Guanella Pass in the Fall

I recently drove around Guanella Pass to take some photos of the colorful aspen leaves. Guanella Pass runs between Grant and Georgetown. However, the pass is closed near the top due to a potential rockslide...so you cannot drive all the way through. But the leaves are great on the side that is open (near Grant). There are several hiking trails in the area, great views, flowing river, and superb seclusion. Here are some photos to show you the area:

Bluff Lake Nature Center

The Denver area continues to expand, gentrify, and grow. Until recently I had never thought of visiting Bluff Lake Nature Center. In fact, in years past I have driven right by the park but never gave it a second thought due to the area. However, now that the Stapleton area is expanding eastward, I think that Bluff Lake Nature Center will become a popular urban retreat. With a great panorama of downtown Denver in it's background, it is a quick escape to nature! Especially if you live in the Stapleton area or close to east Denver; come and get away without going too far! Below are some pictures from my recent excursion:

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

I set out for a lovely picnic and ended up at Alderfer/Three Sisters Open Space Park near Evergreen. The park was beautiful; tall, grassy meadows with several rock outcroppings to climb around, evergreen trees, mountain views...and a ton of open space! This is a great place to hike, bike, or simply meander through nature.

Late Night at Denver International Airport

If you happen to fly in or out of Denver International Airport and need a late night snack or beverage be advised that your options are quite limited after around 10 pm. Apparently there are only two or three places still serving hot food late at night.....And atleast two of them are on concourse A.

However, there is a cozy little bar/restaurant that serves tasty treats that I have found very handy on a couple of occassions. The name is Chef Jimmy's Bistro. I highly recommend this place if you need to destress before a midnight flight. I am not sure why there aren't more late-night cafe's but I am sure thankful this place is open late.


**Updated: 7/2/16:  Chef Jimmy's is still one of the places open the latest at DIA. However, there are some nice new restaurants that have been added since my original post. Check them out here.

Mesa Verde National Park

I absolutely fell in love with Mesa Verde National Park. Nestled in the middle of nowhere, toward the southwest corner of Colorado, is a time machine composed of rock dwellings. These cliff dwellings are what is left from an ancient civilization. It is believed that they left the region due to some type of possible water supply issues. Most of the sites you see only from a distance but a handful you are able to actually walk up to...or have to climb up, using a ladder. For some of these, you must purchase a tour ticket and schedule a time. But totally worth it!

There was so much history at this park that I felt richly connected to the primitive people's that first inhabited such dwellings. Seeing how dependent upon the earth these people were...made me really wonder if perhaps our society might not get too carried away with our technology-driven way of life. I walked away with a deeper respect for the generations past (even those from my Grandparents generation) who know how to plow the land and till and toil.

Anyway, for a dusty, primitive journey back in time be sure to check out Mesa Verde National Park in your lifetime.

Colorado National Monument

On my way to Moab, Utah I decided to visit the Colorado National Monument. Driving along Rim Rock Drive I witnessed magnificent views of canyons, dessert-looking vistas, and unique red rock formations.

The park is located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers hiking and biking trails, wildlife encounters, and ranger-guided tours. If you don't have the time or gas to make it to Moab...I think the Colorado National Monument is the next best thing.