BOULDER TO ESTES PARK
This day was almost Doomsday part 2. Lots of climbing with a side of terrential rain, with 2 flats to top it all off. It was our first real day in the Rockies, so the scenery was incredible with the mountains and the nature- and the descent would have been amazing had it not been pouring rain.
We got to fill up our camelbacks in a natural Colorado spring which tasted like the best Rocky Mountain water I've ever had.
ESTES PARK TO GRANBY
70 miles on Trail Ridge- the highest paved road in America- in Rocky Mountain National Park. By far our most beautiful day yet. We climbed up to 12,000 feet in elevation, and I was sweep so I had to bring up the back- forcing me to stop about every mile which meant I took tons of pictures. They pretty much all look like this:
When we finally reached the summit, the views were unlike anything I've ever seen- I felt like a tiny ant with these giant mountains with snow on top and very little oxygen. And then the best part: flying down the mountain. We crossed the Great Divide where water drains into the Pacific instead of the Atlantic which was pretty significant I guess.
GRANBY TO KREMMLING
A 27 mile ride to us at this point is like skipping to the corner store to get a candy bar. We woke up super late and all went to the coffee shop in Granby and had breakfast before riding out to Kremmling. It took a little over an hour, and this ride was beautiful because we were riding through canyons and awesome rock formations, and it was mostly downhill so we could race through.
Our first camp day! We got in and set up our tents at the RV park that so graciously let us occupy their patch of grass. We got some beers and headed to the Colorado river- where we swam and laid in the sun and goofed off until we got hit with a thunderstorm.
Joseph's mom brought us delicious dinner and we played music and watched the sunset, then built a fire and made s'mores. When it got really dark, we made a big cuddle puddle and looked at the stars, had deep conversations and listened to great music. We're basically stars of an 80s flick.
KREMMLING TO STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
What a ride. I keep saying that each ride in the Rockies is more beautiful than the last, but seriously. The Rockies are amazing- so much bigger and better than the Appalachians, and just so much nature for miles. This ride was tough with some climbs, but it all lead up to an INCREDIBLE 7 mile descent that just blew everyone's mind. It's the closest thing to flying I've ever gotten- 42 miles per hour overlooking a beautiful valley after climbing all morning.
Steamboat is pretty tourist-y but for good reason. It has hot springs, waterfalls, and tons of skiing. We got to explore the town a bit and eat dinner out, then saw a blues band that night at a local bar.
DAY OFF IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
A few of us woke up early to get coffee and then hitched a ride with Raven's boyfriend to Strawberry Hot Springs! This place was amazing and there were a bunch of pools at different temperatures and a bunch of places to lay out and relax. It was the perfect day off activity because it was relaxing but also beautiful and cool that we were swimming in natural hot springs in the Rocky Mountains.
After the hot springs we biked to the Fish Creek waterfall and did some hiking and rock climbing- we got pretty far up! It was absolutely beautiful and we had such a great time swimming in the water and climbing and enjoying the views. Hot springs and a waterfall in one day off: best day ever!
Tally:
Climbing days in the pouring rain: 2
Highest climb: 12,000 feet!
Camping nights: 1
S'mores consumed: 4 (I'm not proud)
Tents destroyed: 1
Constellations found: 6 (maybe)
Mosquito bites: 1 BILLION
Longest descent: 7 miles
Rides with no cue sheets: 1
Hot springs: 3
Hikes to beautiful waterfalls: 1
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