Anytime is a great time; however Fall is spectacular!  Colorado's MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY located on CO 550 between Silverton and Ouray is truely a must drive or ride.  I have done it many times both driving and riding. Will do it again.  

As you can see here snow is possible in the Fall. Thus if your interest is to drive the many trails in the area best would be late June and the Summer months.  Whether you start in Ouray or Silverton the drive itself is only about 25 miles in length; but can easily take a couple of hours or all day.  Although there are some great "sweepers" if on a bike  BEWARE  most of the highway has no guard rails!

Whenever I am there usually stay in Silverton.   Don't know why, fine camping, RV and motels in both
Silverton and in Ouray.  My day starts out with breakfast, perhaps at THE BLACK BEAR CAFE; although have grabbed a coffee and just hit the road to capture the early morning light.  However should you sleep in and get into Ouray for lunch or dinner I would recommend O'BRIEN'S PUB for great beer and full menu of fine selections 

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Now on the other hand if you find yourself in Silverton and looking for a wonderful and fun resturant
I suggest HANDLEBARS.   Be it lunch or dinner you will not be disappointed!  And don't forget to top off with the homemade Peach Cobbler.
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Silverton

Town of Ouray

One of the best drives or rides can be found in South West Colorado.  So as I sit here on a chilly December day and homebound for the Christmas Holiday I reminisce of this drive to the ghost town of ANIMAS FORKS.   Just outside Silverton., Colorado.  Easy drive or ride; but as stated in this blog before, I wouldn't do it in anything other then a 4x4 because you will need the clearence as the road can be rough in many places.  Photos below don't realy show how rough it can be.

Above is the William Duncan House.  The finest home built in Animas.  

The season now is over this year. The passes are closed by the snow.   Next Summer, if you can, plan a trip to Durango, Colorado and ride the train.  Drive up to Silverton and go see Animas Forks Ghost Town.  There are many more sights to see - Drive up and over Ophir Pass and have lunch in Telluride.  Drive the "Million Dollar Highway"   If you have "big ones" try Black Bear Pass and so many more!

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