We left Utah after 2+ glorious weeks and headed to Colorado. We realized quickly that we want to spend more time in Colorado next year - such a gorgeous state and we barely scratched the surface. I got a chuckle out of the sign at the state border - Colorado is indeed colorful as you will see in our photos, but the sign is rather bland, don't you think?
Our first 2 nights were in Pa-Co-Chu-Puk campground as part of the Ridgway State Park. It was a beautiful setting along the Uncompahgre River and Mother Nature delivered a lovely sunset our first night.
When we first arrived, we ran into one of the Rangers and he suggested that we drive up to Owl Creek Pass (elevation 10,114 feet) and it was the best suggestion. It was part of the Uncompahgre National Forest and the drive showcased the Aspen's glorious foliage splendor and had stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, especially Chimney Rock.
After the drive, we headed south to Ouray, a charming old mining town nestled in a valley. It was a significant location in the 1870's gold and silver rush in Colorado's San Juan Mountains.
After a lovely lunch at Ouray Brewery, we headed to Box Canyon Falls - right in town. It is a tourist attraction and truly amazing. It's a very short walk and the Falls are in this tight canyon, therefore are so loud and dramatic - check out this video Paul created:
A few photos as well. The gentleman at the Visitor Center said they are much stronger during the spring with the snow melt - amazing!
After Box Canyon, we continued south on the Million Dollar Highway and it's appropriately named - the views are incredible, especially with the fall foliage. The Red mountains are stunning and there is a ton of mining history and old mines in this area as well.
Looking back at Ouray as we headed south on the Million dollar highway.
There are several remnants of mining activity along this road.
This is a tunnel, but referred to as a snow shed - interesting
Bear Creek Falls overlook is along the highway.
The next day, we left Pa-Co-Chu-Puk and headed south, which meant we were going to drive the Million Dollar Highway again. This is a very different experience with you're towing an Airstream as the road is a multitude of twists and turns and in some areas, there are no guardrails and no shoulder as you drive along a steep cliff decline! But, as always, Paul handled it superbly and the drive was beautiful. He captured a time lapse of the drive in this video:
And some photos as well!
Our next stop was Navajo State Campground on the New Mexico border about 45 minutes southeast of Durango. It was a beautiful, peaceful campground right on the Navajo Reservoir. We thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing few days here.
It was fun listening to the Coyotes howl from the opposite side of the lake.
From here, we headed to New Mexico and the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. More on that epic event in the next post.
Thanks so much for following along and for your love and support! XO, Jen & Paul
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