2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 11 ~ Arches National Park

Today we woke up and said "Hey! why don't we climb a mountain?" And that's just what we did.

We did the Delicate Arch Hiking Trail and OMG I thought my lungs would explode, my heart & lungs definitely worked overtime since we are not acclimated to high altitudes.

DISTANCE 3.2 miles RT uphill

ELEVATION GAIN 670 ft 

TIME 3.00

DIFFICULTY High Moderate

I always considered hiking Acadia Nationsl Park the most difficult we've done, this hike was much more difficult. It was a smooth surface most of the way up.

We did make friends with another chipmunk at the top

The views are amazing.

My Fitbit says we climbed the equivalent of 76 flights of stairs 💪

2016 National Parks Road Trip - Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge Breckenridge

We reserved a 2 nights stay in a Studio and we thrilled to be upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite.  

The place was HUGE!  It had 2 sofa sleepers

It also included a fully equipped kitchen, there wasn't anything we needed that was not provided.

The property was beautiful with a soothing pond, heated pool ( Jacuzzis were out of service), a large fitness center and game room.

We would absolutely stay here again !

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 8~ Breckenridge Colorado

Miles Traveled:

Gas $

Our two days in Breckinridge flew by so quickly!  After checking into our HUGE Suite, we headed out to explore Main Street.  It is a beautiful town with flowers in bloom everywhere.  Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants,bars & delicious smelling bakeries.

The next morning we hiked up to an old abandoned mine.  

It made for an interesting way to exercise.  

Later we hiked along the Blue River that runs through town.  

We was a beautiful crisp fall day.

Fairfield Inn & Suites ~ Alamosa

We were given an accessible room which really didn't look much different than regular room with exception of the bathroom having a seat in the tub.

The room was adequate for a nights sleep. The bed was comfortable & the room was clean.

The room is equipped with microwave & small fridge.

I to mention the staff. No one smiles, no one says hello or welcome.  The woman behind front desk looked like she would rather be anywhere but at work.  She was indifferent to everyone waiting.

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 7 ~ Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Our Drive from New Mexico to Colorado was beautifully scenic.  Starting with the drive through Carson National Forest 

I LOVED the wildflowers 

llamas playing

Next we stopped at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge 

It was a fantastic drive!

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 7 ~ Santa Fe

We started our morning with a trip to the Santa Fe Farmers Market. 

 It was great to see all the fresh local produce.

  We bought local apples, Indian flour & tomatoes and yummy apple cider.

I also stopped to view the Santa Fe Railroad train.

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 9 ~ Colorado National Monument

We spent today exploring Colorado National Monument and it was so huge! 

 We drove the entire Rim Rock Road around the whole Monument.  

There are multiple pull-offs along the way so you can get out & walk out to the edges for awesome views.

We witnessed two Rock climbers at the very top of this formation. Do you see these 2 crazy guys?

It was worth the trip!

Marriott's Residence Inn ~ Albuquerque Airport Review

We checked in using the Marriott Mobile app option and indicated our desire for early arrival.  Checkin was fast.  We were pleased to be upgraded to a suite, Thank You!  

The suite was one bedroom and very spacious.  

We were on top floor in the rear of the building.  Very quiet.

The full kitchen area included refrigerator, range, microwave & dishwasher.  

The hot breakfast each morning was good although the seating area was very small.  They also had a meet and greet in the evening with light snacks & wine spritzers.

We will stay here again when in Albuquerque.

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 6 ~ Albuquerque

Miles Traveled:

Gas $

Our day in Albuquerque began with a walk through historic old town.  The tree lined streets are lined with shops,restaurants, native Indian museums & crafts.

I loved all the patio gardens 

2016 National Parks Road Trip ~ Day 5 ~ Albuquerque

Hot Air Ballooning in Albuquerque has been on my bucket list forever!  I insisted on adding this to our road trip from the beginning.  It was worth every penny!  It was every bit exciting as I imagined it would be.

We met up with our pilot at their offices, from there we were taken by van to the airfield.  When we arrived the balloon is taken from the trailer and laid across the ground to be filled.  Passengers get to watch the whole set up and participate in as much of the work as they want.  I thought it was all fascinating to watch.!

Can you see the worker inside? That is how really huge the balloon is!

Right here you can see the balloon being filled with hot air.

There were two balloon going up with us, we launched within minutes of each other

You have choices when it comes to what size basket you want.  I choose the cheapest which hold 12 people.  I know it appears we are squished but I really had plenty room and did not feel cramped at all.

Meet our pilot Dean, he was so much fun, very entertaining.

During lift off I thought  it was cool to see the shadow of the balloon on the house down below.  

We flew right over the Rio Grande River, I thought it was much deeper and wider than this...It looks like it is drying up?

Beautiful Albuquerque from the sky!