Had planned on taking a hike in Red Rocks, but called my hiking friend and suggested a different trail.

This trail is part of the Intermann Trail and starts up in Crystal Hills.

She agreed and we were both so very happy we made this change of plans.

So many flowers and great views to be seen.

I was really excited to see that the cactus were blooming.

The Prickly Pear Cactus were glorious and blooming in many colors all along the trail.

At the trails beginning my hiking friend pointed out that  there were some rather interesting flowers blooming there.

What do you see here?

They are Prairie Cornflowers.

What did you think the were?

And then there were these sweet flowers.

I think they are called Mariposa.

They did come in a few colors, but the lavender ones were my favorites.

And  just had to get a really close up image of their inside beauty.

Then there were the very delicate Penstemons.

There were many areas that the Indian Paintbrush were growing in groups or singularly.

And I kept trying to get a perfect shot of these very delicate fluffy end game for a yellow flower.

We had some incredible views on different sections of the trail.

I don’t think I have seen Colorado hills this green in many a year.

At one point we had a view into Crystal Park.

A few places we had great views of the Garden of the Gods.

And there was view of Cedar Heights and the burned area above as a reminder of a drier year.

We could see Red Rocks Canyon and far beyond from many points on the trail.

We started down by the green water tower.

The pine cones were not as spectacular as on the last few hikes.

There were a few lavender or pink ones.

These are reminiscent of Christmas ornaments

Some were just fun to look at. Green and Brown on the same growing point.

When we got back to being close to the beginning of the trail, we decided to take another path.

This was another really good decision.

When looking into the pond we saw these strange creatures.

Anyone know what they are?

The water bugs were skipping along creating waves above the sandy bottom.

What we encountered when we looked closer at the pond was truly magical.

These iridescent blue dragonflies were dancing around us and around the pond.

And what were they doing here?

Must be mating season for these beautiful winged creatures.

Then back on the other side of the pond.

Two styles of Black and White Dragonflies posed for us.

A bit difficult to get a picture from a distance, but they let us try for quite some time.

Heading back, I had to remind myself I had known the last few bits of the trail were a steep uphill climb.

But it was an easy climb when I thought of how I had been well rewarded for coming down this hill.