I haven't been hiking here since I was a kid, and I'm not sure the place has changed all that much. The park has upgraded a bit though and has a nice new visitor's center. This place is a go-to spot for the climbing set, and we passed many groups along the road clinging to the sheer rock walls of the canyon. Where we parked we even saw a group of kids, maybe 10 years at the most, who had just been given their instructions and were about to attempt their first climb of the morning. They were rigged out with ropes and straps and ready to go.
The canyon itself was beautiful and there were many people setting up their picnic and BBQ sites for the day down by the river.
But we were there for the hiking. We chose the Eldorado Canyon trail because it seemed like the likeliest spot for great views and a lengthy hike if we do desired.
It was very nice hiking. Mostly up in the trees, so lots of shade. And every once in a while there were great views of the rocks and mountain on the other side of the canyon.
We stopped for lunch on the side of the mountain, near a boulder field, created by some long-ago landslide. Natalie is quite comfortable out in the woods and on the rocks.
We ate most of our lunch, and then we heard a funny noise, and managed to spook ourselves about the possibility of rattlesnakes hiding in the rocks. It was probably some kind of grasshopper or bird, but we weren't going to take any chances so we booked it back to the trail.
Further up the trail we came to a nice level spot with great views across the canyon. We'd climbed about 700 feet or so, and were now nearly level with the train tracks on the other mountain, (you can see where they are in this picture - where it looks like bare dirt has fallen across the way). We even saw a train come out of the tunnel and go across the mountain. It looked like it had 4 or 5 engines on it! I guess you need it to haul up these hills!
If you've hiked with me, I've probably made you smell trees... on a hot day, the ponderosa pine tree smells like vanilla (or cookies or butterscotch, depending on who you ask). I love getting the chance to sniff a tree... Natalie is getting used to me telling her to smell things, and she stuck her nose up to it too. I think Aanya just thinks I'm crazy most of the time. 
This is about the spot where we turned around... we caught a good glimpse of the back range, and the junction in the trail was about another mile away, which would have added about two to our hike. All told, we went about 4 or 4.5 miles on that day. Most of it up!! Ouch. And yes, Natalie is very asleep in that photo.
Once we got back down, (took way less time than going up!) we spent a bit of time down by the river. The water was very high and fast (and COLD) so we didn't wade, but we did let the girls stick their feet in and then we just played for a while. I'd love to go back here for a picnic some time soon... it was a gorgeous place. 
Before we left, we took advantage of the beautiful place and the picnic tables to have a little snack. The girls ate some fruit, and Natalie helped Nupur finish her lunch. Another recipe I'll have to get. Natalie just loves Nupur's cooking and even tried to throw a little fit when there was none left! 
Another successful hike accomplished. I've got to update the list on the right!! Check back later today... I'm going to try to do another post today and one to catch up on my pictures!
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