Pagosa Springs, CO to Moab, UT
We left Monument, CO on the 15th of July headed for Pagosa Springs, CO. Another 7,000+ campground.
We started out on I-25 but after about 70 miles, we got on US-160 headed west.
There were many tight turns
Finally at the tunnel that starts the climb up to Wolf Creek Pass.
And the Great Divide.The Continental Divide extends from the Bering Strait to the Strait of
Magellan, and separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean from (1)
those river systems that drain into the Atlantic Ocean (including those that drain into
the Gulf of Mexico and
the Caribbean Sea), and
(2) along the northernmost reaches of the Divide, those river systems that drain
into the Arctic Ocean.
Wolf Creek Pass, 10,857 ft altitude at least 5 miles of 8% grade on both sides.
Cathy should have been singing CW McCall's song "Wolf Creek Pass" and pointing to me.
Be sure to enlarge this and read it. ( click on it)
The map does not show the switchbacks.
Starting down, we drop about 1,000 each mile.
For people who use too much brakes.
And finally here and time for a scotch and water, never mind, after that drive forget the water.
We stayed in Pagosa Springs 3 days when we decided we wanted to get to a lower elevation. We decided Moab, UT at 4,800 feet would be cool and easier for us to breathe.
So, even though Pagosa Springs is beautiful, on the road again.
The whole area is in the San Juan Mountains.
Along the way, we saw one of the lesser known national monuments
Chimney Rock
Across the state line into Utah
Totally different scenery.
Very few trees and more red color.
Church Rock
Unusual formations
Pictures do not give the scenery justice.
Wilson Arch
Two years ago, we spent two weeks here so we have done and seen everything we are interested in and with the heat here this time, we will not be doing much.
Moab is one of out favorite towns though.
And into out parking spot for the next 3 days. This is the view out our windshield.
One of the attractions here is the Indian Tacos at the Branding Iron restaurant. (Indian fry bread topped with chili, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and salsa) The fry bread is also good with cinnamon, sugar, honey or plain.
And the sunsets seen from our coach.
BUT, we made one mistake. At 4,800 feet elevation, it is still hot here. We were going to Bryce and Zion National Parks from here but they have had 100 degree weather so, Monday we head for Idaho instead. We will stay there for about three to four weeks and wait for cooler weather at the national parks then come back to Utah.
We started out on I-25 but after about 70 miles, we got on US-160 headed west.
There were many tight turns
Finally at the tunnel that starts the climb up to Wolf Creek Pass.
Wolf Creek Pass, 10,857 ft altitude at least 5 miles of 8% grade on both sides.
Cathy should have been singing CW McCall's song "Wolf Creek Pass" and pointing to me.
- I looked at Earl and his eyes was wide
- His lip was curled, and his leg was fried.
- And his hand was froze to the wheel like a tongue to a sled in the middle of a blizzard.
- I says, "Earl, I'm not the type to complain
- But the time has come for me to explain
- That if you don't apply some brake real soon, they're gonna have to pick us up with a stick and a spoon..."
Be sure to enlarge this and read it. ( click on it)
The map does not show the switchbacks.
Starting down, we drop about 1,000 each mile.
For people who use too much brakes.
And finally here and time for a scotch and water, never mind, after that drive forget the water.
We stayed in Pagosa Springs 3 days when we decided we wanted to get to a lower elevation. We decided Moab, UT at 4,800 feet would be cool and easier for us to breathe.
So, even though Pagosa Springs is beautiful, on the road again.
The whole area is in the San Juan Mountains.
Along the way, we saw one of the lesser known national monuments
Chimney Rock
Across the state line into Utah
Totally different scenery.
Very few trees and more red color.
Church Rock
Unusual formations
Pictures do not give the scenery justice.
Wilson Arch
Two years ago, we spent two weeks here so we have done and seen everything we are interested in and with the heat here this time, we will not be doing much.
Moab is one of out favorite towns though.
And into out parking spot for the next 3 days. This is the view out our windshield.
One of the attractions here is the Indian Tacos at the Branding Iron restaurant. (Indian fry bread topped with chili, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and salsa) The fry bread is also good with cinnamon, sugar, honey or plain.
And the sunsets seen from our coach.
BUT, we made one mistake. At 4,800 feet elevation, it is still hot here. We were going to Bryce and Zion National Parks from here but they have had 100 degree weather so, Monday we head for Idaho instead. We will stay there for about three to four weeks and wait for cooler weather at the national parks then come back to Utah.
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