#014: Rest and the Rockies

 

Rest Day in Glenwood Springs

We left Echo Park in the morning, heading toward Glenwood Springs. Along the way, we hiked up a small hill overlooking the town to visit Doc Holliday’s grave—the exact location remains lost to time, but a monument stands in his honor. 

The afternoon was spent soaking in the hot springs at Iron Mountain, charcuterie and drinks in hand, while marmots darted in and out of the flowerbeds. 

      

By evening, we made our way into the park to our campsite at Timber Creek.

Before heading to camp, we explored Alpine Ridge Road and some of the high alpine trails, spotting a massive elk on the way back. 

 

 

 

 

When we finally pulled into our site, we found it already occupied—by two young moose. We asked a couple of fellow campers to clear the spot so we could unpack, but the moose didn’t seem to mind our presence and eventually wandered off into the trees.

          

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Rocky Mountain Adventures

We started the next morning early, determined to make the most of the day. Caitlin had a first—hitchhiking. Not once, but twice! We caught a ride from the parking area to the trailhead and later back again after our hike.

 

Our first trek was up to Sky Pond, passing the serene waters of Lake of Glass, Timberline Falls, and Icy Brook. The lakes were alive with large trout, and Marc helped Caitlin tackle the steep climbs, including scrambles up and down a flowing waterfall and crossing a lingering snowfield.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Sky Pond, we hiked over to Lake Haiyaha and then to Emerald Lake, soaking in the scenery before catching our second hitchhike back to the car. The day wrapped with a drive to Denver, tired after an incredible day in the Rockies.