RMNP, Ouzel Falls

Sunday, 9/30

We wanted a slightly easier hike than yesterday's, so we chose the Ouzel Falls trail which climbed 950 feet over 2.7 miles (one way) past a series of waterfalls, up a rocky path through the woods.  Not as intense as yesterday, but still a great workout.  It was sunny and 57 on the drive to the trailhead (and it didn't get any warmer than that for the rest of the day).  Because it was Sunday, the parking lot  was full of cars, but it didn't feel too crowded on the trail, fortunately.  Lots of families with small children reminded us of all the Sunday walks in the woods we did with our own children as they were growing up.

Nils at Cascade Falls (see how baggy his jeans are? They would just plain fall right off without a belt).

At times it felt like we were in fairy tale woods, most of the time within earshot of the water crashing through the rocks.  The air was crisp and cool and fresh, and smelled of spruce  (which always reminds me of Christmas).

I couldn't resist a photo of these twisted, braided roots, spilling into the path.

Nils, in front of Ouzel Falls.  We didn't see any Ouzels, but the waterfall was beautiful.

Again, we retraced our steps back to the trailhead....2 hours 40 minutes all together.   Hearing--and seeing--the white water made it that much more enjoyable.   We did get a few sprinkles in the last mile, but they passed quickly.  

Whitewater is LOUD!

On the drive "home" we saw a huge field of bright yellow aspens with mountains in the distance.  The Rocky Mountains are just indescribably beautiful.

Snow and glaciers in the distance

You can just barely see the mountains in the distance on this picture too.

We came home, ate and were all excited to dip into the hot tub, but it was closed.  What a disappointment!  Consolation: football, Ryder Cup and the movie Singin' in the Rain on tv.  All sort of at the same time (there was a lot of channel changing back and forth).   Tomorrow will be our last full day in the Rockies (or in Colorado, for that matter)--the great schlepp eastward begins on Tuesday morning first thing.