Colorado 2014: Trinidad to Pagosa Springs

Luckily, we were able to get away for a couple of weeks this summer to return to our favorite destination - Colorado. We pushed on the first day to Trinidad, CO, where we spend the first night to rest, acclimate at 6k altitude, and a fun dinner at Bella Luna Pizzaria. Next day we took an alternate route on Colorado Hwy 12 on the way to our first trip to Pagosa Springs. I took a little time to fish the Rio Grande, which is in a beautiful setting. However, the water here, as well as on the San Juan, was off-colored and silty - due to extensive wildfires and record rainfalls. So fishing was fun, but catching was non-existent, as predicted by the fellow at the fly shop. On the way, we detoured down a dirt road that was access to several huge trophy-hunting lodges/ranches. We're not into the hunting part, but enjoyed the spectacular scenery and spotting deer and many groups of wild turkey. The drive over Wolf Creek Pass was thrilling, and our one night in Pagosa Springs was very enjoyable - the day capped by another fine dinner at Kip's Grill and Cantina. Off to a great start!

 Rio Grande river

 Deer family

 Young turkeys browsing the tall grass

 Former German Officer POW camp at Stonewall

 Wolf Creek Pass on the way to Pagosa Springs

Stellar Jay looking all fluffy and handsome