This is exactly the kind of day Dan and I imagined when we moved to Colorado. Early autumn weather, a spontaneous hike with friends, random boulder climbing along the way.

Kate and her family had a free afternoon and a hike in mind: Turtle Rock Trail, Vedauwoo Recreation Area, southern Wyoming.

Turtle Rock Trail is an easy 3.5-mile trail that passed through large, rocky outcroppings perfect for an almost-6-year-old to adventure upon.

The gorgeous September light made for the perfect excuse to over-use my new phone’s camera. It became a photo hike rather quickly. (Other photos, mostly the ones I’m in, by Dan and Kate.)