2005 Colorado Hiking Trip

The Year 2005 trip developed primarily because Dave Sr (Grampa Dave to the kids) had a goal to hike a 14'er  in southwest Colorado.  He decided on Uncompahgre Peak which is the 6th highest 14'er in Colorado at 14,309 feet.

Dave Jr. was going to accompany Dave Sr. on the trip, but Cole wanted to go along too.  And since Dave Jr. and Cole were doing their training hikes, Kendall (6.5 yrs old) decided she wanted to get in on the fun.

The trip itinerary was designed to give altitude acclimation at a gradual pace, to play in Denver, hike a little in the sand dunes and then to take on the hike of Uncompahgre. Here are Pics from the Great Sand Dunes and the hike of Uncompahgre Peak in southern Colorado:

Great Sand Dunes National Park:   We've been a few times, but it was Grampa/Grandma's 1st time.  Luckily, the mountain fed stream was still flowing - which made for lots of play in the water fun!

Hiking Uncompahgre Peak:  We traveled from the Dunes to the Peak area, about 4 hr drive and got to the base of the mountain at 8:30 pm.  The road up to Trailhead is 4 miles and 4wd and crosses 2 good sized streams in the road.  NOT for doing at night!!  The Explorer made it, but next time we'll rent a 4x4.