Aspen, Colorado

We flew in style with three Cessnas, the largest plane only holding six people.

Arches National Park,
Utah

When weather finally permitted,
we loaded up the three planes at
the Aspen Airport and
took to the skies!

Valley of the Gods
Bears Ears, Utah

We landed at this small empty strip
seemingly in the middle of the
Valley of the Gods, where we met
with local Navajo to learn about
their work to have Bears Ears
designated as a National Monument

Grand Canyon National Park,
Arizona

On the rim of the Canyon, we met with many
organizations, toured a nearby uranium mine,
and explored the hiking trails.

Grand Canyon National Park,
Arizona

Watching the sun rise over the
Canyon was an awe-inspiring
experience, well worth waking
up early for

Grand Canyon Confluence,
Arizona

The Confluence (meeting) of the
Colorado and Little Colorado rivers
is home to many Native Tribes, and
is a spiritually important place to all.
However it is threatened by
commercial development.

Flying over
Northern Arizona

We flew in formation back to Colorado,
which allowed me to take this photo of
the other two planes.

Elk Mountains,
Colorado

The flight back into Aspen was
absolutely stunning. We flew low over
the snow dusted Maroon Bells and
dove over the top of Capitol Peak.

Aspen, Colorado

While I was excited for a good shower
and change of clothes, I was so sad to say
goodbye to the new friends I made along
the way, and return to my lectures at CSU.