My daddy is a John Denver fan, although he probably wouldn’t admit it. We were listening to Rocky Mountain High Colorado when, I kid you not, we were actually IN Colorado on vacation. I thought I was dreaming, but we were in the mountains baby! We had been exploring and hiking in different parts of the state for nearly a week and ended up at Grand Junction, the western slope, right of I-70. Before our adventure began, we stopped at Palisades for some peaches. Those things were the size of softballs! I didn’t partake, but my folks gobbled them up. Apparently, those are a must if you hit the right season, which we did.
Anyway, my humans and I had never been to The Grand Mesa, so off we were driving up, and up from
the town of Grand Junction to the flat-top mountain above at 9,000 to 11,000 feet. Apparently, some nine million years ago volcano lava flowed and left behind the mesa, and then an ice age later on created some 300 lakes across the top of it. Yowsa! That’s a lot of swimming holes. We didn’t have time to visit them all, but we did find Lost Lake. Since a trail was marked to it, I don’t think it was really lost, but what do I know? I’m game for an adventure of any kind, that much I do know!
The 1.5 mile trail is considered moderate and winds through the forest, basalt rock, fields, and climbs several hundred feet to a beautiful, pristine mountain lake that was a gorgeous green color. We had the lake to ourselves and enjoyed a picnic. Of course, I took a dip and got refreshed! Since the hike wasn’t very long, we decided to explore several other lakes, finding some nifty places to chill out and listen to the sounds of nature. Hours passed by, and the time had come to drive back down. Storm clouds were rolling in.
We took the scenic route back to the hotel and drove through the Colorado National Monument. Dogs are most welcome at The Grand Mesa, however, they aren’t allowed on the trails in most national parks and monuments…something I don’t understand. As long as I stayed in the car, we were good, though. Our park pass got us in, otherwise you would have to pay. Well, the storm broke loose, and it rained something fierce. No need to worry about me wanting to go out in that stuff, thank you very much. I settled into my comfy bed and let my mom watch the lightening show as my dad drove the winding road.
This was yet another place none of us had been, and from my quick glances, it reminded me of Sedona but with big canyons like The Grand Canyon. Whoa. A two-for-one special! The rocks were red with lots of greenery all around, and the storm clouds certainly added a neat touch. I think it was a high light for my mom and dad and definitely worth the drive. If you haven’t experienced it, put it on your list. We only had a day, but you could spend several between the mesa and monument. Ain’t life grand?
Hi! I am Kumaito (Kuma for short), a multi-tan Shiba Inu. My breed is one of the oldest and purest from Japan. I personally was born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, moved to Friendswood, Texas, and now call Phoenix, Arizona home. I enjoy running or hiking almost every day with my mom, chasing rabbits out of my neighborhood, playing with toys, pestering my brother Edmond, eating, napping … well, I love just about everything and everyone!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith (Founder of the FIT Leader Formula™) is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert, and author of eight published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/ and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
