Hanging Lake and more

I have wanted to hike Hanging Lake for a very long time. My family has hiked it, why I wasn't with them I have no idea. Every time I think I can hike it or am about to go hike it, something happens and I don't get to. Hanging Lake is just off I-70 before you get to Glenwood Springs if your going west. I have heard it is a great hike in the summer or winter. So far, Colorado has been pretty warm and not too much snow yet, so we didn't even have to wear snowshoes for the hike. It was a gorgeous day, blue skies, good temperature! Can't wait to go hike it again! The only downfall to the hike is how far away it is. It is quite a drive, and it's not too long of a hike, but it's worth it! It is just a little over a mile up, fairly steep going up, but not too terribly bad. The top is interesting because there is a boardwalk going around the lake, wasn't expecting that. I tested out my little backpacking tripod with my camera, worked well! The hike through the canyon is gorgeous, and so is the lake and waterfall on top. Can't wait to do it again! Enjoy the pics!

Aw, poor dogs, don't get to go to the lake...

There were holes in the cliff we figured more water came out of when there was more run off, now there was just one hole with a big frozen icicle coming out of it! It was pretty cool

Behind the waterfall!

Recently, I also got to give my dad an afternoon break from work for him and I to go hiking. We did this hike just west of Buena Vista, that I can't believe I have never done before. And I got to test out the skills of my new vehicle! It got its first outing driving on the snow. And it did great! Got past where no other vehicles had driven, didn't go too far up, but it didn't get stuck! haha, I was excited. This hike that we did is past Cottonwood Lake and you can hike it over the pass to St. Elmo. You can do it round trip or get picked up in St. Elmo. We didn't do the whole thing, but definitely a summer hike on my list now!

Father and daughter!

Really, I was looking at the mountain peaks and didn't realize there was a plane flying above until I looked at the picture on my computer!

Yeah, we probably should have worn our snowshoes, shouldn't have listened to dad! haha

Love the view!

Praise God!

This next pic is from a hike I did with Nick a while ago. It is not a very good picture, but wanted to remember the fun day Nick and I had. Since I have been living in Pueblo I have been able to talk to and see Nick a lot more than I have in a while. We did a hike just west of Colorado Springs. It was a beautiful day and I discovered a good place for mountain biking also! I was good to spend some time with Nick!

This hike actually had some good spots that looked fun for rock climbing...man, I need to do some more rock climbing!