hiked the Petrified Forest trail to view more Redwood stumps and along the way this Blue Flag Wild Iris was blooming.

Officially named “The Big Stump”, it is believed this tree stood at 250 feet tall.  Scientists studying the fossilized rings believe this ancient stand of Redwoods lived in a more nourishing environment than the current stands in California. 

There were about 5 stumps to view along the trail, this one with a flowering Western Wallflower at it’s base,  and another 5 protected near the visitor center.  The area was ravaged by treasure hunters in the late 1800’s and most of the petrified wood was removed.  The National Monument now protects what is left and is making efforts to preserve what remains by building shelters over some of the larger specimens and even reburying others for protection. 

The Hornbek homestead provides a glimpse of early Pioneer life.  Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument marks Caleb’s 5th Junior Ranger Program this summer!  We will soon be making our way towards one of our favorite places, the Black Hills of South Dakota, with a much anticipated Cabela’s stop en route.

Front Range- Colorado

We traveled up and over Monarch Pass to get from the Western Slope to the Front Range of Colorado.  While at the summit, which is a continental divide at 11,312 feet elevation, Caleb played in knee high snowdrifts!

Making good use of our Colorado State Park pass purchased last summer, we arrived at Mueller State Park near Colorado Springs.  We climbed in elevation from Ridgway and are at 9,400 feet with temperatures reaching the low 70’s  in the afternoon.  The weather is perfect for hiking and biking in the woods.

Although a popular park, there is plenty of space to spread out and wildlife to be seen.  There was a black bear spotted at the entrance station a few days ago.  Chris saw a Golden Eagle soaring on thermals overhead while on a more challenging bike ride and a group of 5 bucks hanging out while on his morning walk with the dogs.   The campground  is well designed for big rigs and reservations are necessary.  Of course, I tend to spot wildflowers and the Wild Irises are in bloom in the meadows.

We plan to explore the nearby Florrisant Fossil Beds National Monument while in the area.  There should also be plenty of time for enjoying this beautiful campsite!

Parting Shots of the Western Slope- Ridgway, CO

We are leaving the Western Slope of Colorado for now and are moving towards the Front Range.  Here are some parting shots…

Rails to Trails- Ridgway, CO

We started our day on the extensive trail system at Ridgway State Park on the Cookie Tree trail which joined up with the Marmot Run trail.  Caleb and I chose to walk our bikes down most of the Cookie Tree trail, looking for the elusive tree that bears cookies!  Or maybe because we were next to a steep drop-off and didn’t want to bite the dust!  But once we joined the Marmot Run trail we were on a leisurely, paved sidewalk that ran alongside Dallas Creek and the Uncompahgre River.  This was a “Rails to Trails” route.  The trail goes all the way to the town of Ridgway, but we turned back before we got that far.  We’re still acclimating to the elevation.  On the return trip, Caleb and I paused to play at the Dallas Creek playground while Chris rode UP the Cookie Tree to the truck.  Then the nice taxi service picked us up! 

Later in the day we took a drive up to Ouray.  The scenery is amazing!  But the town seems like a mix between Jerome and Sedona, near our hometown.  Since we’re more into nature than shopping, we didn’t stay long.  After fueling up in Ridgway, we meandered over to the Railroad Museum.  The Galloping Goose is on loan from the Telluride Volunteer Fire Department for restoration to it’s original condition.

Then it was back to the State Park where Caleb braved the chilled waters of the reservoir and convinced Chris to also!  I took the position of photographer on the sandy shore.   More hikes, bike rides, s’mores and campfires… life is good!

Ridgway State Park- Ridgway, Colorado

This morning we departed from the James M. Robb State Park in Fruita, Colorado to head for a higher elevation.  We traveled to Ridgway State Park, which is south of Montrose and north of Ouray.  We are now settled in for the weekend at 7000 feet elevation and the temperature is in the mid 70’s.  Camped in the Elk Ridge section, we are shaded by Pinyon pines  and Junipers while being treated to majestic views of snow-capped mountains.

Ridgway State Park has over 14 miles of marked, well maintained trails.  We will be hiking and biking this weekend!  The reservoir will host a fishing tournament tomorrow, so we will likely stay off the water.  But Caleb quickly located the swim beach and tested the mountain snow melt.  He said, “It takes some getting used to.”  Nonetheless, he swam and loved it!

Colorado National Monument- Fruita to Grand Junction

Colorado National Monument is an area not to be missed!  One can access the monument either in Fruita or in Grand Junction and travel the scenic 23 mile drive.  There is plenty to do and we only scratched the surface.  There are plenty of overlooks, hikes, and an informative visitor center.  The monument has a campground, but it is much more suited to tents or small campers. 

We hiked to the Book Cliffs overlook to enjoy the vast view.   The Colorado Plateau’s erosion takes shape so differently depending on the area.  All of the park’s we’ve seen this year, including the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Zion, Capitol Reef and the Colorado National Monument are all part of the Colorado Plateau.  The Kayenta Sandstone on the top of these formations is harder than the layers beneath.  Spires are formed when a portion of the Kayenta layer is thinner or is eroded more and then the softer layers beneath erode away.

There are three tunnels in the monument to travel through.  They were originally blasted in the 1930’s by the CCC work crews.

The monument stretches from valley to valley but peaks at 6640 feet elevation.  The valley floors had few flowers still in bloom but the higher elevations were blanketed with Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Indian Paintbrush, Perky Sue and more!  Without shoulders on the road, however, we had to view from afar.

Caleb completed his 4th Junior Ranger program thus far!  Tomorrow is a travel day to another Colorado State Park for the weekend, where more exploring awaits.

Colorful Colorado- James Robb State Park–Fruita

Before leaving the Capitol Reef area, we took a scenic drive up over Boulder Mountain.  Climbing to the summit at 9,000 feet we saw grand views of the valley below and snow at the top!

Many of the Aspens still do not have their leaves and there are many fallen trees and branches, apparently from the heavy snow fall.  After descending down into the town of Boulder and further into Escalante, we were greeted with completely different scenery.

We traveled over the Hogback, a section in which Utah Scenic Byway 12 travels along a ridge that drops off on both sides.  We saw many RV’s traveling this route, but we were glad on this very windy day to just be in our truck!

With winds predicted to fade away, we departed Utah on Tuesday morning, traveling north and east into Colorado.  Eventually we will end up  in Northwestern Ontario on Lake of the Woods before making our way back to Arizona.  For now, we are at the James Robb State Park’s Fruita section campground.

The Colorado River next to the park is near flood stage with the recent snowmelt.

Colorado State Parks are wonderful for stays during the week, but the weekends are usually full months in advance.  We will do a bit of kayaking on the park’s ponds, make a visit to the local Cabela’s, wash many loads of laundry and restock the fridge while we’re here. 

Trinidad Lake State Park- Trinidad, CO

We pulled out of the metro Denver area in search of open fields and unobstructed vistas.  Along the highway we found what we were looking for!

We passed the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  Look closely on the right side of the picture and you’ll see a B-52 Bomber.

But we weren’t stopping yet.  We were heading towards this high mesa. 

To Trinidad Lake State Park!  After filling our tanks with water and navigating the narrow park roads, we pulled into our site to enjoy the weekend.

Sitting outside on our Lafuma chairs, while Caleb perched in a nearby Juniper, we watched the moon rise in the Colorado night sky.

Denver- Museum of Science & Nature

We climbed on our mountain bikes and picked up the trail down to the swim beach.  The Canada Geese posse was still there.  So Chris and Caleb darted left, then right, and then made a run for it until they were in the water!

A few times they had to do water maneuvers to thwart the geese.  I took an observatory position at a picnic table to keep an eye on the posse.

Today we decided to go to the Museum of Science and Nature in Denver.  Three stories high and filled with all sorts of exhibits.  We explored an old mine filled with gems & minerals.

We ambled through the Edge of the Wild to see all kinds of wildlife.

We took in a panoramic view of the city from the atrium.

And stepped back in time to measure up the dinosaurs!

We ventured into Expedition Health, where we were too busy getting an EKG, experiencing wind chill, measuring our stride, and looking at the veins in our hands for me to get a picture.  At the end of that exhibit, you receive a printout with all your health information.  Caleb thought that was fun! 
Tomorrow we leave the Denver area travelling south.  We have reservations at another Colorado State Park.  Check back to see which one!

Denver Destination- The Zoo!

While at Cherry Creek State Park we’ve ridden our bikes around the trails that go down by the reservoir.  Down to the swim beach… STOP!  The swim beach was being frequented by Canada Geese!  I don’t think we’ll be swimming there! 

Next stop?  The Denver Zoo!  We saw lions and tigers and bears!  Oh my!

We also saw snakes and Okapis, penguins and primates, Black Rhinos and Komodo Dragons, Sea Lions and Seals, Kangaroos but no Koalas, Ring Tailed Lemurs and Giraffes!

Black Rhinos are known for their “bad” attitude!  And he was coming right towards us!

Zoos are a great way to spend a day!  The exhibits are viewer friendly so the animals are close.  They are expanding the Pachyderm exhibit, which should be great when it’s completed.  Where’s your favorite zoo?

I think this old bear is wondering where they hid the food today.  This bear habitat was the first natural style habitat in the nation built in 1919.

Did you know that you have to have reservations to the Denver Mint two months in advance?  Well, we sure didn’t so we’ll cross that off our Denver itinerary.  Perhaps a trip to the Denver Botanical Garden instead?