Treasures of Colorado

 

Treasures of Colorado are sites and people we have met while touring Colorado.  All the “treasures” listed below are free to find yet a “priceless” gift.  We add new “treasures” whenever we happen upon them.  Enjoy!

Mt. Elbert 14,440 feet


This is my friend Becky G, Jeff K and me at the top of the world! (well at least at the top of Colorado!)  This is mine and Becky's first 14er!  We climbed Mt Elbert, Colorado's hightest 14er, June 25, 2011. I was NOT in good enough shape for this day! However, it is a day I will NEVER forget. The day we climbed the mountain, a group called "Cops on Top" were also climbing in memory of fallen comrads from Colorado's police and sherriff departments.  We all encouraged one another!  My feet, knees, and hips hurt for several days after summitting.  My Jeff stayed home and ran the park while we were climbing and the high-light of the day - besides feeling GOD at the top while taking in the views - were the matching T-shirts my husband gave Becky and I when we got home!  On the back of the T-shirt is a list of Colorado's 14er's with boxes you can check off each on when you climb it!  And yes, I am sure I will climb another one!

Rock and Roll!

 

 

 

 

Independence Pass 12,095 feet



Check out the snow! This is a picture Jeff took of me Memorial Day weekend 2011 right after Independence pass opened.  It is just over the summit and was the deepest place they plowed to open the road. 25 feet deep!  We have been over Independence pass before but never on opening weekend. Gotta love the Colorado mountain passes!

 

 



Agnes Vaille Falls



My first ever hike in the Buena Vista area is still my favorite. 
This moderate, scenic hike of only .5 mile and is simply breath taking.
Located 8 miles south of Buena Vista between Mt Princeton and Mt Antero is Chaffee County’s largest and most accessible waterfall.  A hike you will never forget!

 



 

Colorado Mountain Hat Company



This unique little shop is located in Fairplay, CO (about an hour northeast of Buena Vista)
and is owned by Bob Smith and Cherie Slaven. Stepping into their shop is like stepping back in history 100 years.  You’re greeted with genuine kindness and will be amazed with the art of hat making.  Every hat they make is custom fitted to the wearer. They customize a wide variety of hats from fur felt, beaver blend, and 100% beaver. Some of the most awesome cowboy hats we’ve ever seen!


www.cmhats.com   email info@cmhats.com

 

Mt. Columbia Summit



I have not seen this personally, but the picture is breathtaking.
Luke is the first member of our family to hike to the summit of a 14er! Summer 2007. It was one of the best days of his life.  Thanks Malcom!

 

 

 

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument



While this treasure has been a popular tourist area since the 1870’s we just discovered it this fall (2008) while touring with the Cub Scouts. Located off Highway 24 near Florissant, CO (approximately 60 east miles of Buena Vista) the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a day full of amazing discoveries. It is 6,000 acres of forest, meadows, and wildflowers, with 15 miles of hiking trails. You will be amazed to see petrified redwood tree stumps, including the only “trio” of petrified tree stumps, the “Big Stump”, and thousands of fossilized insects. They were preserved in ash thousands of years ago and are just waiting for you to walk by. I suggest you pack a lunch and put on comfortable shoes and discover this treasure for yourself!

Visit their site...

 

Mt. Shavano Summit



My son, Gus, with our friend Jeff K. at the summit of Mt Shavano, fall 2009. This was Gus's first 14er but his day wasn't over yet! Thanks Jeff!









 

Mt. Tabeguache Summit



There's nothing like the view from the top of the world! Gus on the summit of Mt Tabeguache, his second 14er, and his second 14er that day, fall 2009! Thanks Jeff!








 

 

Mt. Harvard Summit


Luke at the summit of Mt Harvard. Hiked with our friend Jeff K. in the fall of 2009. This was Luke's second 14er!

 

 



 

Mt. Democrat Summit



Ty, along with his Boy Scout Troop 68 on the summit of Mt Democrat on a chilly fall day in 2009. Ty's first 14er!  Thanks, John, for leading the way!