2014 - ColoradoRockies_Tour

4076 miles over 14 days. A tour through mostly backroad America in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Colorado.

This was probably the closest I'll ever get to the perfect tour...it don't get any better than this!
Start slideshow
Ready to ride!
1 Ready to ride!
 Colorado Video
2 Colorado Video
 Crossing the Mississippi into the boot heel of Missouri
3 Crossing the Mississippi into the boot heel of Missouri
 Downtown Eureka Springs. : Eureka Springs, Arkansas
4 Downtown Eureka Springs.
 Our Hotel, Basin Park, was located on the left
5 Our Hotel, Basin Park, was located on the left
Built in 1905...and its haunted.
6 Built in 1905...and its haunted.
 Basin Park Hotel courtyard
7 Basin Park Hotel courtyard
 Basin Park Hotel courtyard
8 Basin Park Hotel courtyard
 Uptown Eureka Springs
9 Uptown Eureka Springs
 From the hotel resturant balcony
10 From the hotel resturant balcony
Eureka Scenes
11 Eureka Scenes
 Eureka Scenes
12 Eureka Scenes
 Leaving north out of Eureka on hwy 187
13 Leaving north out of Eureka on hwy 187
 A monument discovery in Kansas. Perfect for a break spot.
14 A monument discovery in Kansas. Perfect for a break spot.
 The flag standing straight out tells the story of our ride across the plains.
15 The flag standing straight out tells the story of our ride across the plains.
The site of the first christian service held west of the Mississippi. A few miles east of Dodge City, Kansas
16 The site of the first christian service held west of the Mississippi. A few miles east of Dodge City, Kansas
 A really big cow town
17 A really big cow town
 Dodge city outlaws
18 Dodge city outlaws
 Santa Fe trail. Wagon ruts still here.
19 Santa Fe trail. Wagon ruts still here.
 Kansas farm life
20 Kansas farm life
Wagon ruts on the Santa Fe trail
21 Wagon ruts on the Santa Fe trail
 Entering Colorado on US 50
22 Entering Colorado on US 50
 A good sign on the Colorado plains near Colorado Springs
23 A good sign on the Colorado plains near Colorado Springs
 Cheyanne Mountain
24 Cheyanne Mountain
 In the Garden Of The Gods
25 In the Garden Of The Gods
Garden Of The Gods
26 Garden Of The Gods
 Pikes Peak as a backdrop to Garden Of The Gods
27 Pikes Peak as a backdrop to Garden Of The Gods
 Our own Pikes Peak Hill Climb
28 Our own Pikes Peak Hill Climb
 Going up!
29 Going up!
 and up
30 and up
To 14,110 ft.
31 To 14,110 ft.
 Looking north east
32 Looking north east
 Looking north
33 Looking north
 The Pikes Peak cog railway
34 The Pikes Peak cog railway
 Distance and scale become skewed to the eye. Somewhat like being airborne.
35 Distance and scale become skewed to the eye. Somewhat like being airborne.
Rocky Mountain High Riders. (Not High Rocky Mountain Riders)
36 Rocky Mountain High Riders. (Not High Rocky Mountain Riders)
 The ride down. (on the road that is)
37 The ride down. (on the road that is)
 The ride down.
38 The ride down.
 The ride down.
39 The ride down.
 They were getting ready for the Pikes Peak hillclimb, which was on the 27th
40 They were getting ready for the Pikes Peak hillclimb, which was on the 27th
And on our way out.
41 And on our way out.
 We did actually see one in front of a resturant in Woodland Park dancing around with a poster.
42 We did actually see one in front of a resturant in Woodland Park dancing around with a poster.
 The Columbine - State Flower
43 The Columbine - State Flower
 Up on Cripple Creek - where we spent the night.
44 Up on Cripple Creek - where we spent the night.
 Old hospital turned hospitality house. No rooms here tonight though.
45 Old hospital turned hospitality house. No rooms here tonight though.
A Gambling town. We just missed the Donkey Fest. Good thing, we wouldn't have gotten a room.
46 A Gambling town. We just missed the Donkey Fest. Good thing, we wouldn't have gotten a room.
 Good deal for the night at this casino...dinner included!
47 Good deal for the night at this casino...dinner included!
 Heading for Montrose and the Black Canyon
48 Heading for Montrose and the Black Canyon
 Our first crossing of the continental divide on hwy 50
49 Our first crossing of the continental divide on hwy 50
 At the Divide
50 At the Divide
Along hwy 50 west of Gunnison
51 Along hwy 50 west of Gunnison
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
52 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
53 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
54 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
55 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
56 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
57 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
58 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
 At the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
59 At the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
60 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Desending from The Black Canyon of the Gunnison towards Montrose.
61 Desending from The Black Canyon of the Gunnison towards Montrose.
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
62 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison . Riding into the Canyon
63 The Black Canyon of the Gunnison . Riding into the Canyon
 Water diversion for the city of Montrose
64 Water diversion for the city of Montrose
 On the way out.
65 On the way out.
Along the Million Dollar Highway (US 550). This road will not disappoint.
66 Along the Million Dollar Highway (US 550). This road will not disappoint.
 Ouray
67 Ouray
 Ouray
68 Ouray
 Ouray
69 Ouray
 Ouray
70 Ouray
Ouray
71 Ouray
 Ouray
72 Ouray
 Ouray
73 Ouray
 Ouray
74 Ouray
 Red Mountain Pass
75 Red Mountain Pass
On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
76 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
77 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
78 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
79 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
80 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
81 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
82 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
83 On the way to Silveron from Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway.
 Overlooking Chattanooga Colorado
84 Overlooking Chattanooga Colorado
 And this is all that is left of Chattanooga Colorado.
85 And this is all that is left of Chattanooga Colorado.
The Durango to Silverton pulls out of Silverton
86 The Durango to Silverton pulls out of Silverton
 Silverton
87 Silverton
 Silverton
88 Silverton
 Silverton
89 Silverton
 Silverton
90 Silverton
Silverton
91 Silverton
 A D&R train making it's way into Silverton
92 A D&R train making it's way into Silverton
 High country view of a D&R train making it's way into Silverton as another waits to depart for Durango.
93 High country view of a D&R train making it's way into Silverton as another waits to depart for Durango.
 Climbing to Molas pass
94 Climbing to Molas pass
 Climbing to Molas pass
95 Climbing to Molas pass
Climbing to Molas pass
96 Climbing to Molas pass
 Climbing to Molas pass - Mt. Snowdon
97 Climbing to Molas pass - Mt. Snowdon
 Entrance to Mesa Verde
98 Entrance to Mesa Verde
 Mesa Verde visitor center
99 Mesa Verde visitor center
 Views from the Mesa
100 Views from the Mesa
Southern view into New Mexico
101 Southern view into New Mexico
 Ship Rock, located in New Mexico, can be seen from our balcony at the lodge...50 miles alway.
102 Ship Rock, located in New Mexico, can be seen from our balcony at the lodge...50 miles alway.
 Mesa views
103 Mesa views
 Mesa views - looking northwest
104 Mesa views - looking northwest
 Mesa views- looking north east
105 Mesa views- looking north east
Meas view south
106 Meas view south
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
107 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
108 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
109 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
110 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
111 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
112 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
113 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. The Cliff Palace - circa 1200 - 1450 AD
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Hiking to the Balcony House
114 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Hiking to the Balcony House
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Hiking to the Balcony House
115 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Hiking to the Balcony House
Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Hiking to the Balcony House
116 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Hiking to the Balcony House
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Hiking to the Balcony House
117 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Hiking to the Balcony House
 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. There are over 600 identified dwellings in the Mesa Verde park area
118 Ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. There are over 600 identified dwellings in the Mesa Verde park area
 The sun sets on ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Circa 500 -700 AD. Before the ancients moved into the cliffs.
119 The sun sets on ancient Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, NP. Circa 500 -700 AD. Before the ancients moved into the cliffs.
 Our next goal can be seen to the north. The western slope and Tellruide. From the Mesa Verde.
120 Our next goal can be seen to the north. The western slope and Tellruide. From the Mesa Verde.
The Sunsets on the Ute Mountains in western Colorado. Just beyond - Utah.
121 The Sunsets on the Ute Mountains in western Colorado. Just beyond - Utah.
 The Sunsets on the Ute Mountains in western Colorado. Just beyond - Utah.
122 The Sunsets on the Ute Mountains in western Colorado. Just beyond - Utah.
 Lizard head pass
123 Lizard head pass
 Lizard head pass panorama
124 Lizard head pass panorama
 At Lizard head pass. A Picture Perfect day!
125 At Lizard head pass. A Picture Perfect day!
At Lizard head pass. A Picture Perfect day!
126 At Lizard head pass. A Picture Perfect day!
 A lizard head at Lizard head pass. A Picture Perfect day!
127 A lizard head at Lizard head pass. A Picture Perfect day!
 Telluride area
128 Telluride area
 Telluride area
129 Telluride area
 Telluride area
130 Telluride area
Telluride area
131 Telluride area
 Telluride area
132 Telluride area
 Running north on hwy 141, target - Grand Junction and the Colorado Nationl Monument.
133 Running north on hwy 141, target - Grand Junction and the Colorado Nationl Monument.
 Running north on hwy 141, target - Grand Junction and the Colorado Nationl Monument.
134 Running north on hwy 141, target - Grand Junction and the Colorado Nationl Monument.
 A break under the cottonwoods along hwy 141
135 A break under the cottonwoods along hwy 141
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136
 An old gold mining sluice on hwy 141, remnants from the gold rush days
137 An old gold mining sluice on hwy 141, remnants from the gold rush days
 Just what is down that road? Time to find out.
138 Just what is down that road? Time to find out.
 Canyons. No traffic, no nothing for 50 miles.
139 Canyons. No traffic, no nothing for 50 miles.
 Solitude is a clear cool stream lined with cottonwoods in a deep canyon.
140 Solitude is a clear cool stream lined with cottonwoods in a deep canyon.
Colorado National Monument.
141 Colorado National Monument.
 A perfect morning ride!
142 A perfect morning ride!
 Colorado National Monument. The way up on the north side
143 Colorado National Monument. The way up on the north side
 Features
144 Features
 Desert Flower
145 Desert Flower
Look close at the top of the tower...see next photo.
146 Look close at the top of the tower...see next photo.
 Now what?
147 Now what?
 Coke stove monument
148 Coke stove monument
 What a ride!
149 What a ride!
 Too much to see and too far to see!
150 Too much to see and too far to see!
Echo Canyon. See if you can find the mummy casket .
151 Echo Canyon. See if you can find the mummy casket .
 Shivers point.
152 Shivers point.
 Shivers point
153 Shivers point
 A Shivers point lizard tries to warm up.
154 A Shivers point lizard tries to warm up.
 Shivers point. Appropriately named - winds are howling here. Fruita Co and the western slope is beyond.
155 Shivers point. Appropriately named - winds are howling here. Fruita Co and the western slope is beyond.
From near the top of the Grand Mesa. Roadway climbs from 3000 ft to about 11,000 - a breathtaking ascent!
156 From near the top of the Grand Mesa. Roadway climbs from 3000 ft to about 11,000 - a breathtaking ascent!
 From near the top of the Grand Mesa. Roadway climbs from 3000 ft to about 11,000 - a breathtaking assent!
157 From near the top of the Grand Mesa. Roadway climbs from 3000 ft to about 11,000 - a breathtaking assent!
 From near the top of the Grand Mesa. Roadway climbs from 3000 ft to about 11,000 - a breathtaking assent!
158 From near the top of the Grand Mesa. Roadway climbs from 3000 ft to about 11,000 - a breathtaking assent!
 A loo break at 11,000 ft.
159 A loo break at 11,000 ft.
 Playing in the snow
160 Playing in the snow
Working our way up to Independence Pass
161 Working our way up to Independence Pass
 Working our way up to Independence Pass
162 Working our way up to Independence Pass
 Birch trees line the road to Independence Pass.
163 Birch trees line the road to Independence Pass.
 Ghost towns are numerous
164 Ghost towns are numerous
 Old settlements are numerous - this one well preserved for the tourists.
165 Old settlements are numerous - this one well preserved for the tourists.
Almost to the top!
166 Almost to the top!
 Looking back as we climb.
167 Looking back as we climb.
 Independence Pass
168 Independence Pass
 Independence Pass
169 Independence Pass
 Independence Pass
170 Independence Pass
Independence Pass . It was cold...no, it was very cold here.
171 Independence Pass . It was cold...no, it was very cold here.
 Brrrrrrr! It was worth it though!
172 Brrrrrrr! It was worth it though!
 Independence Pass . Alpine wild flowers in bloom.
173 Independence Pass . Alpine wild flowers in bloom.
 Time to head down for some slightly warmer temperatures. Heated seat and grips on please.
174 Time to head down for some slightly warmer temperatures. Heated seat and grips on please.
 Descent
175 Descent
Twin Lake.
176 Twin Lake.
 Snow showers follow us up the valley to Leadville where we will spend another night above 10,000 ft
177 Snow showers follow us up the valley to Leadville where we will spend another night above 10,000 ft
 Our morning greating at the hotel in Leadville. Mt. Ebert and Mt. Massive, both over 14,000 ft
178 Our morning greating at the hotel in Leadville. Mt. Ebert and Mt. Massive, both over 14,000 ft
 A quiet morning in Leadville. Note the thermometer on the back building.
179 A quiet morning in Leadville. Note the thermometer on the back building.
 Sorry, not this time of the morning.
180 Sorry, not this time of the morning.
Mt Evans.
181 Mt Evans.
 At the top of Mt Evans. This is the highest paved road in the country. Note Susan fogging up!
182 At the top of Mt Evans. This is the highest paved road in the country. Note Susan fogging up!
 The helmets never came off for a reason. 32 degress and a 30 mph wind = windchill
183 The helmets never came off for a reason. 32 degress and a 30 mph wind = windchill
 Cool
184 Cool
 Leaving the top
185 Leaving the top
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD!
186 KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD!
 Echo Lake at the foot of mt Evans. We begin our exit of the mountains.
187 Echo Lake at the foot of mt Evans. We begin our exit of the mountains.
 Red Rocks
188 Red Rocks
 At Red Rocks. We couldn't see the stage because they were prepping for a concert this night.
189 At Red Rocks. We couldn't see the stage because they were prepping for a concert this night.
 A last look back across the Colorado Plains. We exited through Castle Rock and out hwy 86. See the map for how far out we were.
190 A last look back across the Colorado Plains. We exited through Castle Rock and out hwy 86. See the map for how far out we were.
Goodbye Colorado , for now.
191 Goodbye Colorado , for now.
 Chisholm and Santa Fe trail intersection. Near Eldorado Kansas.
192 Chisholm and Santa Fe trail intersection. Near Eldorado Kansas.
 A new kind of crop in eastern Kansas
193 A new kind of crop in eastern Kansas
 Old Route 66 in western Missouri northeast of Joplin.
194 Old Route 66 in western Missouri northeast of Joplin.
 Big Oak Tree Missouri state park near New Madrid, just across the Mississippi from Kentucky .
195 Big Oak Tree Missouri state park near New Madrid, just across the Mississippi from Kentucky .
Our ride across the Mississippi has almost arrived.
196 Our ride across the Mississippi has almost arrived.
 One of the last of the Mississippi Ferry boats.
197 One of the last of the Mississippi Ferry boats.
 We had the boat to ourselves.
198 We had the boat to ourselves.
 Well, we're not really that tired. 4076 mile total and near perfect weather. It doesn't get any better than this!
199 Well, we're not really that tired. 4076 mile total and near perfect weather. It doesn't get any better than this!
  

"It's not the destination, but the journey"


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