Box Canon Falls

Back to Norwood for some new visitors. Jacqueline's dad Tom and her uncle Bill were out exploring the west and mainly were wanting to meet their new granddaughter and grandniece. We spent time at home playing with Zyla, but they were wanting to get out a little bit and we weren't ones to object, so Jacqueline and I took them up to Ouray. We drove to a trailhead by the campground where we stopped. Bill, Tom and I walked the short Baby Bathtubs Trail while we waited for Jacqueline to feed. It was not really worth it to tell the truth. After Jacqueline was done, we got on the Portland Trail. This trail was very similar to the Cheif Ouray Mine trail being many switchbacks, but not as steep. We were hiking slower with little baby Zyla in her wrap. We did not make it incredibly far before Jacqueline was ready to turn around. We were able to get some excellent views, but we wanted to go to Box Canon Falls before lunch. This place, Jacqueline and I had actually tried to go there a week before Zyla popped out. They closed down right as we arrived. You had to pay an entrance fee of about 4 dollars to see the falls. While I was not entirely thrilled about charging just to see something, it was worth it to do it once. It was a short hike to get to where the falls came out. I was surprised by the shear power of the water. It was really pouring down at an incredible rate. It went through such a small opening that you would think some erosion would take place. Fortunately no, but it was tough to even get a good picture of the falls with all the rock that stood in the way. There was a big platform built out over the falls so you could see it and it also led down into the river, but no one would be crazy enough to actually step foot in that powerful river. We stayed there for a bit and then went back. There was one more section of trail to hike that took you to a bridge overlooking where the falls poured down. Jacqueline hiked the first part with us, but then retreated as the trail became steeper. 

It was good that she did, but she missed a great view. There was a view on both sides of the bridge. The first was the narrow canyon and the rolling whitewater rushing downstream to make the plunge over the falls. The second was the beautiful town of Ouray where much adventure awaited. We decided to hit the town after finishing our hike. 

We found a nice Mexican restaurant with a bunch of dollar bills on the ceiling. The food was really good and the baby did wonderful, just sleeping her way through everything. We went back to Norwood to spend a few more weeks before embarking on our summer tour.