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2026 West Coast Loop
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2026 West Coast Loop

An open-ended adventure by The Wandering Walkers Read more
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  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    We're off!
    We're off!Welcome to Wyoming!Maybe not so happy...Prairies forever!Homemade RV - wish I got a picture of the side door (made of wood w/intricate detail)!Sinclair, WY - massive oil refinery... this is oil country!Cool room @ this bar& grill - had a lot of history apparently.

    Estes Park, CO ➝ Rawlins, WY 🚐💨

    June 23 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    After several amazing days in Rocky Mountain National Park, it was time to roll out.

    The night before had us watching the weather closely—high winds had shut down I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins for RVs (pretty normal for Wyoming). By morning, the restrictions were lifted, so we got an early start while the winds were still behaving… mostly. 😄

    Of course, the Jeep decided it wasn’t quite ready to leave. Dead battery again. 😬 Luckily, we were able to get it charged up and moving without too much drama. Now we’re officially in “what is draining this thing?” investigation mode.

    Once that adventure was handled, the rest of the drive was smooth—light traffic, manageable winds, and an easy cruise across Wyoming. We rolled into the Rawlins KOA with plenty of daylight to spare — this is just an overnight stop before continuing west toward Grand Teton National Park near Jackson Hole.

    After settling in, we grabbed a quick meal at Michael’s Big City Steakhouse and called it an early night—ready for the next leg of the journey. 🌄    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler

    Pearl Street Mall Vibes 🏙️🍽️

    June 22 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Bike ride ✔️! 🚲

    Next stop: Pearl Street Mall—one of Boulder’s most iconic spots. Shops, restaurants, street performers, and every outdoor brand you can think of… all in one lively stretch.

    We grabbed an early dinner at Avanti F&B, a fun indoor/outdoor food hall. Tried something new from Quero Arepas—a Reina Pepiada—and it was incredible!

    Up to the rooftop bar for drinks and people-watching. Mine came in a coconut, which Don said instantly turned Boulder into a mini tropical escape. 🥥😄

    After dinner, we did a little shopping. I was on a mission for a hiking hat and found the winner at Montbell—mission accomplished. 👩‍🌾 What do you think? 😝

    Then we wrapped it all up with yes … ice cream🍦—all while enjoying the energy of Pearl Street. A perfect way to end our day in Boulder.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    What is this ... cell or weather tower or ???
    What is this ... cell or weather tower or ???AqueductPlains Pricklypear

    Back to Boulder We Go 🚲🤣

    June 22 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Back to Boulder we go… if at first you don’t succeed, then try, try again! 😂

    On the drive back into Boulder, Don and I got into a very serious discussion about those tall brown poles along the canyon road… cell towers, weather stations, or something else entirely? 🤔 What’s your guess? (No cheating—Google is not allowed! 😄)

    Labs ✔️— now it’s time for that bike ride!

    We headed out on the Boulder Canyon Trail for an out-and-back ride along Boulder Creek. It was a great ride—scenic, smooth, and the perfect way to get moving again.

    We followed the trail to Chapman Drive, riding it almost all the way to Canon Park before turning around. 🚲🌲    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Happy Jack!!
    Happy Jack!!Chocolates ... too adorable to eat!Love this artist's work!This is for our teachers! 😊Is that wildlife?Well done Don!! Yummy!

    A Down Day in Estes Park 😌🌿

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    After a couple of go-go-go days, we finally slowed things down and took an easy morning before heading into Estes Park to wander around a bit.

    The Riverwalk was perfect for it—we enjoyed a relaxed leisurely stroll. 😁

    Back at home base, the “wildlife viewing” continued from the window… squirrels? birds? hard to say, but highly entertaining either way.

    To wrap up the day, Don fired up the grill and cooked up some tasty food—always a win when dinner shows up outside your door. 🔥🍽️

    And just when the day couldn’t get better, the sunset put on a show—absolutely stunning and the perfect ending to a very relaxed day. 🌅    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Nymph Lake
    Nymph LakeDream LakeSnowball fight?The accent begins!Lake HaiyahaThe evening rush!!

    Evening Adventure Hike to Lake Haiyaha 🥾

    June 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 72 °F

    We started our hike at Bear Lake and were immediately hit with crowds at the trailhead. However, as we got closer to Nymph and Dream Lakes, the trail gradually thinned out and started to feel more peaceful.

    The higher we went, the better it got—fewer people, cooler air, and bigger views.

    At Lake Haiyaha (about 4.5 miles round trip with over 1,000 feet of gain, topping out around 10,200 feet), every stop along the way was rewarded with incredible views.

    Sunset over Lake Haiyaha was absolutely stunning. The photos are great, but they still don’t fully capture it. ✨

    Heading back down was a completely different vibe. Suddenly the trail was busy again with hikers streaming up in waves—you could really see the impact of not having a time-entry pass and the 6pm entry crowd shifting the rhythm of the mountain.

    On our way out, a couple of bucks were calmly grazing roadside, totally unfazed by the traffic chaos. 🦌

    To cap the day off after a full day on the trails, we rewarded ourselves at Prospect Bistro in Estes Park. Don went with the elk burger (he never passes up elk or bison), and I had the trout—which was fantastic. Once again… the pictures didn’t capture it. 🤣    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    ColumbineWhat's left of Shipler's CabinAnother gator?😂🤣Colorado Blue ColumbineWhat do you see? I see a 🫎 face. 🤪Arnica CordifoliaAnother face ... do you see it?Butterfly-Western Tiger Swallowtail

    Shipler Cabin Trail—Wildflowers 🌼🌸 & Wildlife 🐿️🦌🫎

    June 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 72 °F

    We headed back to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park for a couple of moderate hikes, starting near the Colorado River Trail area—and right away we spotted wildlife.

    We hiked Shipler Cabin Trail, which follows the Colorado River (more like a winding creek in sections) at a lower elevation. It was noticeably less crowded than other parts of the park, which made it feel more peaceful, and we were hoping for wildlife along the way. The scenery felt like prime elk and moose habitat, but we only spotted deer on the hike. Still, it was a beautiful outing—about 4.5 miles total.

    On the drive back, we got a great reward: a moose standing in a lake along the Continental Divide, feeding right in the water.

    From here, we continue on to our next stop along Bear Lake Road…    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Climber crossing the creek.Blackberry - Water - GingerOld coins embedded in the countertop.Brisket, Gouda Mac & Cheese ... YUM!Community GardenBoehm Memorial Chapel in Peaceful ValleyBoehm Memorial ChapelSaint Catherine of Siena Chapel

    Pivot to Peak-to-Peak Views

    June 19 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Today started with a trip into Boulder for some lab work for me and a scenic greenway trail ride. However, our plans were thwarted by missing paperwork and Don’s stitches looking a little angry. No problem—we did what travelers do best—pivoted.

    So we headed into the mountains along the Peak-to-Peak Highway, and it turned out to be the best decision of the day. The drive was incredible—towering peaks, waterfalls spilling down cliffs, and even rock climbers scaling the rock faces along the way.

    We stopped in the charming mountain town of Nederland, wandered the little Main Street, and couldn’t resist a few appetizers—Don went for craft beer, and I stuck with a couple of hard seltzer samples instead.

    From there, the highway just kept delivering—endless mountain views, winding roads, and plenty of wildlife sightings on the way back toward Estes Park.

    What started as a day of canceled plans turned into one of the most scenic drives of the trip. Sometimes the best days are the ones that don’t go according to plan. 🍻✨    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Bear LakeTyndall CreekGlacier CreekThermopsisWest Glacier Creek TrailGlacier CreekCastillejaPenstemonStonecropSprague LakeLost sole!Gator??😂

    From Bear Lake to Quiet Trails

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    We scored a timed-entry permit for the Bear Lake Road area—one of the busiest spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was so busy we spent 30 minutes trying to park before hopping on the shuttle to Bear Lake.

    The lake is gorgeous, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular, but the crowds had us ready for quieter trails. We hiked to Alberta Falls, where we enjoyed a picnic, then added a few extra miles to Sprague Lake. The peaceful forest trails lined with colorful wildflowers and the beautiful lake made every step worth it.

    After catching a nearly empty shuttle back to the Jeep, we spent the evening cruising through the park, stopping at overlooks and meadows in hopes of spotting wildlife.

    Our patience paid off! First, we spotted a wild turkey, then an impressive bull elk, and finally a small herd of bucks crossing right in front of the Jeep. A perfect ending to another unforgettable day in Rocky Mountain National Park! 🦃🦌    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Colorado River - this is the head waters for that most important river on western sideLittleflower Penstemon

    Holzwarth Historic Site

    June 17 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

    After exploring Grand Lake, we headed back to camp the same way we came—and we’re glad we did!

    We made a stop at the Holzwarth Historic Site, where we spotted a herd of elk and a beautiful bluebird. As we made our way back past the Alpine Visitor Center, we watched a mama elk and her calf make their way down the mountainside—another memorable sight.

    Between the wildlife, mountain scenery, and lakeside views, it was the perfect ending to an amazing day. The best part? We still have several more days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park! 🏔️❤️    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Meadow Bow Curve
    Meadow Bow CurvePoudre LakeLake IreneTrollius LaxusFairview Curve OverlookColorado RiverGrand Lake

    From Peaks to Lakes 🏔️💙

    June 17 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 63 °F

    After a quick snack break, we explored the quieter west side of the park—and it did not disappoint!

    We stopped for photos at the Continental Divide, took in several stunning lakes and scenic viewpoints, and enjoyed the beautiful drive through this less-crowded side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

    Every stop seemed to offer another incredible view and another reminder of just how amazing this park truly is. ❤️🏔️    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler

    Above 12,000 Feet! 🏔️💪

    June 17 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 57 °F

    While Don wisely sat this one out to let his stitches continue healing, I decided to tackle the Alpine Ridge Trail. 💪

    It may be short, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a steep climb! The trail is only about ¾ mile round trip, but includes approximately 480 stairs round trip and 311 feet of elevation gain. The reward? Reaching over 12,000 feet and being surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain views I’ve ever seen.

    Omg!! The views! The beauty! It’s all so breathtaking! I can’t get enough!! ❤️🏔️    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Spreading PhloxPolemonium ViscosumEritrichium NanumAlpine Vistor CenterView from Alpine Visitor Center ... there are Elk down in the valley.There were about 8-9 elk down in this valley.Moss Campion

    🏔️Our Rocky Mountain Adventure Begins!

    June 17 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 55 °F

    Rocky Mountain National Park is officially checked off our list!

    Today we drove Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in the country, all the way up to the Alpine Visitor Center.

    At nearly 11,800 feet, you definitely feel the elevation, but every turn revealed another jaw-dropping view. And honestly, our pictures don’t do it justice. Some places simply have to be experienced in person.

    What an incredible way to start our Rocky Mountain adventure!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Stitches are out!

    🏔️ Mountain Basecamp 🏔️

    June 16 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    We’ve arrived and settled into our new mountain home for the week. 🏔️🚐

    It’s a little rustic and a little windy, but the setting more than makes up for it—right at the base of the mountains and just minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park.

    Short travel day, big views, Beth removes Don's stitches (and spared you the details 🤪), and one very content travel cat. 🐾✨    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler

    🏔️🫎 Wildlife Welcome Committee 🦌

    June 16 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    As we drove into Estes Park, the sign said it all—ELK ACTIVE, BE ALERT, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

    We didn’t have to wait long before the wildlife welcomed us properly… elk and deer along the way made the drive through town even more memorable.

    Definitely feels like we’ve entered their world for the week. 🌲✨    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler

    🚴‍♂️🌞 Cruisin’ Pikes Peak Greenway 🌞🚴‍♀️

    June 15 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    We spent a beautiful afternoon exploring the Pikes Peak Greenway, following a winding creek through Colorado Springs and soaking in the ever-changing scenery. We rode all the way to the Air Force Academy boundary before turning around and heading back.

    Along the way, we spotted what looked like a rock castle rising in the distance and found a sign pointing toward the Garden of the Gods—proof that there are trails and adventures everywhere around here!

    After riding almost 20 miles, we returned relaxed, smiling, and one more Colorado adventure in the books. 🌞🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️✨    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    The line started early!
    The line started early!Luckily we weren't too far away in line!Yay ... we're on the ramp!The lines are still long!! 😳We are in!!Still a lot of open seats!PoranguiPoranguiDirtwireFull houseView from the top of the amphitheater w/Thievery on stage.Trevor HallView from the bottom of the amphitheater.

    Bucket List: Red Rocks ✔️

    June 14 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    Seeing a concert at Red Rocks had been on our bucket list for years, and it exceeded every expectation.

    We may not have known the artists, but that hardly mattered. The real headliner was Red Rocks itself. Towering red cliffs, incredible acoustics, breathtaking views, and the energy of thousands of music lovers created an unforgettable experience.

    A little drizzle passed through, but it only added to the adventure. As the music echoed through the canyon and the sky changed colors overhead, we understood why Red Rocks is considered one of the most iconic concert venues in the world.

    Some places live up to the hype. Red Rocks goes beyond it.

    A bucket-list memory we’ll never forget—and one we’d love to repeat someday with an artist we know and love. ❤️🎶🪨    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
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    The Many Faces of Red Rocks 👀🪨

    June 14 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    A friend challenged me to start looking for faces hidden in nature, and ever since then, I’ve been spotting them everywhere!

    When I visited Red Rocks, I felt like the rocks were watching me. 😳 Everywhere I looked, I saw faces—some looked like animals, some like profiles, and others seemed to be staring straight at me.

    This post is dedicated to the friend who started this fun challenge. 😊

    Now it’s your turn:

    🔍 Do you see a face?
    🐾 Does it remind you of an animal? Which one?
    👤 Is it a profile or straight on?
    😊 😮 😬 What expression do you see?

    I’d love to hear what you find! Keep an eye out in future posts, too—you never know where another hidden face might appear.

    Have fun and let me know what you see!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Plume ThistleFrog RockPrickly PoppiesLewis Flax

    Exploring the Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks 🌄🌼

    June 14 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    We arrived at Red Rocks early so we’d have plenty of time to explore before the concert. Our adventure began with a hike on the Trading Post Trail.

    Before heading out, we stopped to admire the statue of John Denver next to the Trading Post—a fitting welcome to such a beautiful place.

    Along the trail, we were treated to stunning views, unique rock formations, and colorful wildflowers. Enjoy some of the scenery and flowers we discovered along the way!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Solitary confinement cell1

    Behind Bars in Cañon City 🚔🏛️

    June 13 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 91 °F

    Our last stop of the day was the Cañon City Prison Museum, which was once a women’s prison and is now attached to an active correctional facility.

    It was a fascinating (and slightly eerie) walk through history, especially knowing we were right next to a working prison. We also learned that this whole area is basically “prison central”—Fremont County has 11 prisons, including a supermax facility.

    Definitely not your typical tourist stop, but a memorable and eye-opening one to end the day. 🚔🏛️    Read more