Holly MandarichExplorer

These set of roads are classified as 4x4 high clearance vehical roads. Not to mention this part of the park is remote and only about 10% of visitors access it. To get to Cathedral Valley, we were recommended to drive a “loop” by the park ranger, that entailed about 60 miles of high clearance dirt roads. You can pick up a map of this specific area at the ranger station. The start of the journey ...

Inside Capitol Reed National Park there is a scenic drive. The drive you do have to pay for ($15 bucks a car) but considering the park is free, you may as well!  The drive is about 8 miles long, with pull offs for ideal picture taking, the landscape is vast and ever changing with every turn, including red rock formations as far as the eye could see. You can access Cassidy Arch Trailhead, Capito...

At the end of the Old Mission peninsula sits Mission Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is surrounded by 5 acres of wooded township and many acres of state land! Upon arriving you can explore the shores just below the lighthouse - there can intriguing iceberg islands forming at the edge of the water on the cold winter days. After taking in some views of West Bay and the lighthouse, head into the ...

Just east of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This scenic spot provides access to cottonwood spring. The spring is a short walk down from the parking lot, and was formed from earthquakes! It was a popular spot for natives and settlers to gather water back in the day. As you approach the springs you are among towering palms, larger and wider than most. It's a worthwhile spot to stop and take in so...

Overview: About a 12 mile hike, with 3 alpine lakes, a significant climb and views worthwhile Photos: See all photos here. Getting There: The hike is accessed from the Half Moon pass parking lot - from the Fall Creek trailhead. The parking lot and trailhead are accessed at the end of Tigiwon Rd. which is just south of Minturn, CO on HWY 24. You’ll want to take it slow coming up Tigiwon road if ...

Starting at the Meadow Creek trailhead in Frisco, you'll find yourself ending up in East Vail at Gore Lake Trailhead. See all photos here.  The trail in Meadow Creek starts to climb at a gradual pace for the 3-4 miles, after a mile or so, take a look back upon the views of Lake Dillion. You'll arrive around mile 4 in a valley of mountains, to your right you'll see Eccless Pass - which you end u...

NOTE: As of March 2023, access to parts of this loop that are on private property (including Mt. Democrat & Mt. Lincoln) are closed to the public indefinitely. (Source) Find your way to the Kite Lake trailhead near Alma, Colorado. The road up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, if you have a low-clearance vehicle I would advise parking about half a mile from the trailhead.  Th...