In order to catch sun rise over Maroon Bells, the most photographed peak in North America, we woke up at 4AM and made our way up the windy road. The White River National Forest is about 10 miles from Aspen, but because of the windy roads, it took about 25 minutes for us to drive there. When we got to Maroon Lake (a very short 1/4 mile walk from the parking lot), there was already a group of people there, staked out at the good spots, waiting for sunrise. At 28 degrees and in the dark, we were pretty cold and miserable. We staked out a good spot and proceeded to dance around the lake to keep warm. After an hour of waiting, the sun finally came out, and we were rewarded with this:
We woke up early and braved the cold to watch sunrise over Maroon Bells (near Aspen)
It was pretty windy that morning, so we didn’t get the best reflection in the water (darn!), but on calmer days it’s absolutely gorgeous! And yes, we took a gazillion photos at different angles and with different lighting…
After capturing the beautiful sunrise pictures, we took a leisurely stroll around the lake on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and enjoyed the scenery. Oh yeah, we also took a bunch of silly pictures too. 🙂
Our trip would not be complete without striking the classic “Darth Tina” pose
Given the early morning wake up call, we decided to skip the hike on Crater Lake Trail (which was covered with snow anyway) and head to breakfast at Aspen Over Easy in downtown Aspen.
The Grottos ice cave (~20 minutes)
After an eventful and beautiful morning at Maroon Bells (and a short nap to recuperate), we headed out to The Grottos where we explored a hidden ice cave. I have to say, this was one of the highlights of this trip!
Even though we knew there was an ice cave, we didn’t expect much since it was summer after all. But then we were all pleasantly surprised! After a short hike on The Grottos trail, we found the entrance to the ice cave, which was unmarked, but there were signs on the trail pointing to it. (We also knew it was the cave because of the people coming in and out of the rocks.)
Entrance to The Grottos ice cave
The trek in and out of the cave was an adventure in itself, and it was also the reason why The Grottos was one of the highlights of this trip – we had such a great time dying of laughter watching everyone play a game of “slip and slide” on the ice. Don’t let the below photo fool you…the incline is steeper than it looks and VERY slippery. It took me 3 tries, many falls and several people helping me to climb in. It would have been nice if we had some crampons, or if I were just a wee bit taller than 5’2….
A peek inside the ice cave at The Grottos
And we all made it! The cave was not too big, but it was bigger than it looked from just peeking in. When you get inside the cave opens up into different sections and then dead ends into a beautiful waterfall. Even though it’s called a cave, there was plenty of light from the openings above, so we did not need lights at all.
Inside The Grottos ice cave. This is the “I made it!” photo. 🙂
Inside the Grottos ice cave – there is plenty of light
Inside The Grottos ice cave – the cave dead ends into a waterfall
Getting out was a lot funnier than getting in. There were different ways to get in/out of the cave, and we chose to go back to the same way we came in. And oh my, did we have some laughs!
Leaving The Grottos ice cave – you have to jump past a mini waterfall
And then you have to climb out
Independence Pass (~15 minutes drive)
After much entertainment at the ice cave we headed to Independence Pass, one of the highest passes you can drive over. The area was still covered with snow, and there were a bunch of people skiing/snowboarding off the pass (and getting picked up at the bottom). Boy was I itching to do the same! Note to self for next time…
The gang at Independence Pass
Snow covered field at Independence Pass
Leadville (~1 hour drive)
As we continued our way, we stopped by Leadville, the highest city in the US at 10,152 feet. It is a cute historic mining town, complete with its own historic saloon.
Visiting the highest town in the US
Silver Dollar Saloon, Leadville, CO
Frisco (~40 minutes)
We ended our day strolling through the town of Frisco and having Italian food at Grecos and ice cream/dessert around town.
Dinner at Greco’s in Frisco, CO
We checked into Hotel Frisco and then crashed….big time!
Check out the next article –Â Road Trip Around Colorado – Day 3