Affectionately known as the “Mile High City” Denver’s official altitude is exactly one mile above sea level. A population of about six hundred thousand makes it the 23rd most populated city in the United States. We flew into and out of the city on our visit to Aspen. Many of the towns in the Colorado area were born during the mining rush in the 1800’s and Denver is no exception. General William Larimer originally staked a claim on November 22, 1858 to the territory and named it Denver City. (Possibly he was trying to find favor with (you may read kiss the butt of) the then governor of the Kansas Territory, James Denver)
The time we spent in the city itself was brief, but enjoyable. It consisted of a lunch and a few hours at the airport. The picture here was taken just before a heavy storm rolled into town the evening we were leaving. On the way to the airport we pulled over on a highway giving me just enough time to play a little human “Frogger” and capture this skyline.

Denver - Mile High City

Nikon D800 Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 65mm f/9 ISO 400 5 image HDR

During our time exploring around Evergreen we were directed to Red Rock Amphitheatre. This acoustic sensation is a geologic wonder. Public and private performances have been held here for well over a century, and quite possibly as far back as indian tribes. Originally it was known as the “Garden of the Angels” in the late 1800’s but after the city of Denver aquired it in 1928 it was known as it is currently today

The view from the Stage

We marveled at the towering behemoths that buffeted the sounds in the venue as we walked up and down the seating of the amphitheatre. Massive and humbling are the two words that reverberated in my mind.

After a nights rest I decided to return for sunrise the next morning, it was only 20 minutes from the hotel. While we were visiting the area wildfires were burning south of Denver and the haze in the sky may have been caused by these.

Returning to Evergreen we chowed down on some Huevos Rancheros for breakfast at the Wildflower cafe (excellent!) and headed off on the drive to Aspen.