Hiking Thread

[Ulysees E. McGill]

Signal Mountain is magical during a full moon.

Last trip out we were on Signal mountain at sunset, and I saw the most beautiful sunset I've ever witnessed over the Tetons, as the full moon was ascending in the east.

 

[NorCalVol67]

Last trip out we were on Signal mountain at sunset, and I saw the most beautiful sunset I've ever witnessed over the Tetons, as the full moon was ascending in the east.

Glad you were able to witness this, it is awe inspiring.

 

[Smallvol#1]

My first visit to Glacier was in late September, 1976, only a day or two after a fatal mauling in the Many Glacier campground. After the attack, the campground was closed, except to "hard-sided vehicles."

Was that when the grizzlies went in the tents and actually pulled camper(s) out of their sleeping bags?

 

[Volosaurus rex]

Was that when the grizzlies went in the tents and actually pulled camper(s) out of their sleeping bags?

Yes.

 

[chatsworth_vol]

The grand prize for stupid behavior in dealing with wildlife, however, may go to a man who lived in Alberta. He was driving along at dusk and spotted a grizzly crossing the road in the distance. He must have had a wild hair that he suddenly felt compelled to scratch, for he decided to play a practical joke on this griz. He turned off his lights and engine, so he could coast as quietly as possible up to the bear. He then proceeded to emit a prolonged honk of his horn. As you can imagine, the grizzly responded simultaneously with fear, momentary shock, followed by rage and, finally, an immense demonstration of adrenalin-fueled power. After virtually jumping out of its skin, it turned, reared and slammed both forepaws down on the hood of the vehicle, practically shattering the engine block. He then proceeded to skedaddle up the side of the nearest mountain as fast as the proverbial scalded cat.

If only we had a transcript of the conversation that he later had with his insurance agent. “No, sir, crushed engine blocks due to incurring the deserved wrath of a grizzly bear is not covered by your policy.” This incident occurred a loooong time ago; my best guess as to its source would be Grizzly Country by Andy Russell, which was originally published in 1967.

Some people just ain't too bright. We don't have a monopoly on them though, they are all over. I was reading a book last fall about incidents that have happened in the Kruger National park in South Africa. One guy was a photographer and wanted to get good pictures of a pride of lions he'd found driving around. They found his car with his tripod set up about 20 ft away but no sign of him. When the developed the film on the camera they found that he'd been taking pictures of a pride sleeping in the shade. That apparently hadn't been good enough for him and he'd used his remote and started snapping pictures of him self and the lions in the frame. He kept getting closer with each shot. The last shot on the camera showed him standing in the middle of the pride with all the lions looking at him, probably thinking WTF delivery :crazy:

 

[Volosaurus rex]

Unfortunately, a lot of people simply have no business being in a wilderness environment. One of the most alarming trends is the emergence of selfies clearly taken with a bear nearby. After observing a bear in the vicinity, the “stupid-is-as-stupid-does” gene kicks in, and the would-be photographer turns his/her back to the bear and snaps a photo, often with the bear at remarkably close range. See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...mains-closed-people-taking-selfies-bears.html and http://boredomtherapy.com/bear-selfies-warning/. In the first article, it states that some visitors to suburban Denver's Waterton Canyon "had been getting as close as ten feet to wild bears to try to get a shot of the animals."

Here’s one of two women about to be charged by a buffalo in Yellowstone: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...owstone-says-frightening-experience-life.html. According to the latter article, the Park Service is urging visitors to maintain "a distance of at least 25 yards from bison." That may be a concession to their realization that many people simply will not exercise good judgment when confronted with the opportunity to photograph wildlife. Nevertheless, 25 yards is way too close to an animal as big as a bull buffalo. "Buffler" are as fast as most horses over broken terrain, and can close a 25-yard gap in a heart beat.

 

[Ulysees E. McGill]

Unfortunately, a lot of people simply have no business being in a wilderness environment. One of the most alarming trends is the emergence of selfies clearly taken with a bear nearby. After observing a bear in the vicinity, the “stupid-is-as-stupid-does” gene kicks in, and the would-be photographer turns his/her back to the bear and snaps a photo, often with the bear at remarkably close range. See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...mains-closed-people-taking-selfies-bears.html and http://boredomtherapy.com/bear-selfies-warning/. In the first article, it states that some visitors to suburban Denver's Waterton Canyon "had been getting as close as ten feet to wild bears to try to get a shot of the animals."

Here’s one of two women about to be charged by a buffalo in Yellowstone: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...owstone-says-frightening-experience-life.html. According to the latter article, the Park Service is urging visitors to maintain "a distance of at least 25 yards from bison." That may be a concession to their realization that many people simply will not exercise good judgment when confronted with the opportunity to photograph wildlife. Nevertheless, 25 yards is way too close to an animal as big as a bull buffalo. "Buffler" are as fast as most horses over broken terrain, and can close a 25-yard gap in a heart beat.

Dumb people think Bison are just big shaggy cows. Those things get mean sometimes, so are elk cows after they've birthed.

 

[Smallvol#1]

I think my favorite, it's hard to choose, is the guy wanting to photograph cubs. He was seen chasing them (with his camera) as they fled into the woods, he was next seen running out of the woods (without his camera). Mama bear right behind. He fell over a downed tree and impaled himself, through the thigh, on one of the broken limbs. Mama bear, apparently deciding he was no longer a threat, ambled back to the woods. First hand report by my BIL.

Guy lived; hope he got smarter.

Then again maybe the woman hand feeding a bear potato chips is my favorite...another funny ending.

The not so funny one at all is the woman who was killed...a variation of the South Africa story.

People just don't understand.

 

[flatiron]

We went to Bays mountain park in Kingsport again yesterday and hiked to the fire tower. It is a beautiful place with over 40 miles of trails. I can't wait to go back and do some of the other trails.

You didn't happen to find a packable rain jacket laying near the top of the Firetower Trail did you?

 

[UT_Dutchman]

I think my favorite, it's hard to choose, is the guy wanting to photograph cubs. He was seen chasing them (with his camera) as they fled into the woods, he was next seen running out of the woods (without his camera). Mama bear right behind. He fell over a downed tree and impaled himself, through the thigh, on one of the broken limbs. Mama bear, apparently deciding he was no longer a threat, ambled back to the woods. First hand report by my BIL.

Guy lived; hope he got smarter.

Then again maybe the woman hand feeding a bear potato chips is my favorite...another funny ending.

The not so funny one at all is the woman who was killed...a variation of the South Africa story.

People just don't understand.

I have watched this exact thing in GSMNP, mini van from Florida out near parsons branch road. Cubs on the side of the road, van then stops in the middle of the road side door flies open and group goes pursuing the cubs up the bank into the woods. I drove on around them thinking Darwin was right.

 

[Ulysees E. McGill]

You didn't happen to find a packable rain jacket laying near the top of the Firetower Trail did you?

No...but there were about 15-20 teenagers on the trail that passed us before we got up there. Except for a couple we passed going back down, we were the last ones up before closing. We got back to the Visitor Center right at 8 pm.

 

[bignewt]

No...but there were about 15-20 teenagers on the trail that passed us before we got up there. Except for a couple we passed going back down, we were the last ones up before closing. We got back to the Visitor Center right at 8 pm.

damn millennials

 

[Smallvol#1]

This is exactly how we do it.

Thought you might like these. The first is from the top of Angels' Landing looking down at the cabin we stayed in. So if any of you all want to go for it .

The other three are a place on the road to Great Basin. Out in the middle of nowhere, and we've been to a lot of nowheres...this is really NOWHERE, just there on the side of the road was this structure, no walls, nothing to identify it, but the decorative work at the top of all four sides. It was really pretty and very puzzling.

 

[Ulysees E. McGill]

Thought you might like these. The first is from the top of Angels' Landing looking down at the cabin we stayed in. So if any of you all want to go for it .

The other three are a place on the road to Great Basin. Out in the middle of nowhere, and we've been to a lot of nowheres...this is really NOWHERE, just there on the side of the road was this structure, no walls, nothing to identify it, but the decorative work at the top of all four sides. It was really pretty and very puzzling.

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Wow!...Those are amazing. I think GBNP looks amazing. A mountain oasis in the desert. Did ya'll do a Lehman caves tour while there?

 

[Ulysees E. McGill]

What hikes did yall do? Did you see the Bristlecones?

 

[Coug]

Coug, it's not ruined, it has changed though.

I thought it was closed indefinitely? The parking area and trail were barricaded when I drove by a few weeks ago. Here's a look down on it from LeConte

The last plan I heard involved some type of platform "close to the top" so you could view the peaks. This suggested hiking to the very top would not be possible for the foreseeable future. It's possible I misunderstood this proposal.

 

[Ulysees E. McGill]

Thought you might like these. The first is from the top of Angels' Landing looking down at the cabin we stayed in. So if any of you all want to go for it .

The other three are a place on the road to Great Basin. Out in the middle of nowhere, and we've been to a lot of nowheres...this is really NOWHERE, just there on the side of the road was this structure, no walls, nothing to identify it, but the decorative work at the top of all four sides. It was really pretty and very puzzling.

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I was just perusing the reviews of GBNP on trip advisor, and thought since the vast majority are 5* that I would just look at the 3* reviews to see why 22 people out of 312 thought the park was just "meh"...Turns out that some people are just idiots..wow who'd a thunk it? I am definitely going to visit as soon as I can.

 

[Smallvol#1]

I was just perusing the reviews of GBNP on trip advisor, and thought since the vast majority are 5* that I would just look at the 3* reviews to see why 22 people out of 312 thought the park was just "meh"...Turns out that some people are just idiots..wow who'd a thunk it? I am definitely going to visit as soon as I can.

We did not have enough time to do what we had planned, can't remember why, but we only got in one short hike. However, we liked it enough that we are returning next year. I've found a place to stay much closer. The last time we actually stayed at a railroad motel, they were required to serve food because they were so far away from anything 😂.

Still planning the GBNP trip. Going to hit Ouray and Silverton again (which means TO drives and I close my eyes and hyperventilate). Also Great Sand Dunes. Probably Zion, maybe Bryce...I can only hyperventilate so many times on a trip! If I know TO, we will at least drive through Rocky Mountain NP😃. Maybe Arches. There are so many parks out there! We just did Glacier, Mt. Ranier, Crater Lake, Redwoods, Yosemite, and Badlands last September. We did TRNP, Yellowstone, and Tetons in 2014. This was my year to go back to Europe, but with the situation over there...I mean there is so much here (we are doing the very western portion of Route 66); one could go to Yellowstone every year and it be "new".

People are different. I know some people think we are nuts for being GSNP 900 milers and having gone to every Park in the lower 48 and several in Alaska. I wonder about people who go to the Smokies every year and spend all their time at Dollywood (families with small kids excluded).

It all makes the world go round(((&#127758)).

Let me know if you want any pics. TO has thousands, no joke.

 

[Volosaurus rex]

We did not have enough time to do what we had planned, can't remember why, but we only got in one short hike. However, we liked it enough that we are returning next year. I've found a place to stay much closer. The last time we actually stayed at a railroad motel, they were required to serve food because they were so far away from anything ��.

Still planning the GBNP trip. Going to hit Ouray and Silverton again (which means TO drives and I close my eyes and hyperventilate). Also Great Sand Dunes. Probably Zion, maybe Bryce...I can only hyperventilate so many times on a trip! If I know TO, we will at least drive through Rocky Mountain NP��. Maybe Arches. There are so many parks out there! We just did Glacier, Mt. Ranier, Crater Lake, Redwoods, Yosemite, and Badlands last September. We did TRNP, Yellowstone, and Tetons in 2014. This was my year to go back to Europe, but with the situation over there...I mean there is so much here (we are doing the very western portion of Route 66); one could go to Yellowstone every year and it be "new".

People are different. I know some people think we are nuts for being GSNP 900 milers and having gone to every Park in the lower 48 and several in Alaska. I wonder about people who go to the Smokies every year and spend all their time at Dollywood (families with small kids excluded).

It all makes the world go round(((�&#57102)).

Let me know if you want any pics. TO has thousands, no joke.

If you are going to do at least part of the San Juan Skyway, do you have any plans to do Ouray Country Roads 5, 7, and 9? All of these roads are in the Ridgway, Dallas Divide and Telluride area and provide access to the rugged Sneffels Range, which, for my money, is the single most spectacular part of the San Juan Range. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=884SbtYKKyo, https://mhbphotography.smugmug.com/Colorado/San-Juan-Mountains/i-7LjTWgq, http://info.boxcanyonouray.com/bid/...-Tours-3-Picture-Perfect-Locations-Near-Ouray, https://dcasler.com/2010/06/10/blue-lakes-trailhead/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OxEYcRLVl8, and http://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-hidden-gem-last-dollar-road.

 

[Smallvol#1]

If you are going to do at least part of the San Juan Skyway, do you have any plans to do Ouray Country Roads 5, 7, and 9? All of these roads are in the Ridgway, Dallas Divide and Telluride area and provide access to the rugged Sneffels Range, which, for my money, is the single most spectacular part of the San Juan Range. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=884SbtYKKyo, https://mhbphotography.smugmug.com/Colorado/San-Juan-Mountains/i-7LjTWgq, http://info.boxcanyonouray.com/bid/...-Tours-3-Picture-Perfect-Locations-Near-Ouray, https://dcasler.com/2010/06/10/blue-lakes-trailhead/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OxEYcRLVl8, and http://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-hidden-gem-last-dollar-road.

Still determining our route. I am not joking when I say I am seriously acrophobic. I believe last time we came from Great Sand Dunes, across Monarch Pass through Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, on to Montrose, down to Ouray, Silverton, Durango, over to Mesa Verde. Monarch Pass did not terrify me, but there was a stretch, I believe from Montrose past Silverton, that just panicked me. The two small towns were so beautiful that after several years I'm willing to do it again (sort of like giving birth). TO is used to me, one of those men who can stay calm whatever comes his way. I believe we did not go through Telluride. I remember entering Zion from the east and exiting west. I swore I would never be on the east road again! If TO wants to see Zion, it's west entry only. I really want to return to Bryce. I loved it, but got pretty sick the day we arrived and I missed the first day hiking, just got some shorter ones in the second day...still wasn't up to speed. TO says it will scare me too badly to return to Bryce, and Zion is close to the interstate. Of course Zion is one of his favorite parks, and Bryce is not. Like I said in another post, I can just hyperventilate so long. Really though, I can get my courage up, do the scary drive early in the trip, and then relax. Knowing I have to face high roads pretty much stresses me out even before we get there. So if you have any ideas as to accessing parks, I would love to hear them. My BIL said, after I did it, he never thought I would complete the 900 miles because of the footbridges. Glad he didn't tell me that sooner, would have freaked me out.

I freely admit, when it come to heights, I am an unreasoning coward.

Edit: and thanks for the links. I'll show them to TO and make his day!

 

[Volosaurus rex]

Still determining our route. I am not joking when I say I am seriously acrophobic. I believe last time we came from Great Sand Dunes, across Monarch Pass through Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, on to Montrose, down to Ouray, Silverton, Durango, over to Mesa Verde. Monarch Pass did not terrify me, but there was a stretch, I believe from Montrose past Silverton, that just panicked me. The two small towns were so beautiful that after several years I'm willing to do it again (sort of like giving birth). TO is used to me, one of those men who can stay calm whatever comes his way. I believe we did not go through Telluride. I remember entering Zion from the east and exiting west. I swore I would never be on the east road again! If TO wants to see Zion, it's west entry only. I really want to return to Bryce. I loved it, but got pretty sick the day we arrived and I missed the first day hiking, just got some shorter ones in the second day...still wasn't up to speed. TO says it will scare me too badly to return to Bryce, and Zion is close to the interstate. Of course Zion is one of his favorite parks, and Bryce is not. Like I said in another post, I can just hyperventilate so long. Really though, I can get my courage up, do the scary drive early in the trip, and then relax. Knowing I have to face high roads pretty much stresses me out even before we get there. So if you have any ideas as to accessing parks, I would love to hear them. My BIL said, after I did it, he never thought I would complete the 900 miles because of the footbridges. Glad he didn't tell me that sooner, would have freaked me out.

I freely admit, when it come to heights, I am an unreasoning coward.

Edit: and thanks for the links. I'll show them to TO and make his day!

The portion of the San Juan Skyway that gives you such problems is the “Million Dollar Highway,” which stretches for about 25 miles and follows the route of U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray. It is speculated that one of the reasons that it is so designated is that one female passenger exclaimed, after traversing it for the first time, that “she would not do that again for a million dollars.”

The truth of the matter is that experience taught the Colorado Transportation Dept. that the aforementioned area is particularly prone to avalanches and that it would be cost-prohibitive to replace guard rails repeatedly. There are some highways, such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road or the Beartooth Highway, where the most nerve-wracking portions are more easily endured if you traverse them from east-to-west (or vice-versa). I don’t recall whether it would really make any difference in the case of the Million Dollar Highway.

If you have never done it, you also should consider taking the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad (http://www.durangotrain.com/); it takes you through spectacular portions of the Animas River Gorge that you, otherwise, would not see. That railroad has been featured in a gazillion Westerns. Two of the cars, although refurbished in terms of seating, date back almost to the founding of the railroad. We took that train last year and the car on which we were passengers dated back to 1883.

If you had enough time to devote strictly to the San Juans, I also would recommend that you take one of the many jeep tours that operate out of Ouray. See, for example, http://www.sanjuanjeeptours.com/ and https://soajeep.com/. Those will get you deep into the backcountry at altitudes of 12,000 or, in some instances, perhaps, 13,000 feet.

For the record, the area near Telluride and Ridgway is, without question, one of the finest fall foliage destinations in the Rockies. Have you been to the Maroon Bells near Aspen? The Maroon Creek and Castle Creek roads are absolute must-see destinations, particularly when the aspen are dressed in all of their autumnal finery.

I also found Bryce Canyon far more visually impressive than Zion.

P.S. If you have time to stop in Ridgway, be sure to dine at True Grit Restaurant for lunch or dinner.

 

[Smallvol#1]

The portion of the San Juan Skyway that gives you such problems is the “Million Dollar Highway,” which stretches for about 25 miles and follows the route of U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray. It is speculated that one of the reasons that it is so designated is that one female passenger exclaimed, after traversing it for the first time, that “she would not do that again for a million dollars.”

The truth of the matter is that experience taught the Colorado Transportation Dept. that the aforementioned area is particularly prone to avalanches and that it would be cost-prohibitive to replace guard rails repeatedly. There are some highways, such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road or the Beartooth Highway, where the most nerve-wracking portions are more easily endured if you traverse them from east-to-west (or vice-versa). I don’t recall whether it would really make any difference in the case of the Million Dollar Highway.

If you have never done it, you also should consider taking the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad (http://www.durangotrain.com/); it takes you through spectacular portions of the Animas River Gorge that you, otherwise, would not see. That railroad has been featured in a gazillion Westerns. Two of the cars, although refurbished in terms of seating, date back almost to the founding of the railroad. We took that train last year and the car on which we were passengers dated back to 1883.

If you had enough time to devote strictly to the San Juans, I also would recommend that you take one of the many jeep tours that operate out of Ouray. See, for example, http://www.sanjuanjeeptours.com/ and https://soajeep.com/. Those will get you deep into the backcountry at altitudes of 12,000 or, in some instances, perhaps, 13,000 feet.

For the record, the area near Telluride and Ridgway is, without question, one of the finest fall foliage destinations in the Rockies. Have you been to the Maroon Bells near Aspen? The Maroon Creek and Castle Creek roads are absolute must-see destinations, particularly when the aspen are dressed in all of their autumnal finery.

I also found Bryce Canyon far more visually impressive than Zion.

P.S. If you have time to stop in Ridgway, be sure to dine at True Grit Restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Yes, I will only travel GTTSR east to west. If we have to do west to east, it is Marias Pass. We are trying to determine the best way to access. I'm leaning towards coming from the south, but can't remember enough about the last drive. I literally had my eyes shut and prayed/recited credos. (One Lord's Prayer and one Apostles' Creed will get you across most of the GSM footbridges 👍.) Unfortunately the Silverton/Ouray trip takes a lot more than that. We've been all around the Aspen area...Avon, Montrose, took the fruit and wine trail, etc. Can't remember if we have gone through Aspen or not. We drove through the Tetons down to Denver a couple of year ago. The aspens were spectacular! I think it was one of those very rare years of exceptional color. We got lucky. Think we can definitely get to Ridgeway, pretty much drive near it no matter what. I had been looking at the Ouray jeep rides. If too scary for me, TO may want to do one. I can always shop in Ouray$$$$$😀.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

The summer I worked in Zion they had 2 or 3 falls from Angels landing, another near Observation point, plus there were always calls about people falling in side canyons near the Narrows. People were getting hiked out by rangers/emergency services all the time because of sprained ankles or possible heart attacks. Multiple times a day. The people who fall almost always fall because they were off the path or taking a photograph. Heard some horror stories from rangers and employees who have spent several years there. One story involved a mother taking a step back to take a picture of her kids & husband as they were all midway up the ridge to Angels landing, the chained section above Walters wiggles (the massive switchback leading to the ridge). Pretty brutal stuff. I hope they don't ruin the peak by adding more - it's already riddled with graffiti and chains - the camera ban should be enough, but as someone who has worked there and seen the mass influx of idiots day in and day out, I would not be surprised in the least if the head guys over there decided extra hardware was necessary. They deal with a ton of crap from tourists during peak season and don't want to be liable for anymore deaths (not that they were in the first place).

 

[Volosaurus rex]

Yes, I will only travel GTTSR east to west. If we have to do west to east, it is Marias Pass. We are trying to determine the best way to access. I'm leaning towards coming from the south, but can't remember enough about the last drive. I literally had my eyes shut and prayed/recited credos. (One Lord's Prayer and one Apostles' Creed will get you across most of the GSM footbridges ��.) Unfortunately the Silverton/Ouray trip takes a lot more than that. We've been all around the Aspen area...Avon, Montrose, took the fruit and wine trail, etc. Can't remember if we have gone through Aspen or not. We drove through the Tetons down to Denver a couple of year ago. The aspens were spectacular! I think it was one of those very rare years of exceptional color. We got lucky. Think we can definitely get to Ridgeway, pretty much drive near it no matter what. I had been looking at the Ouray jeep rides. If too scary for me, TO may want to do one. I can always shop in Ouray$$$$$��.

Take a look at this map: https://www.telluride.com/blog/san-juan-skyway-must-do. If you conceptualize towns along the San Juan Skyway as being oriented to the hands of a clock, Ridgway assumes the position of 12:00, roughly; Ouray and Silverton correspond, respectively, with 1:00 and 2:00. Durango, of course, occupies the 6:00 position, while Rico, Telluride and Placerville are located at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00, respectively. Viewed in this context, the most spectacular portions of the San Juan Skyway are, in my opinion, found between the 9:00 and 1:00 positions. The section from Durango Mountain Resort north to Molas Pass via US 550 is also very pretty. Much of that route passes through aspen forests, so it is absolutely gorgeous in fall, but, to the best of my recollection, still has relatively few of the precipitous drop-offs that would give you serious problems.

You could approach from the south to Durango, take the railroad up to Silverton and back, then take US 160 to Cortez, make a brief side trip to Mesa Verde if the spirit moves you, hop on Colorado 145 and take it all the way to Placerville and then take Colorado 62 to Ridgway. Ouray County Roads 5, 7, and 9 all enable you to access portions of the Sneffels Range from points between Ridgway and the Dallas Divide. From Ridgway, you can then take US 550 south to Ouray. That portion of the San Juan Skyway will not activate your fear of heights, I assure you. Then, from Ouray, you could potentially take one of the jeep tours. Just call one of the tour operators, explain your situation and ask for their recommendations in terms of excursions that they offer.

On the tour that we took back in 2007, we ran into snow heavy enough that the driver had to re-route the original itinerary on the fly. I then saw a ptarmigan that was halfway through the process of transitioning to his snow-white (winter) plumage from his speckled, gray summer look.

By the way, do you remember the Super Bowl beer commercial where horses were playing football and two cowboys were talking in the background? That was filmed at the Last Dollar Ranch in the Telluride/Dallas Divide area. How would you like this as the entrance view to your home? See https://www.magicmurals.com/last-dollar-ranch.html. Then Google Last Dollar Ranch and check out all of the other images associated with this property, which is accessible directly from the Last Dollar Road. Alas, if only I had a spare 6.27 million dollar bill when it was auctioned off back in 2007.

 

[Smallvol#1]

Take a look at this map: https://www.telluride.com/blog/san-juan-skyway-must-do. If you conceptualize towns along the San Juan Skyway as being oriented to the hands of a clock, Ridgway assumes the position of 12:00, roughly; Ouray and Silverton correspond, respectively, with 1:00 and 2:00. Durango, of course, occupies the 6:00 position, while Rico, Telluride and Placerville are located at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00, respectively. Viewed in this context, the most spectacular portions of the San Juan Skyway are, in my opinion, found between the 9:00 and 1:00 positions. The section from Durango Mountain Resort north to Molas Pass via US 550 is also very pretty. Much of that route passes through aspen forests, so it is absolutely gorgeous in fall, but, to the best of my recollection, still has relatively few of the precipitous drop-offs that would give you serious problems.

You could approach from the south to Durango, take the railroad up to Silverton and back, then take US 160 to Cortez, make a brief side trip to Mesa Verde if the spirit moves you, hop on Colorado 145 and take it all the way to Placerville and then take Colorado 62 to Ridgway. Ouray County Roads 5, 7, and 9 all enable you to access portions of the Sneffels Range from points between Ridgway and the Dallas Divide. From Ridgway, you can then take US 550 south to Ouray. That portion of the San Juan Skyway will not activate your fear of heights, I assure you. Then, from Ouray, you could potentially take one of the jeep tours. Just call one of the tour operators, explain your situation and ask for their recommendations in terms of excursions that they offer.

On the tour that we took back in 2007, we ran into snow heavy enough that the driver had to re-route the original itinerary on the fly. I then saw a ptarmigan that was halfway through the process of transitioning to his snow-white (winter) plumage from his speckled, gray summer look.

By the way, do you remember the Super Bowl beer commercial where horses were playing football and two cowboys were talking in the background? That was filmed at the Last Dollar Ranch in the Telluride/Dallas Divide area. How would you like this as the entrance view to your home? See https://www.magicmurals.com/last-dollar-ranch.html. Then Google Last Dollar Ranch and check out all of the other images associated with this property, which is accessible directly from the Last Dollar Road. Alas, if only I had a spare 6.27 million dollar bill when it was auctioned off back in 2007.

Thanks so much. This helps. I had a good friend who had lived out there and he would help us plan trips. Lost him this year after a long battle with cancer. I miss him and his knowledge.

TO and I were researching maps this morning, but it's hard to tell what roads are like. We used to have an app that you could virtually drive the road. We used it to access Arches one time from the back side, but after several new computers, I've lost it☹️. How about accessing Bryce from the west? Drive from GBNP via 15, go east to Bryce (is that 89 and 12?), come out the same way and drop south to Zion?

Currently I'm looking at:
to Denver
Montrose
Ouray
Silverton
Arches (drive the road to Silverton N to S and then back up S to N)
Great Basin
Bryce
Zion
Maybe home though Albuquerque.
Would love to see Great Sand Dunes again, but thinking that may just be too much to put in on this trip.

This is very tentative, and probably there is a better way to route. Any ideas and suggestions you have will be more than appreciated.

TO wants to side trip to Monument Valley, but looking at the map I think it is too far out for this trip.