Summer Road Trip - Zion, UT and Estes Park, CO

We arrived back home from a fun hiking / camping trip and family get-together.  We drove from L.A. to Estes Park, CO.

First stop was Zion National Park.  We hiked the popular Angels Landing Trail one day and the Observation Point Trail the next.  The first night we camped outside the east entrance to the park in Zion Mtn Campground.    The second night we camped inside the Park, at the South Campground.  Our campsite was located nearby the Virgin River. 

A rustic campsite, the first night near the east entrance of Zion.

Sandstone checkerboard  at Zion, shortly after sunrise

Hiking the trail toward Angels Landing on a clear day

From Observation Point in Zion - Gerry looks at the stunning view below, ready to take a picture.

 

Wow!  I know why they call this hike "Observation Point." 

Our National Parks are a Treasure!  We have made good use of Gerry's Senior Pass. 

We left Zion and drove to Estes Park, CO.  We stopped off en route in Loveland, CO to visit my dear dad who is a resident of a Memory Care facility.  I love my dad.

 

Talking with dad.  (He uses the blue walker on the right to help him get from room to room.) 

Estes Park!    We first came here in 1973 on a family vacation with my grandparents.    I have fond memories of  staying here for a weekend over 40 years ago!   We stayed in a cabin at the McGregor Lodge, which still exists today.

This year we rented a spacious house, called the Aspen Leaf Chalet.  We drove up a winding road to reach the 4,000 sq foot vacation home.  We stayed here 5 glorious days and nights.   Our party included my sister Anne and her family (her husband Jason, and kids Dylan and Nell), my sister Eileen and her daughter Laura, and my mother.  Nine of us total, including Gerry and me. 

We hiked every day.   All hikes featured spectacular scenery. 



Dylan and Nell on the Fern Lake Hike
 

 

Laura stands tall and proud - Fern Lake Hike
 

At Fern Lake -  Dylan and Laura.....  Nell

The Ouzel Falls Hike is one of my favorites!  We pass by Calypso Falls on the way to Ouzel Falls.  Both waterfalls are spectacular! 

Nell, Dylan and Laura, with Calypso Falls in the background

Taking a breather.



Ouzel Falls - the perfect locale for a picnic lunch

 

Taking a plunge in the brisk water.....

Gerry and I didn't plunge, but we observed. 

We ate very well on this trip.  Lasagna one night, pork chops another, grilled chicken one night.....fresh salads and vegetables to accompany each dinner. 

Grilled Salmon - just one of our gourmet meals.

We're home, safe and sound.  Zion National Park and Rock Mountain National Park are truly treasures.  However the best treasure of all is spending time with my family....

Great hiking, much laughter.  Fun and games galore!