Colorado Vacation - 2019

YMCA Estes Park never seems to disappoint. Temps were a little higher in July vs. our previous August trip. While C & I didn't have as many relaxing afternoons on the porch, as we chose to "up" our hiking levels/trips, we had a great week as a family (playing games, multiple s'more nights, and reading). The girls loved their week at YMCA camp - meeting new friends and trying new adventures!! Even Ollie seemed to enjoy his time away and extra perks of vacay! The week went by too fast.

Sunday - White Water Rafting (Colorado River) 
Entered at Pumphouse Recreation Area; Exited at Rancho Del Rio

Monday:  1st Day of YMCA Camp; Moraine Park hike (4.7 Miles; 1 hr, 45 min; Elevation Gain: 561 ft; Elevation Max:  8,291 ft); Trip into "town" for a little ice cream and shopping. Due to the late snow fall this year, the water was higher and faster and ice/snow was still on the ground in some places.

Tuesday - Day 2 of YMCA Camp; Twin Sisters hike (across from Lily's Lake) - 7.7 miles (4 hrs, 3 min); Elevation Gain:  2, 372; Elevation Max:  11,283 ft; Enjoying ice cream on the deck at YMCA Admin Office; Horseback trail ride in the evening (my 1st time on a horse).

Wednesday - Flat Top Mountain - on the Continental Divide (left from Bear Lake); 8.9 miles (4 hrs, 50 min); Elevation Gain: 2,644 ft; Elevation Max: 12,242 ft.

Thursday - Estes Cove (started at Storm Pass Trail at Lily's Lake) - 7.3 miles - 3 hrs, 28 min; (Elevation Gain: 2,175 ft; Elevation Max:  10,848 ft)

That last  .7 miles was super challenging - tons of rocks!!

 Back at Lily's Lake.

Friday - Fern Falls, The Pool, Fern Lake and Odessa Lake.  11.01 miles (4 hours, 22 min); Elevation Gain: 1,791 ft; Elevation Max: 9,990 ft. The trek to Odessa Lake is tough, but oh so rewarding!!!