Black Bear Trail near Ouray, Colorado

Next Stop....Ouray, Colorado

Ouray, Colorado

Wow, going to Ouray, Colorado we experienced the Million Dollar Highway. It was not our first time but as usual it took our breath away! Highway 550 is known as the Million Dollar Highway from Silverton to Ouray. It is a drive through the most spectacular aspens and views of the San  Juan Mountains as well as a gorge at times you cannot even see the bottom.

We quickly found a free camping area next to the Red Mountain creek next to the Ironic entrance to the famous Alpine entrance south of Ouray.  

After setting up camp we went into Ouray to explore.  

Amazing Hike For Us Today

Today we learned about the Colorado Trail and thought we would experience six miles of the total 486 miles. According to the Colorado Trail website the trail is Colorado’s premier long distance trail. Stretching almost 500 miles from Denver to Durango, it travels through the spectacular Colorado Rocky Mountains amongst peaks with lakes, creeks and diverse ecosystems. Trail users experience six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges topping out at 13,271 feet, just below Coney Summit at 13,334 feet. The average elevation is over 10,300 feet and it rises and falls dramatically. Users traveling from Denver to Durango will climb 89,354 feet. We are eager but not that eager! 

We began the segment at Little Molas Lake which was almost straight up to 11,000 ft elevation. It was a busy trail and we enjoyed talking with hikers, runners, and visitors who like us just wanted to see what this trail offered. 

It was the best 6 mile we have ever seen, we experienced forest, meadows, creeks, waterfalls, wildlife, wildflowers, and a perfect trail to walk on. We found something new around every corner, the views from the mountains were fabulous and toward the end even had a rain shower with a little hail! 

Jeeping the Kendall Mountain Trail

What a beautiful morning! The sun was shining! Yesterday it was rain and cold so today was a big surprise since the weather app stated rain all week. 

We decided to go into Silverton to run errands but when we arrived we thought hey let's checkout this jeep trail and off we went to a trail called Kendall Gulch /Mountain. The trail is located off 14th street in the back of the town. The trail is pretty rock in parts but the views were fabulous.  

Norma found a waterfall she has seen from Highway 550. The trail followed it all the way to the snow! 

We went up the trail and entered into a meadow of awesome spring flowers. Flowers in the rocks!

We discovered an old mine and there was just enough room to slip under the door.

Norma wasn't going in so Craig took a picture of what's inside.

We ran across this UTV that got stuck so I pulled him out with. Further up the trail was under deep snow so we reached the end of this trail. 

Here is a picture of Craig, Mia and the jeep.

We went the other direction and discovered a steep climb up the side of the mountain. At the top was a snowfield that blocked the trail. Mia and Craig went to explore the snow and see what could be seen. Mia loves the snow and here are some photos of her.

Further on the trail we found a 20 ft snowdrift covering the road so Craig and Mia went on foot to the top.  Today we totaled a 3,000 + climb and enjoyed every minute!