New Colorado Discoveries

I recently returned from my first trip to the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado and I am impressed. The natural beauty in this state, to which I am a newcomer, continually amazes me. I grew up in the West, in Montana, and appreciate the wonder there too but in Colorado it seems more accessable and the mountains are just a wee bit taller. We must have passed two or three "14er's" visible from the highway from Poncha Springs to Buena Vista. My friends and I climbed to a high alpine lake outside of Crestone on a well-developed and (unfortunately) well-used trail. Despite the sometimes crowded trails, I am happy someone took the time to build the trail and make these sometimes perspective-changing scenic views available.