2004 Road Trip

Touring Colorado

Trip Map


On the third day of our road trip we drove through Colorado and into the Rocky Mountains. Our destination was Estes Park and we decided to take the scenic route off of I-70 through Rocky Mountain National Park. The drive to the park was very scenic with the Aspens turning yellow for the Fall. When we reached the park entrance we found the road was closed due to snow. We were only 40 miles away from Estes Park, but we had to take a 160 mile detour instead. The extra miles were a bit frustrating, but it was fun to take the MINI past Winter Park and over Berthoud Pass at 11,000 feet elevation.

The next day was my niece's wedding. Other than attending the wedding, we spent time checking out Estes Park and hunting down various family members. The wedding and reception were very nice and lasted well into the night. The following day my sister and I got up early and scrambled up some rocks near the wedding site. Though the climb offered great views of Estes Park, it was deceptively difficult. When we made it down, we found signs warning to keep off the rocks, oops. For a final get together I tried to assemble my family for lunch at Casa Bonita, the crazy Mexican restaurant I visited the previous Spring. Things didn't work out as planned, one brother got there on time, one couldn't find it, my sister found it, but was late and we got stuck in Bronco's traffic and arrived there very late. As a result we only met up with my sister, her family and my mom at Casa Bonita. The place was mostly dead when we got there in the late afternoon and it was not at all like the crazy time I had experienced in April. At least my nephew, Jordan, enjoyed it.



Aspens and snow at Gore Range


Gore Range Colorado


Goofing with the bride on wedding day


Touring Estes Park


Climbing Rocks at Estes Park


Estes Park and the Rockies


Estes Park Rocks (not easy to climb)


Casa Bonita!


Arches National Park Road Trip Amy's Wedding

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September 23-26, 2004