Mother Nature has offered us something new every day. We won’t attempt to rate one experience over another, but today offered some treats you may want to try.
We took the San Juan Skyway scenic drive in Colorado. The routes (US 160W, CO 145N, CO62E, US 550W, US 160W) took us to Cortez, Telluride, Ouray, Silverton and Durango. The weather was overcast most of the day with misting and heavy rain during short periods. The drive included numerous climbs to over 11,000ft elevation, sharp switchbacks, no shoulders or guardrails in some places and breathtaking views.
We took the San Juan Skyway scenic drive in Colorado. The routes (US 160W, CO 145N, CO62E, US 550W, US 160W) took us to Cortez, Telluride, Ouray, Silverton and Durango. The weather was overcast most of the day with misting and heavy rain during short periods. The drive included numerous climbs to over 11,000ft elevation, sharp switchbacks, no shoulders or guardrails in some places and breathtaking views.
Telluride
We stopped at the Telluride Mountain Village (ski resort) and took two free gondola rides down the mountain to Telluride (the city). We enjoyed a great brunch at Maggie’s, viewed some historic buildings and escaped the tourist traps unscathed.
Mountain Village from gondola
Telluride (the city) from gondola
Pat and Cindy (from Sarasota, FL) at Maggie's. Pat lived in Chagrin Falls, OH and has a grandson who lives in Victorian Village and attends OSU ... small world.Ouray
This little mining town has done much to attract tourists. The Box Canyon Park and waterfall sure got our attention. A deer almost ran into us as Carol drove down the main street.
View from 200ft above waterfall
Carol on catwalk leading to the waterfall. Same catwalk viewed from 200ft above.
Silverton
This mining town had many restored Victorian homes and retained much of its old west charm. It didn’t look as prosperous from tourist trade as Telluride and Ouray. Only the main street was paved.
Durango
It was raining hard with wind and lightning when we got to Durango. We didn’t stop. The sky cleared and the sun was shining brightly when got back to the campground (just 36 miles away).
A great place to see:
Box Canyon Park at Ouray offers a thunderous view of a waterfall plume plunging over smooth walls of dark limestone. The Falls Trail and High Bridge Trail are well worth the effort.
A great place to eat:
Maggie's Bakery & Café in Telluride offers small-town atmosphere, friendly service and outstanding pecan sticky buns. It's located on Main St.
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