re: Western Colorado(Grand Junction area)

Trip was a blast. Went off without a hitch, and my parents were blown away.

Hiked around the Bangs Canyon Mica Mine trail the first day we were in GJ(half day.)

Went to Arches and Canyonlands on Monday.

We drove down to Telluride on Tuesday. Brown Dog pizza was really good.

My GF had to fly back on Wednesday, so we went to a dispensary, brewery, and a couple of wineries in Palisade until we dropped her off at the airport. After sobering up some, we drive into Colorado National Monument and hiked around there a little bit.

On Thursday we headed back east towards Denver, but went through Aspen, Independence Pass, and Leadville instead of taking 70 the whole way back. Great decision, as it was one of the most spectacular drives I've ever been on. The leaves had started to change, and they painting the mountains and creeks beautifully. We stopped pretty frequently to hike and take it all in.

Stopped in Frisco to drink a beer at Outer Range. Love that place.

We stayed in Nederland the last 2 nights. Great little town.

On Friday we hiked around Brainard Lake, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. My parents hiked around Long Lake, and I hiked up to Lake Isabelle. One of the bluest, most pristine lakes I've ever seen. Gorgeous scenery.

We got some late lunch in Boulder afterwards, and spent the rest of the day/night walking around Nederland. Knotted Root is a good brewery there. Great beer. Very heady place.



All in all, it was an epic trip by my measure. Here are a few pics:

Rock formation on the Mica Mine trail.



Delicate Arch




Double Arch



Laying down, looking up at one of the Double arches



Canyonlands from the Grand View Point





Telluride





around Colorado National Monument



Mt. Garfield, and Mt Lincoln / Grand Junction, Palisade



below Aspen




Independence Pass/Continental Divide.



Lake Creek, right below Twin Lakes.



Quail Mountain, La Plata Peak, and Rinker Peak




Lake Isabelle