Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, CO
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Tag Archives: Photography
Where the Sun Don’t Shine
Cleaved by the Gunnison River over the course of two million years, the Black Canyon in Western Colorado is so deep and narrow that some areas rarely see sunlight. So forbidding are its chasm walls that no people ever occupied the gorge. Even today, access to the river and lower sections of the canyon are reserved for skilled watermen and climbers. Being neither, we happily kept to the miles of hiking trails along Canyon’s rim.
The “Switzerland of America”
From street level the majestic San Juan Mountains tower above Ouray, Colorado, in nearly every direction you look. It is no wonder the small town has taken to calling itself the “Switzerland of America.” We’ve yet to visit that European country, so we can’t comment on the similarities. What we can attest to, though, is the awesome natural beauty found everywhere in this corner of Southwestern Colorado.
We arrived in Ouray via the San Juan Skyway; a 233 mile scenic loop connecting several historic towns, including our last stop, Durango. Not wanting to drive the motor home over the mountain passes of the Million Dollar Highway, we took the Skyway’s longer western route, and are glad we did.
All Aboard! Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
For 130 continuous years coal-fired steam engines have powered up the narrow gauge tracks that connect Durango, Colorado to Silverton. Originally constructed to haul workers to, and precious metals back from, gold and silver mines in the San Juan Mountains, the line now operates exclusively for the benefit of tourists.
Pulling restored 1880-era passenger cars, the locomotive winds along 45 miles of the Animas River as it climbs to Silverton’s 9,035 feet elevation. During its three-hour trip, the train clings to canyon walls, passes waterfalls, and gives views of 14,000 foot peaks that are often topped with year-round snow.
Is it any wonder the Society of American Travel Writers chose it as one of the World’s Top 10 Train Rides.
Meet Brian and Shannon
Fulltime wanderers since 2010, Brian & Shannon are traveling the world on a quest to see everything there is to see . . . at least once.
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