Somewhere Off Highway 550.

Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad narrow gauge train #The Silverton” in the Animas River Canyon, Colorado, 1959.

Shots of rural USA, 1978-2001 (c. National Geographic)

Trail off into the mist….

Naches Peak Loop, Mount Rainier

Weehawken Trail

[05|29|2016]

We definitely didn’t finish this trail. We wouldn’t have been able to finish this trail in generally because of it’s difficulty and our lack of preparedness for that. Secondly, it started to rain, which I guess was a bummer, but I recall us being 100% blown away by the difficulty. man0man. I spoke to a co-worker after the hike, and he said “Ohhh. That one. My wife re-named that trail the “We-Walkin” Trail!” Danggg. The Denver Post’s article on the hike does a great job of describing the hike (as I think we only got about a mile--which according to that article is where 1000 ft of the total 2200 elevation gain. Here is another shorter post that may be helpful in terms of directions/data). This wouldn’t be our last time on the trail, and it wouldn’t be our last time on the trail in which we didn’t reach our destination. This is definitely one to bag for...June? It’s hands down going to be one of those hikes that you’ll enjoy more if in better shape. It’s easy to get to which is saying a lot coming from me. ANYWAY we had to end our hike short due to rain--I can’t say it was unwelcomed. As we were not in shape.  

The view from our campsite along the Gunnison River, CO. [3090x3862][OC] - vince85

Splendid Fairy wren 💙

Happy Birthday, Colorado! On this day in 1876, Colorado became a state; we celebrate with a amazing photos from Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area - one of our favorites. 

The scenic quality of the Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area in Colorado is outstanding due to the interaction of mountainous landforms; multi-colored rock strata; diverse vegetation; and vast, open vistas. Handies Peak itself rises 14,048 feet over the area and is the highest point of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management outside of Alaska. This WSA also hosts 12 other peaks that rise over 13,000 feet, three major canyons, numerous small drainages, glacial cirques and three alpine lakes. The landscape a variety of volcanic, glacial and Precambrian formations. A rock glacier formation is also located at the head of American Basin.

This is an area perfect for hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain climbing and photography.  Guaranteed to inspire!

Photos by Bob Wick, Wilderness Specialist for BLM’s National Conservation Lands

Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock and craggiest spires in North America. This western Colorado landmark was sculpted by the Gunnison River and the forces of weather over 2 million years. Photo of a snowy and fog-filled canyon by Judd Clark, National Park Service.

tenderqueerthings #54, Mar Pascual. 2016.