Ouray and Silverton - Colorado

As with most geographic spectacles, it's impossible to capture the magnificence. But that's why we're out here, isn't it....tuh see it. Ain't no dang fotey-graf kin do it. But, perhaps these will inspire you...to go see fer yerse'f.

The view approaching Ouray. Although this time of year is usually accompanied by "monsoons," this year has been particularly wet. The mushrooms have been fantastic! 

Ouray -- A name with many inferences. (My fav is that it's the British pronunciation (dropped aitches) of what the children in Captain Underpants books shout when the teacher announces recess.)

Immediately south of Ouray the road ascends a small hill to enter this valley...

Silverton...after a long steep descent (from either way). The Animas river flows along the right (SE) side of town with Mineral Creek flowing in from the NW. Their confluence, accessible from City Park, is about 500 feet behind the Visitor's Center...the white two-story building in the foreground (gray roof on right side of highway). It closes promptly at 5:00 p.m. 

The library is wonderfully welcoming with excellent wifi, many comfortable, over-stuffed chairs, couches and a large section for children. And dog-friendly too.


There are some nice homes awaiting renovation.

And, of course. there's the train.

The view a couple miles south. 

And for those who're uninterested in "yet another rock pile," there're flowers everywhere...

Silverton, Colorado

A landslide closed highway 550 north of Silveron, but by the time I got there it was open an hour each day from 12:30 - 1:30. Fortunately, I arrived at exactly 1:30. The gatekeeper noted the time and said it'd open again at 6:30 p.m. 

I drove back into town and, completely out of reading material, was pleased to walk out of the library with seven books from the Books For Sale. I went once around the square looking for arrows to replace the ones I've lost or damaged in my new hobby and now bored, took the road NE out of town toward the Mine Tour. As I came off the hill I turned onto a dirt road that paralleled the river. I followed it for a couple of miles until I came to a bridge. On the other side it was a steep climb.

I drove as far as I could and parked. After a short walk I followed a side road down into a valley. Below are pictures. 

There is a camping area in front of the horizontal "gate" blocking the two-track. It's nothing more than a parking spot. 14 day limit. The house is behind the grove of aspen on the right.  

The view from below the porch.

I'll always be grateful to that highway woman. If she'd said, "It's exactly 1:30, you may go." I'd have missed out.

The next day the highway was completely open.



Requisite Train Vid......

For those who may be considering taking the train, here's a beautiful video I found on Youtube...