Riding a train through the Rockies has been a much talked about highlight for this trip. Earlier in the summer, Vacation Bible School’s Rocky Railway theme song “Your Power Will Pull Us Through” echoed in our household. The opportunity was perfect to end our summer with a trip through these mountains.
Leaving Avon, we snake through Leadville and check out the old train station. We then cross over the Continental Divide at Independence Pass to arrive at the St. Regis Aspen. Ironically, the most luxurious hotel on this trip is named after the saint and father of the poor. We are upgraded to a suite, which makes this stay even more lavish.
The aspen groves at Maroon Lake are striking. While Rocky Mountain National Park had some hints of fall color, here, we are engulfed in golden quaking aspens. We stroll along the lake until sunset and meet a Chinese family planning to take Milky Way pictures. I consider coming back as well, but after consulting my app, I realize that the galaxy center will not be in the ideal position, and the moon will likely wash out most of the stars. Instead, I head back for an early morning shot while the lake is still a mirror. Soon, a mean ranger arrives and chases everyone off the lakeshore; luckily, I’m on the main trail.
Since we’re on a luxury stay at the St. Regis, I splurge and order room service brunch. Then, we lounge by the pool before heading off to Crested Butte.
Crested Butte
We decide to approach Crested Butte via the scenic route. Along the way, we scout for lunch spots, and finally, I see a turnout to the left. It turns out to be a picturesque spot along Anthracite Creek. We enjoy our picnic lunch on one of the tables. Further along, around a hairpin bend, there’s a moose with her calf wading out of the small pond that sits on the inner curve of the road. I shoot pictures from a safe distance.
Before checking in at Elevation Spa, I ask the bellman about the best fall color around down. He directs me to Washington Gulch, which is only a few blocks away. There, swathes of golden aspens appear, like brushstrokes painted on a green canvas. We take some of my favorite fall color pictures here.
Leaving the aspen groves the next day, we make quick stops at several overlooks at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We traverse the town of Ouray and meander along the Million Dollar Highway, stopping at scenic overlooks.
Durango
With so much to do in Aspen, we plan two nights here. The first scenic stop is to the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum. Because of COVID-19, the museum is closed, but the kids really enjoy the hatchery portion. For lunch, we join Mark and Sarah at the Vallecito Reservoir. The kids’ favorite part is climbing the large boulders.
We leave the lake and make it to Rockwood Depot with time to spare. Daphney and Jayden didn’t get much sleep after lunch, because they are too excited for the train. This is the part that they have been talking about the most, especially since Vacation Bible School’s theme was called Rocky Railway.
Daphney with a train in LeadvilleDaphney at the Leadville train stationIndependence Pass, with a motorcycle parked in front of the signEnjoying a little luxury at the St. Regis, Jayden and Daphney sitting by the bed, in AspenDaphney and Jayden sitting in the chair with the monkey beside themHorsing around in our room at the St. RegisHorsing around in our room at the St. RegisHorsing around in our room at the St. Regis, Jayden stepping off, leaping onto the sofaDaphney and Jayden in the elevator wing at the St. RegisYan with the kids going to the pool, at the St. RegisJayden and Daphney looking at each other through the railingFamily picture in front of the Aspen St. Regis, with the bronze elk statuesGolden aspens along the road to Maroon LakeYan and Daphney taking a stroll among the aspensFamily picture at Maroon Lake with Maroon Bells in the backgroundFamily picture at the Maroon Lake trailhead, with golden aspensJayden at the bathtubJayden at the bathtubDaphney and Jayden enjoying a bathtub soakMaroon Bells mirror reflectionDaphney and Jayden having a special room service breakfastJayden wanting to walk independently up the stairsHagning out on the pool deckSoaking in the outdoor pool, Danny, Jayden, and Daphney, at the St. Regis AspenBundled up after a soak in the poolBundled up after a soak in the poolFamily picture in front of the Aspen St. Regis, with the bronze elk statuesHanging out after lunch at Anthracite CreekHanging out after lunch at Anthracite CreekFamily picture after lunch at Anthracite CreekMother and baby mooseMother and baby mooseWith golden aspens at peak fall color, in Washington GulchFamily picture with golden aspens at peak fall color, in Washington GulchWith golden aspens at peak fall color, in Washington GulchJayden and Daphney snacking at the Elevation HotelFamily picture at the entrance to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkView from Tomichi PointChasm View of the deep gorge, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkChasm View of the deep gorge, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkBirds-eye view of OurayFlowing Red Mountain Creek, fall color and yellow waterRed Mountain and fall colorDaphney and Jayden enjoying dinner in DurangoDaphney and Jayden playing in the hotelDaphney and Jayden playing in the hotelJayden and Daphney reading before bedtimeFamily picture along the Animas RiverYan walking the kids near the fish hatcheryDaphney and Jayden looking at the fish in the hatcheryDaphney and Jayden looking at the fish in the hatcheryJayden showing trout to his bearDaphney and Jayden having lunch at the Vallecito ReservoirDaphney and Jayden playing by the Vallecito ReservoirDaphney and Jayden playing by the Vallecito ReservoirDaphney helping Jayden across the rocks, Jayden says my hands are dirty, Daphney says to wipe on the rock, then helps him overFamily picture by the Durango Silverton trainYan and the kids inside the Durango Silverton trainDurango Silverton train snaking above the river gorgeYan and the kids inside the Durango Silverton trainDaphney looking out the train window, being very lady-likeAnimas RiverDurango Silverton train along the Animas RiverDanny holding Jayden tightly so he doesn't fall out the train windowJayden enjoying his own train seatJayden enjoying his own train seatDurango Silverton train along the Animas RiverDurango Silverton train crossing the bridgeDurango Silverton train snaking above the river gorgeDurango Silverton train snaking above the river gorgeDanny with Daphney after the train rideDanny with Daphney after the train rideDanny with Daphney after the train rideDurango Silverton train
Colossians 3:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
