Broken Road – Monte Sano

Broken Road – Monte Sano

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles

Monte Sano is located in Huntsville, AL and is a great place to get out, hike and bike. The park is very family friendly and hosts a wide variety of trails.

Entry Fee*:
Adults Age 12+: $5.00
Ages 4-11: $2.00
Seniors 62+: $2.00
Active Military: $2.00
Kids 3 and under are free

Annual Park Pass:
Individual: $100.00
Family: $150.00
Senior: $50.00

*The Broken Road has an “Honor Box” to insert your fees into. The main entrance usually has an attendant manning the entrance to collect fees.

The Broken Road Trail is located here in Huntsville about a 10-minute drive from downtown. To get to the entrance, follow Bankhead Parkway, and at park the first time the road does a switchback.

Click on this link or look at our map above!

Trailhead

This trailhead is marked well. There is plenty of parking along the road. If the main parking has filled up, there is a bit more parking uphill after the switchback. Please be courteous to your fellow hikers and park appropriately.

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Trail

The trail is called “The Broken Road” because it is an old road that has begun to erode. Follow the road up 1.25 miles to the overlook. As long as you are following the road you cannot get lost. The road has plenty of places where the ground has fallen out from beneath it, so be sure to watch where you are going!

Top View

At the very top of the trail is a beautiful overlook. Don’t want to hike to get here? This overlook is accessible through the main entrance of the park. You can drive and park right here! Though I do ask you to PLEASE turn your car off so the rest of us can enjoy nature!

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Cherokee Rock Village

Cherokee Rock Village

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Difficulty: Easy to Difficult depending on the area you are exploring
Distance: This is more of a place to explore or climb than hike

Cherokee Rock Village is a small park in Leesburg, AL

To get to Cherokee Rock Village, Google Maps Cherokee Rock Village or look at our map above!

Hike

Cherokee Rock Village isn’t well known for their hiking. There aren’t long trails and every trail is there to lead you to a route for rock climbing. However, it is a fantastic place to explore.

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Summer Hiking Essentials
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Climb

Cherokee Rock Village is known for their climbing and is called “Sand Rock” by the climbing community. There is plenty of bouldering, Sport Climbing, and Trad Climbing at Sand Rock. This is a great place to get out and try your climbing skills! Make sure you have experience climbing, have an experienced partner, and bring the right equipment. Check out the routes on the Mountain Project.

Camp

Camp with a view! Camp sites are first come, first serve and are right next to the road for easy access. There are several amazing camping sites along the ridgeline right next to the entrance and several more farther down the road. Each site is marked with a primitive fire pit. The camping along the ridgeline can get very windy so be sure to stake your tents the best you can.

View

The views on Cherokee Rock Village are spectacular. Safely maneuver around on the rocks to get amazing colorful view of Weiss Lake!

Map of Views

Star 4 on Map

Star 1 on Map

Star 2 on Map

Star 3 on Map

Star 5 on Map

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Durango, CO

Durango, CO

Durango is a fantastic small town located in southwest Colorado with so much to do. There is no way we can cover everything here, so we will focus on some of the highlights of our trip.

Going to Durango, CO for a long weekend? Follow our footsteps! Above is a Map of places we visited! Everything shown here is within a couple hours’ drive from Durango.

Purgatory Ski Resort

This is a great place to set up your base camp. The ski resort had several events going on while we were there during the summer. Our guess is that it’s a solid place to ski in the winter! Our hotel had access to an included sauna and hot tub. Durango is an expensive town and we found summer prices at Purgatory were less compared to Durango.

Ouray, CO

Ouray, CO is the farthest north we cover. Ouray is known as the “Swiss of the Americas” and didn’t disappoint. The area has some incredible mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and awesome hot springs. They have dedicated pool areas for the hot springs so bring a bathing suit!  Cascade Falls (pictured) was one of the hikes in the area.  Cascade Falls is a short hard hike, but it follows a picturesque creek and has an option to continue to climb higher for more views. Free parking is provided.

Bear Creek Falls (View Only)

This view is right outside of Ouray. It is a quick park and stop along the highway for some amazing pictures. Free Parking is provided.

Little Molas Lake

Little Molas lake is right off the main highway. It is a small lake nestled in the mountains and is incredibly beautiful. There are several hikes that start here with camping spots along the way. We suggest that you take time to find a path to hike. Free parking is provided.

Molas Pass

Molas Pass is another quick stop along the highway. There are free public bathrooms here for anyone to use. Take a moment to take a few pictures of this amazing view! Free parking is provided.

Our picture provided was from a different trip we took in April the year before.

Potato Lake

MUST SEE (If road allows):

Potato Lake (or Spud Lake) is one of our favorite hikes in Durango. The trailhead is located 2.8 miles down Lime Creek Road which is a rocky dirt road. We suggest getting a crossover sized vehicle or larger to attempt this road. There are plenty of rocks to bottom out your vehicle and plenty of opportunities to get your vehicle stuck in the mud if the road is wet.

The trailhead parking lot is not well marked but is still very apparent. There are plenty of places to park for free off to the left of the road. The trailhead and trail are both well marked and Once you get on the trail, you will see forest area, small creeks, views of the surrounding mountains, and at the top a beautiful view of the lake (pictured). The trail is an easy to moderate hike and is 2 miles round trip.

Mesa Verde

MUST SEE:

Entrance Fee: $15 per Vehicle
Stop at the Visitor Center for a map and tickets to enter the cliff dwellings.

Mesa Verde is a National Park near Durango. The drive itself changes from a temperate forest to a semi-arid desert in just a 36 mile drive. The park is filled with amazing views and a fascinating history. The park was established in 1906 to preserve the archeological heritage of the Pueblo people.

In Mesa Verde, you can see overlooks of the beautiful surrounding area, amazing wildlife, and the archeological evidence leftover from when the Pueblos inhabited the area. The park protects 5000 archeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings.

Overlooks

There is no lack of views from Mesa Verde. Three of the main views are marked on the provided Mesa Verde map along the top. All of the marked views offer free parking, a restroom, and a short hike.

Balcony House

MUST SEE:

Ticket Fee: $5/person
Buy tickets at visitor center before entering the park.

The Balcony House is known as the adventurous cliff dwelling. You can see this cliff dwelling by tour only. You will be able to hike down below the cliff dwelling and climb a ladder to actually go into the dwelling. Parking to see this dwelling is free and you will meet your tour guide at the entrance to the hike.

Cliff Palace

MUST SEE:

Ticket Fee: $5/person
Buy tickets at visitor center before entering the park.

The Cliff Palace is a large cliff dwelling and is a spectacular visit. This is the largest cliff dwelling you can visit in the park. You will go down a large staircase into the dwelling and be able to see up close the archeological evidence of the Pueblos living there. You can see this cliff dwelling by tour only. Parking to see this dwelling is free and you will meet your tour guide at the entrance to the hike.

Our Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Durango around 3 PM. Grab rental car, grab lunch, stop by a grocery store, and head to the hotel for the night. Enjoy the scenery and hot tub.

Day 2: Head to Potato Lake. Spend the morning driving off road to the parking lot, hiking, and returning. Follow the highway up to Silverton. Along the way stop at Molas Pass for pictures. Stop for lunch in Silverton. Drive to Ouray and visit the hot springs and hike to Cascade Falls. Head to Bear Creek Falls for a picture.  Drive to Little Molas Lake and hike around. Return to the hotel for dinner, much needed rest, and the hot tub.

Day 3: Drive to Mesa Verde and stop at the visitor center. Mesa Verde takes a full day to explore! Take several tours of the Cliff Dwellings and stop for views at the overlooks.

Day 4: Spend the day celebrating a friend’s wedding!

Day 5: Head home.

Cost

Flights for us (HSV to Durango) (United): $270 x 2 = $540

Rental Car: $230

1 – 4 Night in Durango: $460 (Caught this on a special)(Purgatory Ski Resort)

Mesa Verde Park Pass: $15 per vehicle

Mesa Verde Cliff Dwelling Tours: $10 per person for 2 tours = $20

Total: $1265 for 5 Days/2 adults

 

Eat Like a Local

Places to eat: Suggestions from locals

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Banff, Canada

Banff, Canada

Banff is an incredibly beautiful place. There is beautiful scenery anywhere you go.

We traveled mid September and took our daughter (1.5 years old)!

Long weekend in Banff? Follow our footsteps! Above is a Map of places we visited!

Canmore, Alberta, Canada

This is a great place to set up your base camp for a lower cost option. BOOK HOTELS EARLY! The cheapest places sell out quick. Canmore is less than an hour and a half (Approx 1.33 hr) drive from Calgary Airport.

Lake Minnewanka

This lake took us by surprise. Away from the hustle and bustle of the other lakes, this one had just a few people around and was very relaxing, Incredibly family friendly, and an easy stroll to the lake. I highly recommend stopping here for some solitude.

Banff – Town

The town center is a great place to grab some lunch or dinner and shop for Banff gear. Parking is a pain so be sure to rent a small car. It was a bit busy so we didn’t grab a photo, but worth checking it out.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a beautiful scenic walk, but is a bit overcrowded.  We advise going here if you have time, but don’t go out of your way for it. Its about a mile and a half uphill return hike following a small river.

Castle Mountain (View Only)

We found a great place to view Castle Mountain. Castle Mountain Junction has a picnic area, a small shop, and chalets. If you enjoy sleeping in a chalet, these are a fantastic place to spend your trip. It is a great location with a short drive to major attractions.

Moraine Lake

MUST SEE:

Most photogenic lake in Banff. Incredibly breathtaking. Parking is very limited. Get here early if you can.

Lake Louise

MUST SEE:

Lake Louise is the most well known lake in Banff and is located near Moraine Lake. Its crowded, but stunning. Get there early to avoid the crowds. Very family friendly.  Follow the hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House.

Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House

Its an uphill battle to get to Lake Agnes Tea House. Its only about 2.2 miles each way to the Tea House, but every step is an elevation gain. If you’re an experienced hiker, its well worth it. If you get tired after a mile back home, you may want to consider a different hike. The Tea House has food and beverages for purchase and bathrooms. BRING CASH AND A JACKET. Be prepared to pack out any trash from the Tea House as well.

Hector Lake (View Only)

Hector Lake is just a quick stop along the highway. The lake glows out from underneath the treeline. Great place to stop for a few pictures as you’re heading north.

Bow Lake

We stopped here twice. Once just along the highway, but the better view is if you take the side road. There’s a beautiful field in which has a few beaten paths. You can walk up to the lake; it is a great place to spend some time.

Peyto Lake

MUST SEE:

One of the best overviews I’ve seen in my life. Its a decent uphill walk on a paved path from the parking lot to the overview, but well worth it.

Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway is really a long road between Banff and Jasper (shown) that goes through a valley that was carved out by a glacier. They have designated overlooks for taking pictures. Excellent place to stop and get a breathtaking view!

Columbia Icefield

Columbia Icefield has Its a short hike up from the parking lot. Bring a jacket. The glacier creates its own weather. It cools air which sinks. This sinking air has to go somewhere so it creates cold wind at the bottom that can be brutal if you aren’t prepared.

Our Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Calgary around 10 PM. Grab rental car and head to the hotel for the night.

Day 2: Head to Banff. Get park pass. Hike Johnston Canyon. Rest at Castle Mountain Junction with a view of Castle Mountain. Head to Moraine Lake. Head back to Canmore and check into hotel for the night.

Day 3: Stop for pictures at Hector Lake and Bow Lake. Walk the path to Peyto Lake. Drive the Icefields Parkway to Colombia Icefield stopping for pictures and side adventures on the way. Hike to Colombia Icefield. Return to Canmore stopping at Bow lake again and other scenic locations for pictures.

Day 4: Get to Lake Louise early. Hike trail to Tea House. The rest of the day drive around looking for bears on the scenic route back to Canmore. Explore Banff town and grab souvenirs.

Day 5: Go to Lake Minnewanka. Explore around the lake. Head back to Calgary Airport. Return rental car. Fly home.

Cost

 Flights for Us (HSV to Calgary) (United): $277 x 2 = $554

Taxes for Lap child (Flies Free) = $16.61

Rental Car: $122.39 (Dollar)

1st Night in Calgary: $99.84 (Holiday Inn Express)

2 – 4 Night in Canmore: $618.73 (We booked late) (Coast Canmore Hotel)

Park Pass: Approx $60 for 4 days (Pay by the car)

 

Total: $1461.67 for 5 Days/2 adults and 1 child under 2

 

The biggest mistake we made was not booking a hotel early. We could have found a cheaper hotel if we had booked hotels in February when we booked our flights (Travel dates were in September).

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