Pikes Peak
This was the 2nd fourteener that I attempted and the 1st that I summitted. Pikes Peak is the most strenuous fourteener in Colorado because it has a 7500 foot elevation gain, and is 13 miles one way. However, it is only considered Class I, so the actual ascent is pretty easy.This fourteener is located in Colorado Springs...pretty hard to miss it!
Mt. Blanca
This was my 3rd fourteener, and it was a very long day since I had to walk up the 4WD road to gain access to the starting point. The road there is known as 'Colorado's toughest road,' and most 4WDs don't make it unless they are high clearance vehicles. I didn't get many pictures on this one because I was having camera problems and severe altitude sickness, but I managed to get some of the gorgeous alpine lakes!This one is located in southeastern Colorado, not far from Alamosa.
Quandary Peak
This was my fourth and last fourteener. This was a piece of cake, as it is Colorado's easiest fourteener. Logically, I should have done this one first instead of last, but I don't follow normal logic anyway, so it was last!This fourteener is located west on I-70 a little south of Breckenridge (take the Frisco exit)
Other Cool Places
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Ward
Breckenridge
On the way to Breckenridge (Loveland Pass)
Buena Vista
I went on a snowmobiling trip from here up to the Continental Divide (Cottonwood Pass). It was a lot of fun! Buena Vista is located pretty much in the center of the state.
Cache La Poudre Scenic Byway
My dad came to Denver in October to visit, probably thinking he'd see lots of mountains in Colorado...but the weather didn't cooperate very well, and he didn't see a single one! I don't think he believes me when I tell him there are mountains here... Anyway, I thought I'd take him on this scenic byway near Ft. Collins since I hadn't been there yet. Well, I'm not sure how scenic it was since it rained the whole time, but we both managed to get some good pictures anyway!
Crestone/Willow Lake
The tiny little town of Crestone is in southeastern Colorado, southwest of Pueblo, but still north of Alamosa. I went here to do the Willow Lake hiking trail.
Royal Gorge
This is the world's highest suspension bridge. I took a train trip to view it from below. This is located in Caņon City, which is west of Pueblo.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The first time I came here I was blown away by the scenery. I can see why they tell you to keep your eyes on the road. I was pulling over every chance I could to take pictures. This was the place that I visited the most while I was here, as you'll be able to tell from the quantity of pictures.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
This is a nice place to visit. There are a bunch of sand dunes out in the middle of nowhere! It's located in Alamosa, which is in southern Colorado, not too far from the New Mexico state line.
Silver Plume
This is a nice little town not far from Idaho Springs. Idaho Springs has a mine you can visit, as well as white-water rafting trips. I went on one of those last spring, and the water was pretty cold! I keep forgetting this isn't the Gulf of Mexico... Anyway, this town has an, ummm, bakery, but that's about it!
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