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Colorado bound
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Aug 17, 2012 10:50:53   #
steve48 Loc: Richmond, Texas
 
We are driving to Colorado this time, in a couple weeks, to take advantage of our Jeep Liberty 4x4. Out to west Texas, north through New Mexico to Denver, then west to Idaho Springs area for a family reunion. Plan after that is to head south from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, check out the Maroon Belles, then south around to Crested Butte, Gunnison, Black Canyon NP and whatever else we have time to explore. I just got the Colorado Roadside Photography Guide book and I'm reading it now.
My question is this - I've never been south of Glenwood Springs before. What should look for other than what I've mentioned? Any hidden gems. I'm also a geologist and rockhound, as is my wife.
I'll have my D7000, an 18-270 zoom, a 105 macro, a 10-24 wideangle I'm renting, an SB900 equivalent flash and my Manfrotto tripod and ball head. I have and use Cokin split ND filters and polarizers.

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Aug 17, 2012 11:03:47   #
Niko65 Loc: Colorado
 
If you take hwy 82 out of Glenwood Springs, you come to Carbondale. Out of Carbondale is Hwy 133 south. If you take this it will wind down and run next to the river. We took it this south and seen moose, dear, Coke Furnaces and all sort of little town and one great Ice Cream shop in Polina. It is a fun drive and you will also seen coal mining operations. It is just fun.

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Aug 17, 2012 11:38:22   #
steve48 Loc: Richmond, Texas
 
Thanks. That's the kind of information I need. We'll check it out on the way to Crested Butte.

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Aug 17, 2012 12:36:23   #
Colorado Girl Loc: Colorado
 
I hope your plans include stopping in Marble, Colorado at the Crystal Mill and Yule Marble Quarry. Here's the link:

http://marbletourismassociation.org/

What a beautiful time of the year that you will be here! I can't wait to see some pictures of your trip! Enjoy!

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Aug 17, 2012 12:58:24   #
steve48 Loc: Richmond, Texas
 
Thanks. I did check it out. Looks really interesting and it is on our route through the Rockies. I'll definitely put it in our plans. That mill is supposed to be one of the most photographed scenes in Colorado!

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Aug 17, 2012 14:30:38   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
My favorite "loop" is north from Crested Butte, through Gothic, past Emerald Lake, over Schofield Pass. From here, you can drive to Marble, BUT this area is known as "The Devil's Punchbowl" for very good reason! Or, you can drive the Slate River Valley back to Crested Butte.

Emerald Lake, between Gothic CO & Scofield Pass
Emerald Lake, between Gothic CO & Scofield Pass...

Lake at Schofield Pass (just below timberline)
Lake at Schofield Pass (just below timberline)...

East River Valley
East River Valley...

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Aug 17, 2012 14:58:05   #
steve48 Loc: Richmond, Texas
 
I see what you mean. We are not experienced 4-wheelers and want to mostly stay on maintained gravel roads. This looks like a great loop for an early morning trip out from Crested Butte. I'm sure my wife has done this in the '70s, but not anytime recently. Emerald lake looks really nice! Thanks for the advice.

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Aug 17, 2012 15:50:56   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
CORRECTION to above:
My favorite "loop" is north from Crested Butte, on County Road #317 in East River Valley, through Gothic, past Emerald Lake, over Schofield Pass. From here, you can drive to Marble, BUT this area is known as "The Devil's Punchbowl" for very good reason! Or, you can drive County Road #734 through Pittsburg in Slate River Valley back to Crested Butte. ALL of these county roads are easy with a 4WD street vehicle. I usually drive an ATV.

Old Monarch Pass (my ATV on right)
Old Monarch Pass (my ATV on right)...

Old Monarch Pass, looking east
Old Monarch Pass, looking east...

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Aug 17, 2012 15:59:38   #
bogeyeliot Loc: Signal Hill, CA
 
If you get a little further west, the road from Ouray to Durango is absolutely fantastic!

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Aug 17, 2012 16:09:52   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
I strongly suggest that you consider visiting the western portal of the 1880s railroad "Alpine Tunnel". Excellent road from Pitkin to historic buildings at tunnel entrance, and exceptional views of your route, as you climb an easy grade to tunnel.
View of descent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqfrO225NVE

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Aug 17, 2012 23:23:44   #
justjeff
 
kebler pass is in that area also, if i remember correctly, the largest aspen grove in the state? endless photo ops. nice dirt roads.

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Aug 18, 2012 02:03:03   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
A bit farther south is Ouray, Silverton, & Telluride.

The town of Telluride as seen from High Pass Road
The town of Telluride as seen from High Pass Road...

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Aug 18, 2012 06:12:54   #
OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey
 
steve48 wrote:
We are driving to Colorado this time, in a couple weeks, to take advantage of our Jeep Liberty 4x4. Out to west Texas, north through New Mexico to Denver, then west to Idaho Springs area for a family reunion. Plan after that is to head south from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, check out the Maroon Belles, then south around to Crested Butte, Gunnison, Black Canyon NP and whatever else we have time to explore. I just got the Colorado Roadside Photography Guide book and I'm reading it now.
My question is this - I've never been south of Glenwood Springs before. What should look for other than what I've mentioned? Any hidden gems. I'm also a geologist and rockhound, as is my wife.
I'll have my D7000, an 18-270 zoom, a 105 macro, a 10-24 wideangle I'm renting, an SB900 equivalent flash and my Manfrotto tripod and ball head. I have and use Cokin split ND filters and polarizers.
We are driving to Colorado this time, in a couple ... (show quote)


Telluride, Co (ToHellYouRide) BACK ROADS, Switch backs up to Bridal Vail Falls. Although it's not like it was back in the early 70's when I would spend the summers camped just outside of town. Scenery hasn't changed like the town has.

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Aug 18, 2012 06:15:00   #
Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky
 
Niko65 wrote:
If you take hwy 82 out of Glenwood Springs, you come to Carbondale. Out of Carbondale is Hwy 133 south. If you take this it will wind down and run next to the river. We took it this south and seen moose, dear, Coke Furnaces and all sort of little town and one great Ice Cream shop in Polina. It is a fun drive and you will also seen coal mining operations. It is just fun.


Thanks for this, I will also be in the Glenwood Springs area the last part of Sept. I couldn't find Polina on the map. How far is Polina from Carbondale? Also, I will not be driving a Jeep but, an all wheel drive Subaru outback. Will I have any trouble navigating the roads around there?

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Aug 18, 2012 06:16:34   #
Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky
 
OnDSnap wrote:
steve48 wrote:
We are driving to Colorado this time, in a couple weeks, to take advantage of our Jeep Liberty 4x4. Out to west Texas, north through New Mexico to Denver, then west to Idaho Springs area for a family reunion. Plan after that is to head south from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, check out the Maroon Belles, then south around to Crested Butte, Gunnison, Black Canyon NP and whatever else we have time to explore. I just got the Colorado Roadside Photography Guide book and I'm reading it now.
My question is this - I've never been south of Glenwood Springs before. What should look for other than what I've mentioned? Any hidden gems. I'm also a geologist and rockhound, as is my wife.
I'll have my D7000, an 18-270 zoom, a 105 macro, a 10-24 wideangle I'm renting, an SB900 equivalent flash and my Manfrotto tripod and ball head. I have and use Cokin split ND filters and polarizers.
We are driving to Colorado this time, in a couple ... (show quote)


Telluride, Co (ToHellYouRide) BACK ROADS, Switch backs up to Bridal Vail Falls. Although it's not like it was back in the early 70's when I would spend the summers camped just outside of town. Scenery hasn't changed like the town has.
quote=steve48 We are driving to Colorado this tim... (show quote)


Can I navigate those back roads in an All wheel drive Subaru Outback?

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