Ouray and Silverton, CO

So, I had originally planned to head towards Rocky Mountain NP after visiting Black Canyon, but on impulse decided to drive down to the Ouray area and checkout the little mountain town with its famous hot springs. 

I stopped at a local outdoors shop and got advice that the Amphitheatre campground was the best choice if I wanted to explore the local trails.   Got a spot and ended settling in for two nights.  Beautiful little hike in spot with a clear view of the mountains from my tent door.

Did a couple of smaller hikes to two local waterfalls, and then opted for a big 6 mile hike with a 1200 ft vertical.  Wow.  Talk about sucking air.  The steep switch backs and the thin air at 10k feet nearly did me in.  But I stuck with it and was rewarded with amazing views and a fun exploration of an old mining cabin perched on the side of the mountain.

The next day was a spontaneous "I think i will drive to Silverton for some coffee".  I heard it was an amazing drive and was rewarded with some rushing rivers and some amazing canyon drop offs and waterfalls.  While tinkering around the little town, I decided to head out and go on a mine tour and really enjoyed learning more about the local history and former economy of the area.  Good stuff!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Olympic NP - Hoh Rainforest

Image
The second most popular stop in Olympic in the Hoh rainforest.  Not much for trails, only about 2.5 total unless you were leaving for the back country.  Lots of people.  Personally,  I thought Sol Duc was nicer and showed better examples of rainforest life. Ended up being a relaxation day.  Catching up on blogs and reading by the river.  Was so nice to have sun and warm weather after Mora, I slept with the canopy off.  Crazy bright moon that was amazing and lots of stars.  Woke up a little damp, but nothing like Mora. 
Read more

Corpus Christi, TX

Image
It has been an amazing week here with Cindy.  I am thankful that even tho we grew apart for several years we were able to reconnect and keep our friendship going.  She has really spoiled me with wonderful home cooked meals, and even let me take over the kitchen one night for me to make home made coconut shrimp. Yum! My first day here, I went out to Mustang Island park too see if the campground was open. No luck, they are still recovering from hurricane damage that happened last August.  I also went down to the National Seashore on Padre. Got lots of good informatioon on beach camping, but was warned that by next week there would be a lot of people around for spring break. It was a nice day on my own exploring the beach and enjoying a little down time.  Such a difference from Big Bend.   Cindy worked out to have a little extra time off work, so we hit the road.  One day went to the aquarium and explored down there and the next she took me out to an isl...
Read more

Joshua Tree NP

Image
The north part of the park is so amazing with all the rock formations and climbing routes. Took the rangers advice and summited Ryan Mountain.  Great views of the entire area.  Felt like standing in top of the world! Another nice warm night in the desert.  I am sleeping so much better with out the cold making me bundle up.  Cold feet keep me up at night! I am starting to realize that I am feeling a little burned out.   I am not appreciating this park the way I should be.  I think it is time to head home and take a rest.  Will sit down and plan out a route and see what is between here and home.
Read more