Dolores, CO to Durango, CO - Part 1

Wasn't meant to be but it was a rather "cool ride".  My travel plans
required an  early AM departure from Dolores, CO.  I was going to
Ouray, Silverton and on into Durango that day.  Although I encountered  a fair amount of snow; not much was on the road and that was only at the higher elevations.  Of course all of the aforementioned towns are at "higher" elevations  Ouray is 7,792 feet,  Silverton is 9,308  even Durango is 6.512.

The ride from Ouray to Silverton is one of the most beautiful rides
you will ever take.  Anytime is great; but in the Fall it is the true meaning of the "Million Dollar Highway"  for the Aspens are a glow
in their yellow  splendor. 

Million Dollar Highway,  Hwy 550

This ride however was in the early Spring and I ran into snow.  As I climbed  out of Dolores via Highway 145. It was magic.  Wasn't to long that the fields went from emerald green to white.

Horses in the early morning light

Outside the town of Rico

Thankfully the road was mostly clear of snow. the scenery was one of the most beautiful I have had in the area.  As you climb up you will come to the town of Rico; really a wide spot in the road.

Aspens in Fall Colors

Couple of homes in Rico

Downtown Rico

Few Miles up and the river had a different look

Rico was settled in 1879 to support the the silver mining. Today it is a quaint little historic town  and a good stop for the tourist on two, three or four wheels.

​Continue on to Ouray; but don't get hooked on the great road with the sweeping curves.  Slow down and enjoy the scenery.   I'll be back to Rico this summer. More on this area then.

Ouray, Colorado.  

First time I was in Ouray was with my folks when I was two.  That was back in 1948.  

Left is me riding in 1948  the mountains of Ouray,  My, father - right with an Elk taken in the area sometime in the early 1940's

My father hunted the area for deer and elk many times during the 40's and into the 60's.  

Today Ouray is a mecca for 4 wheelers of all types jeeps, ATV's and some of the dual sport adventure riders.  Not all trails are technical, many in the area like Engineers Pass, Ophir Pass and more can be done with any dual sport bike or 4x4 with decent clearance.  I'll save these rides for another posting. 

Ouray overlook on the road to Silverton

You can find a bit of Jolly Ol' England in Ouray;  for a great lunch and a pint of Guinness pop into O'Brien's Pub.

O'Brien's Pub.  Nice selection of
food and beer

If it is late in the day and you will overnight make sure you visit the Hot
Springs for a soak to remove the sores of the ride.

​From Ouray you ride the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton. and as
the first photo in this post it is apply named for the million dollar views!  Here is a video I shot  a few years ago:

Next post we will continue the ride to Silverton and over to Durango.
​

See You Down The Road