47.15 Colorado, north of Durango: Castle Rock via Elbert Creek trail during Fall.

On the way to Castle Rock, a steep climb.

Apparently, they made it.

Is it possible to be so attractive? Self-evident apparently.

What a delightful hike! Although the GPS could not find the trailhead, more importantly, we did. We suppose that’s what counts. 

We were the second car in the park and by the time we had laced boots, Jenni had calmed me, as I get tearful when facing a steep climb, we headed up toward the castle after another 4 cars filled the open spaces. Well, mountain top in the shape of a castle is more accurate. It was steep in most places with the last section being extremely steep. 

Near the closing stages but before the section just mentioned, we met Jesus. We did say met and not found. The young man was returning but not from the top. Even he did not know where to go. While we had never been on this mountain before, Jenni’s research convinced him that he should make the effort and climb the extra distance. He joined us and we headed up together. You have to love his comment he made later when we spoke on the 'castle'. When asked if he was pleased he made the extra effort, he replied, “How could I not continue knowing you two (old fogies) were continuing? Nice! 

This young man’s exuberance was so apparent because he wandered about the peak in awe during his stay. He also had a camera which really amazed us. He had mounted a phone on a ’Go-Pro’ device and whirled it around him like a lasso but carrying on for at least 15 seconds at a time. We thought photography required a little poise, contemplation, the odd aim at a subject every now and again—sort of old-fashioned concepts. Not Jesus. He kept whirling the gadget about. He showed us a few of his shots and they surprised us to the upside. Who needs a camera, Cowboy Bob! 

The fall colors were staggering—the pictures might attest to this statement.

Telephoto brings a backyard into our backyard.

Note the effect of scrolling down this photograph.

Not the place to be a little unsteady on the feet.

After begging for years, Jen allows me to stand on her shoulders. Tough girl!

A scene on the other side.

People feed them and they become pests...not cute as one would presume automatically.

Times like these add something special to each hike. While it may not be apparent to the viewer, it depends on each individual's desires and challenges; it is personal and not easily explainable.

The Aspens are a delightful species. Fall is magnificent color wise, summer green and full, while winter bareness portrays its own attractiveness, a haunting death. Castle Rock above and ahead.

A rugged, mountainous state.

Loved this hike and position.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey