Category: **States We Explored

Colorado Canyons & Mesas

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Part 1–Colorado National Monument

Finally a Road Trip!!!

Wow, has it been a tough year or what!? I hope you and yours are well and getting back to life as you love it. Needless to say, my traveling came to a screeching halt, but time to be safe and hit the road again. So here we go exploring canyons and mesas in western Colorado. You are going to love this!

We have a five hour trip to Grand Junction to spend four days exploring Colorado National Monument and surrounds. Then heading over Grand Mesa–Part 2 for three days in Cimarron outside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park which we’ll explore in Part 3. So exciting to be out and about again!

Eastern Entrance Road–Colorado National Monument
Grab your hat and sunscreen–Let’s Go!

Pelicans and Cormorant–Trouble Makers Everywhere

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What a surprise–American White Pelicans! Walking to a favorite local lake to see the waterfowl passing along our bird migration flyway. This was an unexpected delight. One of the largest birds in North America, it has a wing span of 9 to 10 feet, only outdone by the California Condor, endangered but making a comeback.

Wait, something’s up . . . come along

Sandhill Cranes–Magical Migration!

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Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) are large, loud, and one of our most majestic birds. With a wingspan of almost seven feet, seeing flocks of thousands heading north each spring is a sight to behold! Come along as we visit Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Colorado to watch the birds flock, feed, and dance, all in preparation for their long journey north.

So much more to see!

Short but Sweet–Quarry Pass Trail

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We have walked in Red Rock Canyon Open Space before, but today we are exploring a short .2 mile connector trail called Quarry Pass Trail. We are heading down Red Rock Canyon Trail for the last mile of our 4-mile morning hike. Although overcast, it is not smoky today. The huge wildfires north near Rocky Mountain National Park (oh no!) have been inundating us with smoke when winds head south. We have a nice respite today, so let’s explore the connector trail I’ve never done before. We’ll have a new adventure together!

Off We Go!