Amazing Fall Foliage viewing thanks to Dave picking just the right time for our Colorado visit. We were based about 20 minutes south of Breckenridge…more on that in a bit.
First, after leaving Custer State Park in South Dakota, we made a quick stop at Wind Cave National Park (our 18th and last national park of this year’s adventure). The visitor center opened at 8 a.m. for same day tickets to tour the caves. We arrived at 7:40 a.m. to find at least 50 people already in line. Oh oh! Luckily, I was able to get one of the last two tickets to the 8:40 a.m. Natural Entrance 1 ¼ hour guided tour. After descending 286 steps, we walked along a concrete pathway through the chilly cave for about 2/3rds of a mile. While the cave has a fascinating history dating back to the late 1800s, the lack of formations made it feel a bit underwhelming. Because there is no water source, Wind Cave doesn’t have stalactites or stalagmites, but it was fun nonetheless.
We were headed to Colorado, and had an overnight stop at a Harvest Host (businesses who provide RV spaces) at Table Mountain Vineyards near Torrington, WY (adjacent to their alfalfa farm). We were able to sample 2 reds, a white, and a blush that they make on premises. We did buy a bottle of red and white to support the business, but let’s just say Wyoming wines have a personality all their own—very different from California’s smoothness or Oregon’s elegance which we enjoyed earlier this season. Our good friend Wendy suggested maybe they would make good cooking wines.
After caves and wine, it was time for mountains. Our long-time friends Tom & Barb, who we first met when we lived aboard our sailboats about 25+ years ago, spend two months each summer in Dillion, Colorado. We had heard so much about the area from Tom & Barb that Dave thought this would be a great stop on our way back to Florida. And, the timing could not have been better. The drive from Wyoming to Colorado, winding along North Park valley west of the Rockies, was spectacular with the yellows, golds, and the deepest greens dancing together on the hillsides.
Along the way, we stopped at a rest area with a large statue of President Lincoln and learned about the Lincoln Highway, first conceived in 1913 as America’s first coast-to-coast highway, spanning from New York City to San Francisco. By 1925, it was replaced by the new federal highway system, with sections becoming U.S. Routes 30, 1, 40, and 50.
Upon arriving at our campground in Frisco, CO, we were surrounded by the gorgeous autumn colors. The golden aspens were shimmering in the sunlight. Murphy and I enjoyed our first sunrise walk along the banks of the Dillon Reservoir. As usual, Murphy wanted to go swimming, but I suggested in the crisp air, he wait just a bit, as the temperature was only 37°. Sometimes he forgets he is a Florida dog.
Thanks to Tom’s suggestions, for our first outing we walked along the Blue River trail in the nearby town of Silverthorne and had a delicious lunch at Sauce on the Blue along the river. Since the altitude is 9,000 feet, we decided an easy walk would be best as we acclimated to the altitude, adhering to Tom’s advice to follow our mantra of “Slo Pace Adventures” and take it slow.
The next day (after Murphy’s sunrise walk) we hiked on a nearby trail taking us to the Old Dillon Reservoir. As it had warmed up a bit, Murphy had no problem going for a brisk swim. He did zoomies as soon as he got out. More gorgeous fall viewing from the hike.
We then headed up to Independence Pass, which passes over the Continental Divide between Leadville and Aspen, Colorado. As we neared the summit, the road was steep, narrow, and twisty with only a few guardrails. Thankfully it was just a few miles to the top—but yes, with my fear of heights and thinking of us careening down the side of the mountain, I did decompensate a bit. Murphy did his best to assuage my fears. The views from the summit (12,095 feet!) were worth it.
The next day, Murphy was adamant we go back to the trail we hiked yesterday (it is just 1/2 a mile from our campground) for our sunrise walk. After a few errands, we drove the short drive to Breckenridge. Tom had suggested we drive the Boreas Pass Road, but when I read parts of it are a narrow, dirt road with steep drop-offs (no guardrails), I opted for a quiet day of walking along main street and a great lunch at the Breckenridge Brewery.
Our last day was a quiet one. Dave had his Covid & flu shots the day before and I had my 2nd shingles vaccine. We both were feeling some side effects, so we took it easy. But Murphy wouldn’t let the day begin without a sunrise walk in the crisp 37° air. He did go for a wade in the Dillon Reservoir and had no problem being pampered after the walk.
This blog was ready to go, but Murphy had other plans—he led me to the Old Dillon Reservoir trail (just half a mile from our campsite) for our sunrise walk. The sky put on a spectacular show, and I couldn’t resist sharing these photos before we hit the road.
We are heading south with one more stop in Colorado – An Apple Cidery! I’m all in for that stop. Thanks for following along. Less than a month and we will be back in Florida.
Fall foliage fever to the max—Brenda, Most beautiful fall colors ever– Dave, and I really like this place—Murphy.
BEAUTIFUL COLORADO! Outstanding photos! You captured its beauty.
What will Murphy do when you arrive back to Florida?
Be safe on your journey.
Reta
Great pictures! Wish I was there.