Tag: autumn

SNAP*Shot: Autumn Colors Near Home

Posted on by Joy

Sometimes life just gets in the way and a trip to the mountains for fall colors doesn’t happen. Pretty much all of October, until today, has been spent preparing for moving–the real move–and unpacking from moving. What a process and I only moved to the other side of this apartment complex! Well, 1,000 miles or 1/10 mile demands nearly the same moving process–sigh. However, now the views from my windows and slider (below) includes Pikes Peak and a lovely view southeast along the Front Range. Since we can’t get away this fall, let’s take a look around the Springs for amazing autumn colors!

Oh the colors–just click here

Ride~About: Silver Thread Scenic Byway (CO-149)

Posted on by Joy

Part 3: Last Leg of the Byway

When we drove into Lake City yesterday, we crossed a bridge over Henson Creek. A short distance from the bridge, the creek feeds into the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. The Lake Fork begins high in the mountains southwest of Lake San Cristobal, flows through the lake, and ends its 64.7 mile-long journey north to its confluence with the Gunninson River in Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Yes, this river runs south to north. Am I the only one who thought all rivers run north to south–south is downhill after all, right? Actually it is all about gravity. A river will always take the path of least resistance and flow downhill as quickly as possible. That downhill path can be in any direction including north, south, east, west, and every direction in between. The most famous and longest river in the world runs north through 11 countries–The Nile.

This last section of CO-149 is about rock formations, ranches, and Lake Fork’s canyons. Over the road’s remaining 45 miles we will travel down about 1,140 feet. Let’s go!

MORE BEAUTY AHEAD . . .

Ride~About: Silver Thread Scenic Byway (CO-149)

Posted on by Joy

Part 2: Onward to Lake City

Come on along as we continue driving the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (CO-149). Our journey now takes us high in the mountains searching for gorgeous views and colors as we drive over mountain passes and stop at overlooks. I’m not sure there is a better place to find autumn splendor than the northcentral San Juan Mountains. Let’s go!

Come along for breathtaking views . . .

Ride~About: Silver Thread Scenic Byway (CO-149)

Posted on by Joy

Part I: Southern Half of the Byway

Is there any doubt that visiting the Colorado mountains in autumn is a must-do adventure? The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is a 117-mile trip from South Fork through the central San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado to Blue Mesa Reservoir. It is Colorado highway CO-149, a designated Colorado Scenic Byway and National Forest Byway. In 2021 it was named a National Scenic Byway, making it one of 13 America’s Byways® designated in Colorado. Visiting the mountains for what’s lovingly called leaf peeping, Colorado’s best chances for peak color is sometime between early-September to mid-October. We have our fingers crossed that we see good colors these first few days of October. Off we go!

Early morning Rio Grande River
The clouds are on the river! Come on along to see more . . .