From Sizzling to Frigid in 24 Hours
We’re in Denver resting up at the mid-way point of our camping/hiking adventure. Our bodies are hating on us right now.
After torturing them with 100+ degree weather in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, we headed for the mountains of Colorado. We expected the sweeping beauty that the Aspen area offered up, but we didn’t expect that the temperature would fall below freezing at night.
Details on that will have to wait until later. We’re catching up on work, reconnecting with family and attending a conference. So, for now, enjoy these shots from the region we explored outside of ultra-swanky Aspen (where, by the way, we were told to “move down the valley” if we wanted grubby food).
We did a number of hikes. One brought us to about 12,000 feet. When Caanan said – mid hike – that he “felt drunk” and wanted to “lie down for a few minutes” I knew it was time to turn around.
What are you up to this summer? Are you going to carve out some time for nature? Do it! It’s the best medicine.
We’ve never made it to Colorado even though we’ve always heard great things about the state. We considered visiting in Mayhem, but to be honest we were way to chicken to shlepp our way over the mountain passes. I think if you’re coming from the south there’s a particularly terrifying stretch… ? We weren’t quite ready for that, lol.
It’s a good place, for sure. We aren’t big fans of the altitude but we LOVE the mountains
That first photo certainly IS sizzling, gentlemen. Winkwinknudgenudge.
Anyhow, gorgeous photos – looking forward to more from your hiking adventures
Thanks, Tom! Yes… there will be more photos. In a few days we’ll start camping our way back to Vegas. And then we’ll be OVER IT, I’m sure.
Wow; Wonderful pics Boys! Have a great time & stay warm……and cool.
Thanks K and O. You two would have not had any patience for camping during those freezing Aspen nights. We know how you need your heat.
Ahhhh Colorado my mother land. I do love it there, and yes at night it gets VERY cold in the mountains. Bundle up. The mountains are so beautiful!! I am so jealous. I will be hitting that state first when we get home.
I bet you could use some of that cold now that the heat is really picking up in Morocco.
Maroon Bells right? That area is spectacular and great for hiking. Aspen is so pretentious, the first place I ever got eyed by an excessively rich old biddy like I didn’t belong there. Glenwood Springs, just down the road is more down-to-earth. Altitude sickness is not cool, glad you turned around.
Yes! Maroon Bells. We were through Glenwood Springs and thought it looked cool. You’ve gotta admit that Aspen is incredible for people watching
I love Colorado and love your photos. Love all the snow on the mountains
The hikes sound fantastic, and it’s also good you knew when to turn around.
Well… it’s good that one of us wasn’t feeling the altitude. That thin air plays tricks on the mind. It’s easy to understand how people go crazy in those conditions.
I’ve never been to Colorado, nor am I much of an ourdoorsy hiking person, but those mountains look gorgeous! The altitude thing would definitely get to me too, wasn’t so fun experiencing that in Quito a couple years ago.
Beautiful photos! We went to Colorado last year in October and were so lucky with the weather then (~80s) – we loved the mountains there but I remember feeling a bit ‘drunk’ on some of the higher trails, too
Somehow your blog disappeared off my Reader and I thought you all weren’t writing anymore. Glad I found you again! Gorgeous pics. Colorado is defintely on our to-do list.
Hi, Jan! Yes, we’re still here.
Sorry we’ll miss out on the chance to meet you guys at TBEX: Between our recent trip to Dominica and our upcoming family road trip to NYC, we just couldn’t make the time (or money) to get to Colorado. Looks beautiful, though!
It is beautiful. TBEX… maybe next year?
So much like western Canada. This makes me homesick.
I am a nature person although I hate hiking up hill through it, but flat walks are always nice.
What amazing scenery! That’s why I love the US – so many different landscapes. Can’t wait to read more about your adventure
I had no idea it got so cold there at night! Discovering national parks is a great way to get in touch with nature. I’m currently working on a farm on Vancouver Island, Canada, for a couple of weeks, spending everyday outside in the fresh air and sun. It’s great
It was unseasonably cold the days we were there.
Wow! Such a beautiful country! I have never been to Aspen but my sister-in-law used to go skiing there… I think I need to explore that breathtaking experience to climb those nice mountains. I feel a little bit jealous…
It’s hard to beat the Rockies! Love the pictures you’ve shared. A great teaser to all the excellent views Colorado offers!
The mountains just never seem to end in Colorado.
Well, I drove across Utah and Colorado twice this weekend lol. I wish we’d been able to stop more! Related: I am not the most graceful camper. SO amazing to hang out with you at TBEX!!! But we will discuss that more!!
Yep – if you feel drunk (with no alcohol involved) and want to lie down, it’s time to turn around. You had already gotten some spectacular pics anyway. Not sure what’s up for the summer — already busy with travels to Toronto, Houston and Wisconsin. Hope to have lots more.
wow, what gorgeous photos! I was pretty ill the entire time I was in Keystone…i think the valets thought I was drunk the whole time i was there!
I think that altitude gets everyone in those mountains. It really is about the only complaint we have.