Mt. Evans

My parents came to visit me in Estes and like anyone who works in the tourist buisness, I just wanted to get away for my weekend.  We did.  We traveled about an hour and a half south to one of Colorado's many 14ers.  Mount Evans, which is just out side of the town of Idaho Springs (which is about 10 minutes from Blackhawk, a place with many casinos that I lost money in.)  We left Estes early on Thursday and we had hoped to see Mount Evans that day.  But it was later in the afternoon when we got there and since it is the monsoon season here, it was raining.  And there is no point of being above treeline if you can't see very far.

So we much around for the rest of the day.  We stopped at Echo lake and walked around for a but.  Then headed back to town.  I hung out with my mom, while my dad napped.  Then we went to Blackhawk and proceed to lose money and eat prime rib.  Good times.  The next day we got up a bit early.  And headed back up the mountain.  It was gorgeous.  As one might imagine.  We stopped at the upper Galoith visitor center.  They have a massive wild flower garden and bristle cone forest.  Trust me, there will be a blog on that too. And then headed to the top!

14,250. The highest paved road in North America.  Add another 50 or so feet of hiking to get to the very top.  It is an absolutely amazing view.  I have no idea how far you can see, but I know I saw Long's Peak (The only 14er in Rocky Mountain National Park).  The Santa Cristo Mountains, near the Great Sand Dunes, and Denver (well it was a bit hazy).  Oh and they have mountain goats (yes, I will blog on this too, duh).  And sunblock is a must, I forgot it (bad) and turned into a strawberry as my mom likes to say.

We stopped by a gorgeous lake on the way back down the mountain.  Summit Lake, and there was a man skiing on the few remaining patches of snow.  Very fun.  Then we to the Echo Lake Lodge and had a great lunch, did some shopping and then headed back to Blackhawk as the afternoon storms were rolling in.  Once again, there was gambleing and prime rib.  And the most lovely drive back to Estes park.