re: Good pair of waterproof hiking shoes?

I envy you! Loads of great day hikes.

Honestly, not much need for water proofing, as I do not recall a single unavoidable water Hazard on my many trips there.

I highly recommend Merrell hiking shoes or boots, with or without the water proofing. Very light and comfortable. Likely to cost less than $100 /pair.

though probably not durable enough for someone who does a lot of hiking, they are more than enough for a flat-lander's vacation in the Rockies