This September Linda and I headed to Colorado and New Mexico, places Linda had visited before but not I. We actually first visited Arches NP for an abbreviated afternoon tour. It was spectacular, as expected. One change from our previous visit here in 2014 is that you can now hike MUCH closer to Landscape Arch; they have re-routed the trail for the better.

We then headed to Colorado National Monument, where we spent one day exploring the local scenery from Rimrock Drive and one day driving through Grand Mesa and on to Black Canyon of the Gunnison -- a narrow, deep gash in the middle of a flat prairie.

For me, the highlight of our trip was Maroon Bells just west of Aspen,Colorado. An Aspen-lined glacial valley leads to Maroon Lake and the two magninificent 14K plus peaks that make up the Bells. There is no place I've visited in this world more beautiful.

Then we were off to Rocky Mountain NP. Our first day in the park we hiked (well, Linda hiked and I slogged) in high winds at an elevation of twelve thousand feet. The next day we returned to the highest part of the park following the first snowfall of the season to view everything from the previous day, only this day blanketed in bright white. Our timing could not have been more perfect! On our third day in the park we got on the coveted Bear Lake Road before 5 a.m. to avoid timed entry rules. This road leads to Bear Lake (oddly enough), where we spent most of the day on several of the many trails available. Golden Aspens reflecting on Bear Lake was another highlight.

Then it was off to Colorado Springs.But first we detoured to Red Rock Amphitheater and Park. This outdoor concert venue has been deemed the best place in America to experience live music, and now we know why. The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor have all played here. Check out the autographed Mitchell acoustic guitar signed by James Taylor when he played here. We also hiked one of the many trails located in the venue. We didn't get to a live concert, unfortunately. A new bucket list item for me.

Next was Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Open Space, both of which are located within the city limits of Colorado Springs. Beautiful crimson rock formations not unlike those at Red Rock Amphitheater.

Then, on our way to New Mexico we stopped at Great Sand Dunes NP. At 750 feet, these are the tallest dunes in North America. Linda made it nearly to the top. I stayed down lower searching for camels.

Our visits to Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico were a bit disappointing. The New Mexico landscape was mindblowing and quite different from Colorado. And the three nights of "glamping" were fun. But the towns were crowded with tourists, and Taos Pueblo had become a bit too commercialized.  

Our homeward night stay in Williams, AZ was fun for its neon Route 66 vibe.

Colorado & New Mexico 2024