About Clear Creek County, CO

Echo Lake is located at the foot of Mt. Evans in Colorado.

Mt Evans is 14,240 feet to the summit. Along the way up you will see mountain goats and Bighorn sheep. In the fall you will be surprised at the beautiful fall colors of the Aspen trees. Mt. Evans is the highest paved road in North America. It is 33.5 miles west of Denver. The road to the summit is closed now for the season but will reopen May 25th 2012.

If you are visiting our mile high city of Denver be sure you adjust to the altitude for a couple of days and be in good health before you attempt the extreme high altitude.

The air is very thin and altitude sickness is not fun. Make sure you have plenty of water with you.

As you are driving down from Mt. Evans, Echo Lake will be at the base of the mountain. There you will be able to snowshoe, hike, rent cabins,bike and find several camp sites. The lake is beautiful and quiet which is great for fishing. It is surrounded by the beauty of the mountain and the changing colors of the Aspen trees.

It's great to live in Colorado..the beauty is breath taking.

Three Mile Creek Trail offers one of the best hikes in the foothills west of Denver. Yesterday, my husband and I, along with our hiker dog Jake, headed up Hwy 285 west of Denver thru Bailey towards Guanella Pass. The weather was warm and inviting and hundreds of others had the same idea of taking in the beautiful golden vistas of the aspens.

At Grant, we turned right onto the Guanella Scenic and Historic Byway. The trailhead was just a short 2.5 mile drive and this trail is one of the most popular doggie hikes of the Colorado Mountain Club. The full hike is around 12 miles; however, we followed the trail up about 3 miles as it curved around and crossed the creek (9 times). We encountered numerous friendly dogs along the way.

The aspens were at their peak in color with shades of yellow, green and orange leaves. In numerous places, the trees formed a golden canopy over the trail. The path was covered with dropped leaves reminding me of "following the yellow brick road" from The Wizard of Oz.

Distant view from meadow:

Looking up through the aspens towards the blue sky:

On Saturday, my husband and decided to take a hike with our dog, Jake, to one of the trails recommended in the book, "Best Hikes with Dogs Colorado" by A. Savage. From Denver, we traveled Highway 70 west to Georgetown, then proceed up Guanella Pass to the trail leading to Silver Dollar Lake. I am glad we went early because we got the last space in the parking lot at the trailhead. Those of us that like to hike in Colorado's mountains know that if you are going above timberline, you need to be on your way down the mountain no later than noon in order to avoid the thunderstorms that can catch you off guard.

Our backpack was filled with water, apples. granola bars and raingear. As we hiked upwards towards the 12,000+ elevation, it quickly became apparent to me that I was going to be stopping frequently to photograph the numerous varieties of flowers. This year, we have had an abundance of snowfall and combined with the recent summer rains, the wildflowers were abundant. Botanists report over 100 species bloom along this trail.

As we traversed the south side of the narrow valley, we could see privately owned Lake Naylor at the bottom of the gulch.

Knowing that during the month of July there are several snowfields we would have to cross, I chose to take my pocket-sized Canon camera rather than my Nikon. I was really glad I did as it was very slippery and I lost my balance several times.

I lost count at the number of different flowers line the trail, however, I identified elephant's ear, shrubby cinquefoil, false solomonseal, American Bistort, sandwort, alpine buttercup, marshmarigold, bighead clover, fireweed, alpine aster, and yellow paintbrush. Here are a few of the flowers I did photograph:

The lovely Parry Primrose:

Columbine:

Bluebell:

Loveland Ski Area - Marry Me & Ski Free 2011

Every year Loveland Ski Area holds their annual Marry Me & Ski Free event...this year is their 20th year! More than 75 couples took Chair 2 to the top of the mountain to wed in high elevation bliss at 12,050 feet. The ceremony takes place for all couples, a "mass wedding", at noon and lasts for 30 minutes. After the ceremony the newly married couples ski or ride down to the base where a reception of lunch and cake is held.

All couples are encouraged to dress in warm, wedding attire as there is a contest for the best dressed!

Please note: Each couple must obtain a Colorado Marriage License prior to attending the wedding ceremony, in case you are considering marrying your sweetheart in ski/snowboard style next year!

Looking to move to Summit County or search for a 2nd Home? Contact Justin & Krystal with Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty.

Georgetown Christmas Market

If you haven't been to Georgetown Colorado during the Christmas holidays you will have missed a beautiful town dressed out in a Victorian theme.

A Victorian Christmas in the historic mountain town is only about 1 hour's drive west of Denver. Lots of Victorian homes to see. Some high on top of a hill overlooking the entire town. There are lots of festivities to enjoy and bring the kids.

Wear your warmest coat and maybe a pair of gloves and get ready to walk through the town and quaint little shops during the week ends of Dec.4-5 and Dec. 11-12.

Don't forget to go to 6th street which transforms into a Christmas wonderland 10 AM- 6PM. and it FREE