Madonna of the Trail, Bent’s Fort and Garden of the Gods

We have combined the photographs from our first three locations we visited on this trip. As you will see, the postings for this trip will have little to no descriptions…just some photographs we hope you will find interesting. Several factors contribute to this: 1. Lack of a camper (we sold ours last year and chose not to buy another), 2. Many places on this trip have very poor internet service, 3. Limited time to generate comment regarding the photographs, and 4. Just some “just some plain ole laziness”.

Madonna of the Trail

Bent’s Fort

Northern Wall of Bent’s Fort
DAR Arch for Bent’s Fort. Notice the fort in the distance
Interior Court Yard with water well
Typical items for trade and/or sale
Indian “Lazyboy” chair
Another view of the Interior court
Checkout the cactus used for intrusion deterrent
Fort’s back courtyard

Garden of the Gods

Balance Rock at Garden of the Gods
Zoom in on the right spire about 2/3 way up. See the climber?
Silhouette of climber
Closeup of climber
Notice the drastic color difference between these two ridges
A line of ridges
I had to take this one for as the sun peaked around the corner
Interesting formation
Posted in 2025 - Trip to Red Lodge, MT
22 comments
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  • Sharon murrayGarden of the Gods is so beautiful! I don’t think I would want to get to close to that balance rock!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldGlad you liked it Sharon. Balance rock is a lot more secure than it appears. HaroldReplyCancel

  • SwannLove the pictures… where is Bents Fort?  We’ve been to Garden of the gods… love all the beautiful formations!  Have fun!  Hope it’s cooler there in Colorado!!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Swann. Most pleased you like the photos. Bent’s Fort is just a little ways from La Junta, CO., located in the south central part of the state. It is located on the Santa Fe Trail.ReplyCancel

  • Sherry MaskBeautiful 🤩 love ReplyCancel

  • Sherry MaskAmazing❤️❤️ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThankx, Sherry. Most pleased you are enjoying the pics.ReplyCancel

  • Fran RoundsGlad lack of an RV didn’t deter the trip OR the shared pix: sharp as ever. 👍ReplyCancel

    • HaroldFran, camper or no, the Blog must go on…although in a somewhat reduced form 🙁ReplyCancel

  • KayLoved seeing these beautiful photos! We had a Viewmaster growing up and one disc was The Garden Of The Gods. You brought back happy memories!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Kay. My how technology has changed…Viewmaster to smartphones and much more!ReplyCancel

  • LisaJust beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Please travel safely.❤️ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Lisa. How are things going with you. We miss seeing you. Harold and MeriamReplyCancel

  • mao My comment didn’t make it, I must have forgotten how to do this,  Where are you headed?  I look forward to all your beautiful pictures!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldMAO, not to worry, it has finally arrived here. Our trip this spring takes us to Rocky Mountain NP, to Yellowstone NP, to Beartooth Parkway and Red Lodge, MT (for 5 days). We then head up to the Big Horn Mts for two days, and then home!
      HaroldReplyCancel

  • Carol kinseyLoved the photos! Miss both of you! I returned yesterday from Machu Picchu and thr Galapagos!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldCarol, Most pleased to hear from you. Thanks for the compliments. However, our trip pales in comparison to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos! What an awesome trip. We would live to see some pics and hear stories!
      Love, Harold and MeriamReplyCancel

      • CarolLet’s try to get together when you get home!ReplyCancel

  • TiffanyI’m so glad that y’all were able to visit these places.  I vaguely remember going to Bent’s Fort. Garden of the Gods looks beautiful.  ReplyCancel

    • HaroldTJ, thanks for giving us a look-see and am pleased to like the photographs. Hopefully you and the family will get to spend some time out here in the West.ReplyCancel

  • MardeeWay better photos than I have taken… Thanks Harold!!ReplyCancel