On our way to Golden, Colorado, we stayed one night at Robideaux RV Park in Gering, Nebraska. Near the RV park is Scotts Bluff National Monument, an important landmark on the Oregon Trail and Mormon Trail. There are hiking and biking trails to the top.
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| View of Scotts Bluff from the campground |
We had a lovely sunset that evening.
While in Golden we are planning on sightseeing and visiting with cousins, some of whom I haven't seen in 25 years! My cousin Billy and his friend Kristina took us to Red Rocks Amphitheater, a rock structure located 10 miles west of Denver. It is an open air amphitheater sitting at 6,000 ft elevation, where concerts are held. It seats up to 9,500 people. Since most concerts are held in the evening, during the day until 3:00 pm the public is allowed to visit. We saw people walking on the grounds, sitting and enjoying coffee, and some people running/walking up and down the 70 rows of seating and the 380 steps. We so enjoyed spending time there that a few days later we went back with friends Eric and Julie, whom we met on the Alaska tour.
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| Looking down on the stage |
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| A police cadet class running across and up every row |
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| Walking UP the ramp from the visitors center |
Next was a drive up Lookout Mountain to see Buffalo Bill's grave. The site attracts 400,00 visitors annually. The drive up the mountain was winding, narrow, and beautiful.
View of North Table Mountain (North Table Mountain and South Table Mountain parks with biking and hiking trails to the mesas at the top)...
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| Buffalo Bill's grave |
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| It was VERY windy at the top |
Later in the week John and I drove over to nearby Mt. Evans, elevation 14,260. It was a beautiful sunny day with temps in the high 60's.
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| 37 at the top!? |
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| Echo Lake with a nice trail around it |
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| Golden Aspen trees |
Along the way to the top we stopped at Mt. Goliath Nature Center to walk through the area and enjoy the sights. The center contains 160 acres set aside for the protection, study and enjoyment of Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine. These trees are the oldest single living organism on earth, capable of living for thousand of years.
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The trees grow twisted for a stronger foundation
against extreme winds.
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| Views from one of the center's trails... |
Onward to the top!
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| Many sharp drop-offs. Not too scary on this side of the road... |
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| but now that I'm riding on the edge of the road, its a different story! |
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| Summit Lake |
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| We passed this senior citizen a few times biking his way to the top. He's almost there! |
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| At the top |
At the base of Mt. Evans we took the road to Juniper Pass and we were not disappointed!
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| The view from scenic overlook |
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| Close-up of leaves turning yellow on aspen trees in the valley |
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| Interesting rock formation above the valley |
In addition to sightseeing we had a wonderful time visiting with our Colorado cousins and meeting their children. I am so lucky to have such a considerate, loving extended family. We look forward to our next trip to Colorado!
The sun has set on our fun time in Colorado. Time to move on. This time to an RV rally in Amana, Iowa.
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