Scarp Ridge- Crested Butte

Scarpridge was our first trail in Crested Butte. The views were amazing. Total mileage was only 4.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1576. It was a bit strenuous at times but totally worth it.

We went in July during wildflower season. There were lots of wildflowers of all heights.

Some more wildflowers with the views.

Herman Gulch- near Dillon

Herman Gulch begins at the trailhead near Bakerville/. This is an out and back trail of 6.5 miles total with elevation gain of
1,815.

This trail climbs pretty quickly as we head toward beautiful views!

Follow the signs left to Herman Lake.

Pettingell Peak(13,553') and Hagar Mountain (13,195') can be seen as we head onward.

Herman Lake is a perfect place for a picnic.

We saw biologist and volunteers carrying 10 lb bags of cutthroat trout to stock the Lake.

Heading down is always easier.

Monarch Lake- near Granby

Monarch Lake is an easy loop trail that goes around the lake and into some of the surrounding woods. It is approximately 4.1 miles but you can add on some distance when you get to the end of the lake. This is the beautiful view you get as soon as you start. We saw lots of fisherman with some floating rafts mid week. 

Here the sign gives mileage for further hiking. Cascade falls would be about 8.8 miles total  up and back.

This is an osprey nest we saw on the drive to the trailhead. They were along the water on the left hand side of the road near Lake Verna. There is a charge for the park since its Indian Peaks Wilderness. (same as Brainard Lake)

The trail starts out in the woods- lots of trees.

You will cross both Arapaho and Buchanan Creeks along with several runoff steams.

Stopping for a snack. During the week it was very peaceful. Weekends can be busy.

There are several bridge crossings. 

Toward the end of the hike the lake comes into view. You may be able to see a moose or two.

Mohawk Lakes- with Alpine lakes - Breckenridge

Last time I did this trail we went with snow on the ground. This time it was much prettier but still a little challenging to find the trails.
I would recommend a GPS to find your way. There are so many social trails that get you turned around. I like the app GAIA on my phone.

On the way up we went the way of the waterfall. We climbed to the left of the waterfall to climb up to the lakes. The falls were running fast.

There are two places to park for starting. The spruce Creek Trailhead is easier to drive to- 4WD not needed. The other option is the trailhead used for Crystal Lakes. This is a rough road (need high clearance) that cuts off some distance.

There wasnt much snow left to cross to get to the lower lake.

The Lower lake is usually pretty crowded. Keep going up the upper lake.

The lower lake was pretty dotted with snow.

There was more snow up top. We brought our spikes so didnt have any problems.

More snow as we went up. Very pretty. This time we decided to find the alpine lakes further on.

It was a little steep to get past the upper lake to the first alpine lake. But after that was realatively level.

Getting to the Alpine lakes.

There were four Alpine lakes we found.

This hike was 7 plus miles total with elevation gain of +1,810' gain. A great workout!

Ghost Ranch- Near Abiquiu New Mexico

Ive always wanted to check out the Ghost Ranch that was made famous by Georgia O'Keefe.  She lived here almost every year. This was where she created some of her gorgeous desert paintings.

This is a resort center where many groups come for various activities. It happened to be family week while we were there. This is the church building. I attended an orientation with some singing one night here.

There are beautiful cliffs all over with many colors. We wanted to do some hiking. They have very sketchy hiking instructions. They have a list with only the location of the trailhead.

We reserved a room near the pool months ahead. I wasn't able to get a room on the phone but day of they had an opening in a bunk room that I had to myself.  It was nice to stay right on the grounds.

There were sweeping views on the one hike we went on. It was so hot in June we could only do one trail in the morning. I definitely want to go back after researching where the 5 trails go.

We carried water spray bottles during the hike to keep us cool I would recommend to go in Spring or Fall.

We loved all the desert plants.

On our last day we went on a tour entitled "Footsteps of Georgia O'Keefe" We were allowed onto property that Georgia visited regularly. The tour guide had many paintings that were painted from the desert scenes we saw.

This was the actual setting that inspired the above work.

I asked about the bone paintings she did. It was explained there was a famine when she painted and lots of cattle bones were all over the land.

Here is another painting "Hill"

At the end we got to see her actual home while she painted here. We were not allowed to go in because they are still working on the structure to allow visitors. She has another home in Abiqui a short distance away you can visit. Next time we will check it out. We did have dinner at the Abiqui inn. Highly recommend eating on the porch. Delicious!