Red Rock Canyon

Since we will be leaving Colorado in a few days (our month is up), and start our journey southward, thought a few photo's of this really cool open space canyon would be a good way to end our visit here.
This place is also next to Manitou Springs and lies just on the other side of Hwy 24 across from Garden of the Gods Park.

Red Rock Canyon

A nice view as you start into this open space area.

Red Rock Canyon

A look at the pathway as you start up on a slight incline.

Red Rock Canyon

Thought this view was worth a post. Actually, this miniature "half dome" was the result of an old rock quarry enterprise many years ago.

Red Rock Canyon

Since we started in the AM. the sun had yet to rise very far which provides a different look at this rock formation alongside the path.

Red Rock Canyon

As were walking up the trail, came upon this guy in the process of painting a scene just ahead of him.

Red Rock Canyon

A look at his painting.

Red Rock Canyon

Straight ahead just up this pathway is the scene that this guy was painting.

Red Rock Canyon

A few of the local wildflowers in this canyon.

Red Rock Canyon

Just along side the pathway, saw these ladies walking by and obviously quite use to seeing people.

Red Rock Canyon

A nice view on the way back down.

Royal Gorge

Took a drive to the Royal Gorge area to see the worlds tallest suspension bridge. While you can walk over the bridge we chose to view from afar as this area is now a "theme park" type attraction. It would have cost us almost $50 to walk the bridge. The above photo gives a good view of the bridge and canyon below.

Royal Gorge

A look downward at the Arkansas River and adjacent RR tracks that winds through the gorge canyon.

Royal Gorge

A look at the bridge and the tram that makes a crossing about every 30 minutes.

Royal Gorge

A closer look at the tram.

Royal Gorge

After we left the Royal Gorge Bridge area, found a nice lookout area several miles east. The above photo shows the Arkansas River as it winds its way out of the gorge area.

Royal Gorge

A closer look at the Arkansas River. The RR tracks (the Royal Gorge train starts in Canon City, Co) follows that river for quite a distance on a 3 hr tour.

Garden of the Gods

If in the area, would highly recommend spending a little time at this really cool city park. You can drive around using the multiple turnouts to view the sights or you can put on your hiking/walking shoes and hit the trails. The fact that this park is free is another reason to stop by.
The above photo is called (obviously) "Balance Rock" and greets all visitors as they enter from the south entrance off of Hwy 24. The park is just across the highway from Manitou Springs.

Garden of the Gods

A short walk from the road finds another interesting formation.

Garden of the Gods

Are they cute or what.

Garden of the Gods

A little ways past the south entrance was this formation. Strange that the one on the right is almost devoid of color.

Garden of the Gods

This photo certainly shows the stark contrast of rock formations as you drive around.

Garden of the Gods

This photo gives a great view of the park. To the right you can see a few of the pathways that wind throughout. The roads are mostly one way and the biking lanes are very wide. If I lived in this area I would be spending a lot of time here.

Garden of the Gods

This is the largest rock formation in the park and is hard to capture in a photo but it is at least 300 ft in height. Took a few more photo's noted in the following pics.

Garden of the Gods

Took this photo viewing the left side of this huge rock and the formations behind it. At the very top you can see a small arch (the only one in the park). I did take photo's from the other side as well.

Garden of the Gods

A look at that arch from the other side.

Garden of the Gods

A closer look at the "arch".

Garden of the Gods

As we were leaving, thought a photo of Pike's Peak in the background would be OK to post.

Seven Falls

A great day trip is to Seven Falls just a few miles from downtown Colo. Sprgs. The falls are in a beautiful canyon and was a nice way to spend 2-3 hrs.

Seven Falls

Looking at the entry area buildings. The falls are right behind the building on the right.

Seven Falls

A closer look as you enter the falls area.

Seven Falls

A look at the bottom portion of the falls half way up the stairs.

Seven Falls

Looking back from the bottom of the falls. The building on the left has souvenirs and a small restaurant.

Seven Falls

Once you are at the top of the falls there is a trail (20 min. one way) that takes you to Midnight Falls. The young man above was already at the top but his mother just could not make it all the way up. Since his father and brother had already gone ahead, he chose to stay with us rather than go back. Shirley and "Samuel" seemed to hit if off. We did eventually run into his father and all was well.

Seven Falls

A better look at Shirley & Samuel.

Seven Falls

A look at "Midnight Falls". Although not a very large fall, was still a nice sight at the end of this trail.

Seven Falls

Looking back into the canyon from atop the falls. That platform viewing area to the right is called the "Eagles Nest". We also took a few photo's from there as well.

Seven Falls

A look from the top of the falls. The next two photo's shows how we got there.

Seven Falls

This photo shows the falls and the 200+ steps (left of the falls) getting to the top. The next photo was taken at the bottom of the steps.

Seven Falls

In order to get to the top of the falls, you just have to take the stairs, no other way. There is a small rest area midway up.

Seven Falls

Looking upward at the "Eagles Nest" viewing deck. You do have the option of walking up the 188 steps or simply take the elevator (which we did).

Seven Falls

A walk through this rock tunnel takes you to the elevator seen at the end.

Seven Falls

A look atop the "Eagles Nest" platform.

Seven Falls

A look at the falls from above. Yes that is a tee pee at the bottom.

Seven Falls

A look from the "Eagles Nest" down into the parking lot and concession building.

Seven Falls

As we were leaving, thought another photo of the canyon countryside would be good to post.

The Bishop Castle

Some friends of ours (they also own an RV lot in Florence, AZ) suggested that a trip to see this very unique castle would be well worth it. They were certainly correct. This place sits at 9000 ft and is very remote from any big city. It is on one of the scenic byways in southern Colorado and would be southwest of Pueblo, CO.
The builder, Jim Bishop, has put every stone, window pane, metal stair case into place by hand and virtually all by himself. He started on this project in 1969 and has not stopped since. I believe he is now in his seventies and continues his work up to the present (he was working there the day we stopped by).
The following photo's do not do the place justice but it will give an idea of the work he has put into this place. Much better to see this place in person.

The Bishop Castle

This first sign greets all as they start to walk up to this castle. This sign and in the next photo as well clearly shows a very strong willed man.

The Bishop Castle

Another one of the signs that greet you walking up to the castle. While there were others, thought these two would give a little insight as to his thinking and views.

The Bishop Castle

Took this photo from the highway that gives an overall look at what you would see just driving by. No doubt that the construction which is always underway will probably never end until the owner has left this earth.