From Durango we headed to Ouray, Colorado which meant driving past Silverton on Route 550, also known as the Million Dollar Highway. It is part of the Trails of the Ancient Byways and is regarded as one of the most beautiful highways in Colorado, but is also one of the most dangerous because of its narrow winding road, steep ledges, sharp turns and lack of guardrails.
Ouray originated as a mining town and calls itself the Switzerland of America because it sits at the narrow head of a valley and is surrounded by steep mountains on three and a half sides.
Its main street is considered a National Historic District and the entire economy of the town is based on tourism.
For a small town of only about 1000 people, it certainly had a lot to offer with sightseeing and hiking.
We actually stayed in the town of Montrose about 40 miles away, but no pictures were taken there. It was basically a central location for the day trips we took each day.
Next time I'll take you to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Happy Tuesday!
21 comments:
Looks like you visited some pretty places out West on your trip to the US. Hope you are doing well and enjoying your time with your son home from college. Heather
Looks like a lovely time!
Beautiful!! Jim and I have said that we really need to get to Colorado for a vacation sometime. It's not that far of a drive from Illinois considering how far we drive on trips, and there is obviously so much to see there.
I enjoyed revisiting this trip with you.. that main street with the rugged cliffs behind it is just stunning. I'd love to visit there. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
these photos are making me miss Colorado-which I have not been back since the late 70s. such gorgeous country. I am enjoying these trips-thanks for sharing with us Tammy
Loved the beautiful photos and learning more of Colorado. I hope to see it one day. My grandfather (Dad's dad) came from Scotland to Leadville, CO in the 20's to mine coal while his family would settle in Terre Haute, Indiana. Eventually, they would move to Detroit, MI. Anyhow, it's always nice to hear of mining stories being a coal miners "grand-daughter"...enjoy seeing your posts on Instagram! Happy New Year to you and thanks for your continued support during my recovery.
What fun to see Ouray in another season Tammy!
We spent a short week there this Thanksgiving with our son who lives in Gunnison CO. We had splendid weather even with snow on the ground and enjoyed soaking in the Box Canyon hot spring tubs. The Hotel Beaumont served a really nice Thanksgiving meal as well.
Looking forward to your Black Canyon photos as we visited there and enjoyed it greatly!!!
Would Love to visit CO when the wildflowers are blooming...a beautiful state in every season!
oxo
Beautiful Tammy. We've been through the same area years ago. I'm looking forward to your Black Canyon of the Gunnison photos too. We camped there about 25 years ago. We were the only people in the campground. We were in a tent trailer and they didn't tell us until we left that the reason no one else was there was because of several bear attacks in the campground. Oh my goodness. Our kids were having such a great time running around with the entire campground to ourselves. I about had a heart attack when I heard about the bears!
Blessings,
Betsy
Travel Tuesday is a wonderful way to experience our glorious land with all of its history. I love quaint little towns. Travel Bliss...
What an incredibly beautiful place!! xx
Great photos, Tammy. Just loved them. Susan
I bet the sites were beautiful, even if you were gripping your seat! We experienced a bit of that as we wound through the mountains in North Carolina this past fall. I really wondered why there were no guardrails as the road led from one town to the next...the only access. So glad it wasn't night!
I hear your boy is home! Hurray for you! Have a great time and Happy New Year!
Jane x
I especially like your first photo, but enjoyed seeing them all, Tammy, because they are areas of Colorado I do not remember seeing before. We lived in Nederland, CO, a little over 2 years and loved driving back and forth through the beautiful Boulder Canyon. xx
Wow - stunning vistas - I love photographs of scenery with such amazing mountains in. Such contrast of the backdrop of mountain against that town - love it!! Lovely to share your travels as always, J9 x
This looks like a spot I would really enjoy! Thank you for letting us visit. ;) blessings ~ tanna
Happy New Year, Tammy!
What a spectacularly beautiful place, this Switzerland of America, is! Your photos, I'm sure, do it justice! I know all about those narrow, winding roads, at very high altitudes with absolutely now protection, as we have many of them here on the island.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Poppy
Lovely pictures Tammy it looks like a great place. :) x
Dearest Tammy,
What a treasures you uncovered during your vacation! Such lovely nature only brings JOY!
Hugs,
Mariette
Wow! It looks like an awesome place to visit. It's on our list. We ran out of time when were in the area last time.
We lived in Grand Junction, CO for 5 years and my sister lived in Santa Fe. I traveled this road many times (mostly in the summer) and it is a white knuckle drive, for sure! It is a lovely road and should be experienced by all at least once. Thanks for bringing these memories back!
GORGEOUS!!!! I wish I wasn't so afraid of heights. I love nature and the mountains and forests but I could never drive that highway to get there! LOL! TFS!
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