Wild Basin, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

The Road to the Wild Basin Trailhead

We only had ONE day to see as much of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado as we could.  AND--we certainly saw as much as possible that day!!!!!!  This was during our trip out west in June,  and this date was June 25.  If you want to see more posts from this wonderful 3 week trip,  go to my side bar and scroll down to labels.  Click on Western Trip 2011.  AND--in order to see much larger pictures of this post,  click on each picture. 

We had to cross the creek several times along the path. 

Late in the afternoon on the 25th,  we headed south from Estes Park on Scenic Highway 7.  (This is where I found that adorable chapel I blogged about before.  Click HERE if you missed that post.)  Anyhow---after leaving the church,  we found a neat little lake (Lily Lake) where we stopped and took some pictures.  That will be in an upcoming blog post.

This is what our trail looked like.. SO enjoyable!!!

On the road between Meeker and Allenspark,  we turned into a road which took us to the Wild Basin Trailhead.   This trailhead provides the outdoor lovers (like us) the opportunity to get into the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park,  and the chance to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding us.

Lower Copeland Falls

Located in the southeast corner of Rocky Mountain National Park,  Wild Basin is drained by the North St. Vrain Creek and its tributaries.  The road going to the trailhead is gravel and narrows to one lane in many spots.  This is a great hiking area --and there are several waterfalls along the way (which is what caught our attention in the first place).

Doesn't the water look just like silk???? So pretty--and peaceful to listen to!!! Be sure to enlarge the photos.

I enjoyed the drive into the woods --and then the trail was in great shape and so enjoyable.  After being in the hot sun and desert climate in Utah and Arizona,  this was a wonderful change for us to get back to some SHADE and TREES....  We only had time for a short hike --- so we hiked to Lower Copeland Falls and to Copeland Falls...   WOW--what beauty!!!

This is Copeland Falls.  It was much larger than the Lower Falls. 

If you ever get to the Rockies and enjoy hiking,  we can recommend this area.  The trail goes on for miles and miles---and it also joins up with other trails for lots of back-country hiking. 

Betsy enjoying Copeland Falls.

Both Lower Copeland Falls and Copeland Falls were very pretty--but what made them special is the setting this far back in the woods... By the way,  this area is at 8500 feet in elevation, and it wasn't hot at all that day.  YEAH!

This entire hike was awesome. That is a gorgeous area of Colorado.

Finally here is a distant picture of the area --including the falls..  As you know,  we didn't see too many waterfalls on this long trip,  but we did see a few --and loved them all very much.  We recommend this hike (and a longer one on this trail) if you ever get to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hugs,
Betsy

Italian Water Garden at Biltmore

A picture from the side of Biltmore House.. Isn't that porch wonderful?

One of the places George took me during my Birthday Trip was to one of our all-time favorite places,  the Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville,  NC.  Each time we go,  we try to see something new and different... As you know by now,  if you have followed my blog for awhile,  there are many different gardens to visit there plus many other things (most of which we haven't been to).

All of the gardens were designed by Frederick Olmstead---who worked with the client,  George Washington Vanderbilt.  The Esplanade in front of the house is a rectangular court with double rows of trees.  North of the Esplanade is a rectangular Italian garden and farther to the north is a Walled Garden, a Rose Garden and a 200 acre Azalea Garden.

There is also a Conservatory--which shelters Biltmore Garden's collection of Palms,  tropical plants and orchids --as well as the bedding plants for the outside gardens. And---there is also a Spring Garden --which is a nice little hike  on the 'other' side of the conservatory --away from the Azalea Gardens.  Like I've said,  you need to spend many days here --and come during all seasons.

These formal elements are set in a picturesque park,  making Biltmore a classic example of the Repton-influenced Mixed Style.  Olmstead was also interested in the layout of the vast wood estate (125,000 acres) in which the garden is set. Biltmore is the grandest estate ever built in America. 

Today,  I will show you the ITALIAN GARDEN.  Close to the house,  the elegant garden features geometric pools and fountains within a courtyard filled with classic statuary and symmetrical plantings.  As you will see,  there is a good view of the Biltmore House from here.

Here's a funny story I read.  Olmstead envisioned this space as an outdoor room for Vanderbilt and his guests.  With the garden's three symmetrical pools,  this garden is the perfect setting for QUIET reflection.  Well---apparently Vanderbilt and his guests had other ideas ----as they engaged in a lively tennis game nearby on the grassy area near the house!!!!

Sit back and enjoy seeing my photos from the beautiful Water Gardens.

You can see how close these gardens are to the Biltmore House.

As I said above, there are three pools like this one. And the area is manicured all around.

I love this one since you can see the reflection of the Biltmore House in the water.

In this picture,  you can see more of the lily pads --and some of the gorgeous sculptures around.

For some reason,  this picture captured my attention..  Maybe it's because you can see down into the water.

I don't know the name of this water plant --but I thought it was beautiful.

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of the water gardens at Biltmore.  I have lots more photos --which I will share at other time...

Hope you had a wonderful weekend.  I certainly am enjoying Facebook --and have already caught up with so many old friends.  AWESOME.   Join me---won't you?

Hugs,
Betsy