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Genesee Mountain trail |
When heading up out of Denver, the first big peak you’ll encounter is the wonderful Genesee Mountain. A network of well-worn trails spirals around its flanks, taking you all the way to the top.
On a cold November morning the colors are dull and gray but the spectacular setting is classic Colorado foothills. The steep, grassy slopes are golden ochre and covered by an old-growth forest of ponderosa pine.
Erected at the precipice, a sturdy flagpole flys an American flag that’s tattered from the constant barrage of blowing wind. The historic guidon is a beacon of national pride and it’s determined flight is a symbol of the pioneer spirit.
Every Flag Day since 1911, an organization called the Daughters of the American Revolution has replaced the shredded banner with a new recruit. Off towards the west a patriotic path, inspired by the Stars and Stripes, descends gradually into a wide open meadow.
After you break out of the woodland, you can get right up close to a fence that encloses another western icon, the buffalo. A large herd of these impressive creatures roams majestically all over the pasture’s rolling hills.
Just a few miles from home, it’s interesting to view the town of Evergreen from such a unique perspective. You can see all the recognizable landmarks but mighty Bergen Peak is surprisingly dwarfed by the snow-capped Mount Evans Massive.
Genesee Mountain Park is often overlooked by those traveling I-70 to the Rockies’ more exotic locales. The truth is, though, that this underrated area bursts with just as much beauty as almost anywhere else in the state.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXknZy-MIl6orkh2JPU8FuS8iyCqmI2aAM1x3Jl9n_bZ0PJswtLMRlRnO0yxus76gm6F-MEg_wfVgFKE7O-TU9iomK00qbvh4G6HKwzjqjU27WlSpag0RbJQBKrYKSHp5OgpycbXMwAg/s400/Photo+Oct+28%252C+11+24+42+AM.jpg) |
Wonderful Genesee Mountain |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikhs_xohwnvb55iOOlb301IWBdJ1Je9YVN22kUJo7jPH9HxCF2ofLS8KBZjpyUJOja8t1bv2EHiDK9l7-4A_E1irT7NjI9qAUf4CKD7T2uVrQ9H977MzkutlR_vS_-SvgV_djQDBNk_0/s400/Photo+Oct+28%252C+11+29+52+AM.jpg) |
A spectacular setting |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiMJvB72ptvqQINNf1GsYED9GkLQmQumPf6FQqAkRYffsPEmFcqP0CURgHDT6JXJ1scZ0EXMbrDlAQJN7uFiAgl0TZJIPYN3UBPu5uQhXZppiLFLn9Xh0lgUedgo6hG3N5WQ5GqfJfnw/s400/Photo+Oct+28%252C+11+10+33+AM.jpg) |
Classic Colorado |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADgG090BPipDEaBDtV4aKweekTdiDXCkE2gkGP-bfSG-_h6o6wdu8KYE9bIb7BbPt9vygSBmxSSg7YpUAgq9yR3zH_nupNirH56fz57NhldgsJjdpALCP8fsaeD08zG97z3vf3nqbXNY/s400/Photo+Oct+28%252C+11+00+01+AM.jpg) |
Steep, ochre slopes |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCooFlFwzQQue78EUvHdRb_uqUy8qUXub_GW0Dh6R0ovznBnD42Su2OkrWiBMrC9R1pIbtaOUg2eOgNQunjDrM4P8c6cS65wX16o3XqujOjI_A0exEavcWBRR4RsK6MqsjSUviq2kwNv4/s400/Photo+Oct+28%252C+11+04+35+AM.jpg) |
An old-growth forest |
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American flag at the summit |
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Buffalo roam these hills |
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Bergen Peak and Mount Evans |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlMJ63efKrwwHHQhNYLqBJqIrtnf34LBjhgPXVqlterbgQSSiUxRxYeclMO7GJgxf732sRdz67HusZysBZm9XpzHm_Ii97zBFviqe5eKDGI-ysIv_5zsoWcWSvIpo1W_772ZqP6trZSM/s400/Photo+Oct+28%252C+11+10+10+AM.jpg) |
Bursting with beauty |
Beautiful photography and a delightful story. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. We enjoyed visiting this often overlooked but beautiful park.
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