Beautiful pictures, Sam.

I agree.

Great pics Sam, love 'em.

Moar!

Careful what you wish for!

Robert Redford can come adventuring with me into the mountains any time!

The next pic shows the climb up above the West Dolores - tried to get a shot showing the severe grade of road but couldn't get my camera to co-operate.

Was actually glad to make it back to asphalt for a while.

Then on to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Here are a few of the cliffs. I can't believe those pines were able to take hold on that sheer rock face.

One of the things that frustrated me about taking these pix was the difficulty of showing the depths and heights of everything. The Black Canyon is simply stunning. I wish my photos could convey it better. Guess you're all just gonna have to come out for a visit and see it for yourselves! ;)

And, yes, I actually managed to camp in a National Park and not break too many rules.
DoNOTFeedBearsNoFunWithCougarsBackCountryPermitRequired

Whatever. :right:

It IS God's country, isn't it? Saved the best for last - the "Million Dollar Highway," Highway 550 between Ouray and Durango. 550 got this nick name because of the number of mines for precious metals along its route back in the day. And the absolute beauty of the scenery. It's a road where you definitely want to be a passenger rather than the driver cuz there's SO much to see!

Beginning of the Million Dollar in Ouray

After this tunnel south of Ouray the road gets serious - steep grade, few guard rails, hair pin curves, etc. For a while Red Mountain Pass (what the locals call the Million Dollar) seemed to claim a snow plow driver every winter due to frequent avalanches on this route.

There's a Glory Hole (or abandoned mine) in the lower third of this pic.

This stream always looks to me as though it still has a few gold nuggets left.

There are actually 3 passes on this road. Red Mountain is the highest at close to 11,000 feet.

These colors are all for reals, BTW. Photo shopping not required.

Sluice from mine that operated through the 70's. Forget what they were after - vanadium or something wierd like that.

And cruising in toward Durango at last - with my sage from the Black Canyon, journal, and smokes. Can't wait to go again!

Breathtaking! I'm feeling a strong urge to go west.

Looks Good Sam

I always want to go to Moab but didn't have time & budget to go. Wish I could go one day. Nice trip you have there SamIam :)

Beautiful pics, Sam. Wow!

You should come on out, Classic. The Four Corners Region has to be one of the prettiest parts of the US. It has it all - from 14,000 foot snow capped mountains to the fantastic red rock formations of Canyonlands and Island in the Sky (well-named) National Parks. And it's all within about a 100 mile radius of Durango or Cortez. I could probably get you a discount at the Bates Motel. ;)

Outstanding.

You can taste the freshness of the air! Wonderful, Sam!