Early September hiking and family visit trip to Colorado.  We had really good weather, which definitely helped since we did NOT have early alpine starts for our hikes!  And even got to see some early fall color.

We stayed at the Super 8 in Dillon Friday night, then drove up the Boreas Pass dirt road to Boreas Pass for our Saturday hike.  The pass was a train "station" back in the day when the Denver, South Park and Pacific Narrow Guage Railroad ran between South Park and Leadville.  At the pass were historical buildings and an old railroad car.

The goal today was Boreas Mountain, 13,082 feet high.  There was a great trail up to Black Powder Pass, then all off trail along a ridge to the summit.  Great views throughout.  The last 300 vertical feet was not as fun, being dinner plate sized loose talus.  The highlight was a herd of Mountain Goats up close and personal.  A couple got very close during our snack time at a summit wind break, eyeing our packs!

We then drove to Erie (northern Denver suburb) to visit with Steven and Amanda.  On the drive we passed a large herd of Bighorn Sheep.  Also not very scared of us humans!  Arrived in Erie around 6pm for a three night stay.  Cocktail hour each night on their back patio!  The dogs, Aerys and Drogo, are very entertaining.

Sunday was a rest day.  Lunch at the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, then the movie Mission Impossible:  Fallout.

Monday's hike was our first ever in the Indian Peaks Wilderness west of Boulder.  Steven, Amanda and the dogs accompanied us on the 5+ mile hike to Mitchell and Blue Lakes, with Mount Toll as a backdrop.  Gorgeous scenery, lots of small lakes and ponds, with more early fall color.

Tuesday was the leisurely drive back to ABQ.  Saw lots of Pronghorn Antelope along Interstate 25 in New Mexico.