SNAP*Shot–Independence Pass: Alpine Tundra Wonders

Posted on by Joy

Midway between the tiny town of Twin Lakes and Aspen, on Colorado Highway 82, sits Independence Pass. The second highest paved highway in Colorado, the Pass sits on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch (suh-wahch) Range of the Rockies.

Let’s explore the views and the tundra, but first we need to get there. From Twin Lakes we drive 17 miles climbing 2,718 feet, so there will be hairpin turns. At the second hairpin, what a view east at 7:30am! There’s CO-82 along Lake Creek making its way to the Twin Lakes. Yes, there are two lakes about the same size just out of view. Onward . . .

Jump back in the car–let’s go!

What The Rains Brings . . .

Posted on by Joy

We are having an amazing spring/early summer here in Colorado Springs! It rained more than not in May, more than usual in June, and July we are seeing rain most every day, much of it overnight. So what does the rain bring? Grasses taller than expected, vivid greens across the landscape rather than golden grasses, and wildflowers rarely seen here and some I’ve never seen in my life. Join me on a walk to explore the beauty brought by the rain!

Spider Milkweed (Asclepias asperula)
Beauty up ahead . . .

Colorado Canyons and Mesas

Posted on by Joy

Part 3–Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Well, it has taken me a long time to get this to you, but I know you’ll enjoy seeing geology from the beginning of time in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. No kidding. So what took so long?

I took a four-day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park which I will share another day. The bad news is I’ve spent most of June recovering from altitude sickness and dehydration. I had taken precautions so was very surprised how hard it hit me. This getting old thing is for the birds too! Just can’t fight off ill effects as you can when younger. These high elevations are no joke, so have studied up on most effective preparation for next time, because you know there’ll be a next time my friend!

In the meantime, let’s visit the South Rim of Black Canyon National Park. I know you’ll enjoy this!

Remember your hat and sunscreen!

Colorado Canyons & Mesas

Posted on by Joy

Part 2–Grand Mesa

Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world, stands over 11,000 feet and covers 500 square miles (320,000 acres). It is 6,000 feet above Grand Valley, where we stayed in Grand Junction to explore Colorado National Monument. So here we go, taking Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, CO-65, on a 50-mile, 5,100 foot elevation-gain journey south to the Uncompahgre Valley. Like that word? OK, I’ll help: oon – come – PAH – gray. Ute Native American word meanings include “warm flowing water,” “where water makes rock red,” and “red soil”. It was the area’s waters that inspired the name, but Uncompahgre is also the name of a 1.5 million acre plateau, a 75 mile-long river, and the 6th highest mountain in Colorado at 14,321 feet. Sounds like an exploration for another day but now? Onward to exploring Grand Mesa!

Let’s go . . .