Colorado Vacation Part 2

After Lost Lake we took a scenic drive west to really remote areas of the state.  Along the gravel road we saw very diverse landscape including aspen and forests, normal mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, cliffs, red rocks, marble quarry, and so much more. 

 The kids mostly napped on our trip and awoke when we made it to a little town called Marble.  We had planned to hike to the Yule Marble Quarry - a recommendation from my "100 Best Hikes in CO for Kids" book.  Well, this is why I rely on the internet instead of books - and need to keep it that way.  After driving up the mountain on a single lane road that dropped off to cliffs (not Troy's highlight of the trip), we found out the trail was closed as it was private property and bought by someone who closed it.  Bummer.  We instead took a trail straight up about 100 yards - because that's as far as we got before we had a late picnic lunch and the thunder started, followed by pouring rain. 

Unfortunately it was not just a Colorado afternoon shower, it continued for hours and hours. We quickly gobbled up some picnic grub and ran for cover in our vehicles and drove back to the small town of Marble.  We found a BBQ place in the tiny town that we attempted to wait out the rain to no avail.  We dreaded setting up camp in the pouring rain.  We contemplated getting a hotel room but the "inns" around Marble really didn't have anything that could fit all 7 of us.  The next nearest town was Carbondale which was now separated from Marble with 13 mudslides blocking the road!  We did finally get out of there and decided to head all the way to Glenwood Springs that night where we were able to find a hotel and escape the rain. 

The following morning was the highlight of our trip!  We went rafting with Colorado Whitewater Rafting LLC down the Colorado River.  Sierra was initially terrified because the rapids started right away and everyone got drenched.  

 But after finding a safe place on my lap she started to relax.

 The kids - even Sierra - got to sit on our guide, Levi's, lap to row the whole raft.  Both Thayden and Sierra had permanent grins on their face - I'm sure their cheeks hurt!  By the end of the 3 hour trip Sierra was begging for "more splashes!"  Thayden is cleverly coming up with ideas of how we can go back..."maybe Grandma and Grandpa want to go rafting!"  ;)

Unfortunately I do not have any pictures of the Glenwood Hot Springs - as we were in the water the whole time!  Here is a picture of the place so you can understand why!   90 degree temp in the pool with natural salts that make you more buoyant.  Ti and Thayden spent hours jumping off the diving board and also many water slide trips.  Definitely 10 stars!


We did a little shopping and had lunch in Glenwood Springs before heading on our last adventure - hiking Hanging Lake.  Possibly the best trail we have hiked yet!  Gorgeous, along a creek, shade, rocks, and a beautiful reward at the end!  We will definitely do this one again!

The start of our hike

The boys led the way

The whole group

 We made it to the lake!

Hanging Lake - beautiful!

Crystal clear water

Lots of birds and other animals call this home

Getting a snack

 From Hanging Lake we continued up not much further to Sprouting Rock - definitely worth it!  We got to dance under the waterfalls - everyone loved it!

Sprouting Rock

Couldn't get the flash on

Family photo by a waterfall

The hike took many hours but it was absolutely gorgeous and well worth it!  We got home late after swinging by a BBQ place for a late dinner.  Overall, a very good vacation!