Tag: San Juan Mountains

Ride~About: US-550/Million Dollar Highway–Stunning and Scary!

Posted on by Joy

US-550 is part of Colorado’s San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. We’ll be traveling from Durango to Ouray, Colorado, about 70 miles of the 305-mile US-550. The 25-mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray is called the Million Dollar Highway. No one knows exactly why it got that name, although the whole area was home to very productive silver, gold, lead, copper, and zinc mines. The Million Dollar Highway served those mines, but is best known today for it sharp curves, steep grades, and narrow road edges. Sound scary? It is, but as we head north from Durango, we slowly climb into the beautiful mountains along US-550.

Come ON and find out why I will only drive north on this road!!!

SNAP*Shot: Ouray’s Cascade Falls

Posted on by Joy

Ouray, Colorado, sits just inside the San Juan Mountains along US-550. There are gorgeous views and many streams flowing to the Uncompahgre River on the west side of town. Not to mention the rock amphitheater surrounding the town. This morning we are hiking to Cascade Falls. It is a two (2) minute drive from Main Street on the east side of town. Can’t beat that commute! Like most every road and trail in Ouray, it is UP this way!

Definitely watch your step

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 . . .