Our first entry into Colorado. Coming down from the Raton Pass on Route 25. We had just been in Sugarite Canyon State Park in New Mexico. The Raton Pass is 7,500 ft elevation. Lady Blue took it in stride.
Coming into Lake Trinidad.
A few of Colorado's famous peaks in the distance.
Trinidad Lake State Park is our first campground in Colorado.
Not making reservations, we soon learn the system. Colorado has a daily entrance fee--$8 per day. This applies to everyone , camping or day visitor. Since we are here for almost 2 weeks, we purchase a one year pass for $80 and save a few dollars. The other new idea is that Colorado went on a new camping reservation system in 2018.
Every site requires a reservation. But the plus of it is the Colorado Reservation System (https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/Reservations.aspx)
is on duty 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Once we were used to the system we were able to find an open site and then either call or try online to make an instant reservation.
And Jan and I and Lady Blue are quite happy with our site overlooking Trinidad Lake.
We were able to have our mail sent to the post office in town. Also enjoyed walking the main street a bit. A good place for shopping as well.
After a short stay, we are on our way over the Highway of Legends, a loop from Trinidad through the mountains and over to Lathrop State Park. This is Route 12 and the picture above is of the coke ovens , a remainder of the coal industry. The ovens turned coal into coke , a purer product that burns with intense heat used to smelt iron.
The first of view after view of the snow covered mountains.
This range of mountains is part of the Rocky Mountains. Different sections have different names, and the Rockies contain the highest mountains in America. The following link is more specific information from Britannica.com
A short video above , trying to give you a sense of the spectacular views along the way. Very little traffic today.
The road just meanders along .
Then ---your entire horizon is filled with snow covered mountains.
Then ---your entire horizon is filled with snow covered mountains.
You wind up looking forward to coming around a corner or cresting hill , just to be greeted by a stupendous view.
Having been in Colorado now for a few weeks, we appreciate even more that we had this beautiful, sunny day for the clear views.
A lot of pictures, we know, but-------
This house seems to have its own grassy airfield( see the wind sock on the left). Would you get tired of that view?
This house seems to have its own grassy airfield( see the wind sock on the left). Would you get tired of that view?
At this time, some of the peaks are snow covered from about 8,000 feet up to 14,000 feet and more.
This log cabin(sort of) is on a farm lot. You can see the stone foundation, pens , and fields, backed up by tall rock formations.
Part of the Dakota Sandstone Formation. Created millions of years ago, these are rock formations that were pushed vertical. As you drive by , it looks like a wall---the other side of this wall, you can look and see a view just like this one.
Getting close to the highpoint, this is Monument Lake. We went off the main road to look at a resort, built in the 1930's at this high lake. Not open at this time, but a beautiful spot in the summer, we would guess.
Just beyond Monument Lake is Blue Lake-----for-----
you guessed it-- a particular amazing blue color. Pristine waters and great fishing.
you guessed it-- a particular amazing blue color. Pristine waters and great fishing.
We stop at Cuchara Pass to take a look around,
Also take a picture of Susie-Q(our GPS) who amazingly has stopped at exactly 10,000 feet. We thought Lady Blue was happy to take a break.
Also take a picture of Susie-Q(our GPS) who amazingly has stopped at exactly 10,000 feet. We thought Lady Blue was happy to take a break.
The views change on the other side of the pass. More snow on the sides and a threat for a few flurries ahead.
We note that there are many more cabins on this side. Perhaps because of the views.
Jan managed a quick shot of this cabin with a 3 sided porch.
Nice place, right!
This formation is called the Devil's Stairsteps. These formations are called dikes and are formed from the volcanos. They radiate out from the Spanish Peaks as far as 25 miles. They look like walls.
Coming down from the mountains and onto Route 160 east towards Walsenburg. Jan looks back to take pictures of the mountains.
Pictures are a bit misleading.
Note that there is a train moving along the valley.
Also a number of houses and ranch homes leading up to the mountains.
We are now familiar with the Colorado Reservation system and find ourselves this wonderful site.
Across from us we can see clearly the Spanish Peaks.
One of Jan's favorite camping spots.
Ok!!!
Bruce really likes it too!
In the Visitor's Center was this picture of a 38 3/8 inch , 17 pound Pike caught in April 25th this year.
Are you tired of these pictures yet???
This is from the 9 hole golf course at the park.
During the week, 18 holes will cost you $15.
There is a great hike up over the ridge.
We took this video from the trail.
A look towards the Spanish Peaks and the two lakes in the park
On top of the ridge was this super interesting one seed Juniper tree. A sign indicated that they had tested wood from this tree and it is between 200 and 400 years old.
A few floral pictures on the way.
The cacti are in bloom.
Many flowers along the path.
Since this is the high desert, many are about 4 inches tall with a few that are maybe double that height--saving water.
We loved that the buds come up pink and the daisy like flower is white.
A bit like a very short lily.
Again, short.
The sandstone has been here for many centuries. The weather wears cracks, creases, and holes.
More like a pea blossom.
Indian Paint Brush.
Different from new England.
And ending with our favorite picture from this part of our trip.
Reminds us of paintings from the 1800's.
Nice place, right!
Pictures are a bit misleading.
Note that there is a train moving along the valley.
Also a number of houses and ranch homes leading up to the mountains.
 |
| And suddenly we are Lathrop State Park |
Bruce really likes it too!
There are two lakes in the park and they are known for fishing, swimming, and boating.
This is from the 9 hole golf course at the park.
During the week, 18 holes will cost you $15.
We took this video from the trail.
The cacti are in bloom.
Since this is the high desert, many are about 4 inches tall with a few that are maybe double that height--saving water.
Different from new England.
Reminds us of paintings from the 1800's.
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