Climbing & hiking above the Arkansas River valley

We did a couple nice weekend trips in July. (I know it's August but the more fun we have the less time I have for recording it.) We climbed at Monitor Rock for a day and hiked to Independence Lake (West side of Independence Pass) and spent a night and day near Cottonwood Pass. ( Click on the pics for larger views of life! ) The hike to Independence Lake starts w/ a creek cascading down to the road. Can't beat that for a start. Here's shot of Mia & Julia at the lake: Yes, those blue skies and clouds are what makes Colorado. Camping doesn't suck too bad either. Here's our camp below Independence Pass: and our camp below Cottonwood Pass: More pics here