My Top 5 Places In My First 6 Months

If you've been following along I've spent several weekends exploring some of the amazing sights here in Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. As the year winds down I thought it would be a good time to share some of my favorites.

#5- Glenwood Canyon. It may have notched a higher score if I had spent more time there. The fact that I-70 cuts right though doesn't diminish its beauty. Glenwood Canyon and the town of Glenwood Springs make for a great place to spend a weekend.

#4-The Grand Mesa. I made it up on The Mesa a few times this fall. It's been several years since I had experienced The Aspens in all their glory and they didn't disappoint. I know for the next several months it's all about Powderhorn and skiing but I'm looking forward to warmer weather and doing some fishing in some of the many lakes on The Grand Mesa.

#3-The Black Canyon. I only made it over there twice this fall. It's a tad too far to do on any weekend, but the couple times I had the extra time, I'm glad I made the effort. The Black Canyon of The Gunnison is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. Another place I plan to visit more in 2017.

#2-The Colorado National Monument. It's by far the what I visit most. It would have been tops on my list had my #1 not be such a remarkable place. I'm at The Colorado National Monument once or twice a week. It's still new to me and being so close it allows me a chance to discover more about it even when I have a limited about of time.

#1-Arches National Park. After the hike and up-close encounter with The Delicate Arch, that pushed this place to the top of my list. That view is ridiculous! The arch itself is amazing but then you add the La Sal Mountains in the background it takes it to another level. And no, pictures don't do it justice. You've got to see it in person. Add it to your bucket list. Visiting Arches National Park is like landing on another planet. No question there is no other place like it on earth.

We'll there you have it, my top 5 in my first 6 months. I can't wait to discover more incredible places around here in 2017. You natives must be proud to live in such an amazing part of the country. Very cool for sure.