Colorado National Monument

Between Fruita, Colorado and Grand Junction, Colorado is Colorado National Monument. You know it’s got to be good if the monument shares the same name as the state it’s in. The monument showcases some of the prime canyon lands in Colorado on the Colorado Plateau. In a state that is mainly known for its snow-topped Rocky Mountains and alpine wilderness, the desert landscape of these canyons stand in stark contrast to the popular image of Colorado. Flat Stanley enjoyed the monument, taking in the views first from a short hike on Serpents Trail. This trail was actually a road at one time, and came to be known as “the Crookedest Road in the World”. This is because the road/trail climbs the not-so-gradual slope of a canyon wall using more that 50 switchbacks! After the hike, Flat Stanley continued exploration of the park by the main road that meanders through the park, stopping as several beautiful vistas along the way. It was quite a wonderful way to start the morning.

Serpent Trail Hike

Serpent Trail Hike

Serpent Trail Hike

Canyon View

Canyon View

Twin Sisters Summit Hike

In the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, Flat Stanley bravely ascended Twin Sisters Mountain to the very peak. This required a hike of 7.4 miles, round trip. During the hike, Stanley changed in elevation from 9,154 feet to 11,451 feet. Not bad for a flat guy that lives pretty much at sea level! The summit afforded a fabulous 360 degree view, which was a wonderful reward well worth the journey. “I felt like I was standing on top of the world!,” said Flat Stanley. It was a little windy up on top of the mountain, making the cool temperature even more brisk. But since he was well warmed from the hike, the cool air was refreshing. During the hike, Flat Stanley saw elk, chipmunks, squirrels, marmots, and a host of birds. Wildlife was plentiful! The flora was nice too. There were both bright orange and almost neon-green lichen. Occasionally there would be pretty flowers along the path. And many of the pine trees grew in a twisted pattern to help provide strength during the fierce mountain weather. A thunderstorm arrived while we were on the ascent. Given that the hike was going to take us above the tree line, the storm threatened to prohibit the journey to the peak. But fortunately, the storm passed by quickly. By the time we reached the peak, the sun was shining bright as could be. Elk Marmott The Peak Chipmunk Orange Lichen Flowers