Sunday, July 18, 2010

Golden, CO – White Ranch Park

We’ve gotten used to seeing dark skies that threaten rain.  And, a lot of times you’ll see bands of rain reaching for the earth, but the raindrops don’t always touch.  So, on this day I asked Andy if we should expect rain as we drove to the western trailheads in White Ranch, and he said not to worry – that we won’t get wet.  Well, ok, we didn’t get wet, but we did have to wait to make sure that the storms that were passing over the park passed since the clouds were threatening, the rain bands were thick, and the lightning was intense.  But we just sat on the tailgate of Ele and watched the show with only a few drops touching us.

The wildflowers made the wait worth it.

We’ve been to this park before, but this time hiked along the northern trail section, which offered different views.  I’m not sure if this is Eldorado Canyon we were seeing.

We also got to see this neat hogback, which may be called the Ralston Buttes?

There are very nice rock formations that can be seen from Princess Anne View.  You’ll know you’re there when you come across a bench with Princess Anne engraved on it.  It’s a peaceful spot, but hard to see the views through all the trees.  We went a little off trail for the good views.

But White Ranch offers such serene views just short walks from the parking areas.

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