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Maple Seed Pods

Perimeter Trail

[05|20|16]

From what I recall, we only did part of the perimeter trail in Ouray this day. I remember finding it way more tiring than I was expecting! This is a classic trail. It has so many dimensions--waterfall, gorges, baby baths, aspen groves, meadows that open up to views of Mt. Abrams, Hayden Mountain... I did do the complete trail the year before in July 2015. I think there was a bit of renovation completed on the trail between those times. I also remember specifically that I did not do any online research prior to hitting the trail, and I went and asked the Visitor’s Center where the trailhead was. Oh, only right across the street! But I do wish I had read this blog post first, from Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails. Below are a few half-assed shots of the part of the trail that we did. I probably didn’t have enough strength to lift my arm. Oh, and it looks like there were some pretty trees in bloom in town, too. 

Interested in updates made to the trail? This’ll help you out. 

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

An old video, and lamentably low rez, but beautiful nonetheless.

I love this part of the state, although I rarely head that way during the winter.

Ate stuffed sweet potato with guac on top. This was so good 😍😍😍😍

San Juan Mountains (by Candace Dyar)

California Pass by Woodbury Lake Via Flickr: California pass between Ouray and Silverton Colorado.