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Written for my family who traveled here a year ago with me. Dads have been boring people with vacation pictures since slide shows and PowerPoint presentation. So, I did it this way. You're welcome.

Five miles of hiking

Friday was two trails, over 5 miles of hiking, three hours, 900 ft of elevation climb. Because dad felt good.

Easier way to Alberta Falls.

Took the trail to Alberta Falls from the Glacier George Trail Head instead of Bear Lake. Eliminated the uphill climb on the way back.

Alberta Falls

Because waterfalls are Kasandra's favorite.

Giant Rocks

Where was Orion when I needed them?

Bierstadt Lake

From Glacier Gorge, I went to the Bierstadt Lake Trail Head. The 711' vertical part of the climb was H-A-R-D, also avoiding trail rocks and, because it was also a horseback trail, lots of horse poop.

Gloomy.

It was overcast all day, leading to some amazing and quick moving clouds coming from any direction.

Saturday

Saturday was one trail, over 4 miles of hiking, three hours, 900 ft of elevation climb to Haiyaha, returned down 300 ft to Dream Lake, and then climbed another 150 ft to Emerald Lake. That was too much for dear old dad.

Nymph Lake

Complete with all of its lily pads!

Elk Led Trail to Lake Haiyaha

My intention was to go on the lake trails (Nymph, Dream, Emerald). But in mid hike, I decided to go to Lake Haiyaha. And then back to Dream and Emerald Lakes. So I pushed it a little too much today. The elk made me do it.

Haiyaha Vistas

There were spectacular vistas from the trail leading up to the lake.

More Haiyaha vistas

High above other lakes.

I'm not sure that this is Dream Lake, but I kinda think that's what we're looking at. Remember when Kas called Chase to tell him she could look up and see him? I could have called Chase from this spot and say I was looking down at him.

The Lake

This lake at 10,240 ft is breathtaking. It is surrounded by boulders, so there is no easy way to access it. This is as close as I got to it.

Another view of Lake Haiyaha

Dream Lake

Came back down from Haiyaha to go past Dream Lake on the way to Emerald Lake.

Emerald Lake

Orion, Chase and I made it up here last year. It's still spectacular. And windy and cold.

More Emerald Lake

Transformation

Orion took the photo on the left last year at Emerald Lake. I had a stranger snap the second picture. I’m really proud of my progress with my health.

What's even better is that I didn’t need to stop to catch my breath until much later in the hike. I didn’t have to pause 3-5 times just to reach Nymph Lake. There’s a noticeable difference, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.

Elk

They're freakin' everywhere, not minding the idiots walking by. Must have seen a dozen over the past two days.

A walk in the rain; a walk to remember

I went to bed feeling really sore and tired on Saturday night, and Sunday morning wasn’t much better. Despite that, I read about the Calypso Cascades hike and wanted to give it a try. After passing by Lily Lake (with a side trip to Lily Ridge), I opted for a nice, leisurely walk instead.

Longs Peak

On the highway to the Wild Basin Trails, there's an unobstructed view of Longs Peak at 14k feet. Unless a cloud is covering the top...

Don't Go Chasin' Waterfalls

The Calypso Cascade hike essentially follows the St. Vrain River with dozens of waterfalls aside the path.

From the Bridge

The trail follows one side of the river, but then you cross a large bridge to the other side, where you'll find a waterfall below.

One More

This was my favorite waterfall along the path.

Lilly Lake

After a challenging climb, I was ready for a more relaxed stroll, so I headed to Lily Lake. However, on the far side, there’s Lily Ridge, which involves a bit more ups and downs. Dad couldn’t resist the extra challenge.