Jun 10
2
Southwest Colorado Tourist
This past weekend was a great time to play tourist in my own backyard. There was so much going on in and around Durango that there was no loss for things to do.
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is always a huge draw for cyclists around the country that want to race a train through some of the most gorgeous mountains around. I personally have not participated in this oh so Durango event but maybe next year?
Sunday was the criterium part of the 3 day cycling weekend and that is one of my favorites. Racers ride a course through downtown at top speeds vying for a spot on the winners podium. It’s really exciting to watch. The weather was spectacular and just roaming around downtown, people watching is enough to keep me coming back.
View of Ouray Colorado
Monday took us out of Durango and up to Ouray, Colorado via the Million Dollar Highway that carves its way through the rugged San Juan Mountains over three mountain passes through some seriously gorgeous country. The last time I traveled that road, there must have been several feet of snow and now with summer and warm temperatures all but
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Train
the higher elevations is pretty clear. I like taking this drive not only for the amazing eye candy but it gives me a sense of how some of the higher hiking trails may be looking. Along the way we stopped to take a picture of the train as it chugs it’s way up to Silverton decked out in the red, white and blue in celebration of Memorial Day. This is another “don’t miss” experience while visiting Durango and Southwest Colorado.
Ouray View of Amphitheater
It is still a bit early for some high elevation hikes but I was pretty surprised when we took a hike in Ouray called the Portland Trail up to about 9300 feet and there wasn’t a speck of snow along the trail. After our short but beautiful hike, we headed over to Obriens Pub on Main and had a nice lunch while admiring the view of the amphitheater. This is an popular and easy day trip from Durango and I don’t think anyone visiting this area should miss the opportunity to experience mother natures awesome display along highway 550 to Silverton and on then Ouray.
If you get a chance to visit Utah, check this out!
- Bryce National Park | alexking.org – Here are some photos I took in Bryce National Park the land of Hoodoos. The scenery here is just incredible; it almost made Zion look boring. Looking out over the hoodoos made me think of the rows of warriors in the terra cotta army.
