While we were waiting for Shelby and Tom to show up at our campsite outside Nederland we decided to go and check out the Caribou Ranch Open Space despite the flat grey skies and threat of rain.
A nice easy 4.8 mile trail takes you through the picturesque DeLonde Homestead (used in the filming of Stagecoach starring Bing Crosby and Ann-Margret) and the Blue Bird Mine.
The Blue Bird mine is reminiscent of so many gone-bust silver mining towns, wiped out when the price of silver plummeted in the late 1800’s.
The Switzerland Trail of America Railroad line brought tourists from Boulder into the mountains until 1919, providing easy access to what was then backcountry.
We lucked out on the rain until we were almost back to the car, with a quick few minutes of sprinkles to cool us off.

Along The Two Track

A great day to wander through the woods, despite the grey skies.

---

DeLonde Homestead at the Caribou Ranch Open Space

I hope to return someday to photograph the DeLonde Homestead under better lighting.

---

Color, Color, Color

Every shade of fall color imaginable.

---

Tufts

This thistle is such a pretty plant, it’s too bad it’s an invasive species here.

---