Grand Junction to Denver

Today [Monday, 17th September] we travelled within Colorado from Grand Junction to Denver a relatively short distance of about 250 miles. The trip was through the skiing areas of Vail, Frisco, Breckenridge, and at one point we were just 40 miles from Aspen. We had two climbs the first to 10,600 feet and the second something less than 12,400 feet as near the top we went through a mile long tunnel.






Before we got to the tunnel we saw plenty of signs stating the all trucks must carry chains between September and May and also bays at side of the road to fit chains, and other notices telling us laws relating to chains would be strictly enforced. We didn't think much of this until turning one corner we saw snow up ahead.







However we got through OK--no snow at road level. As we approached the last tunnel the notices urged us to test our brakes and there were areas at the side of the road to do this. As we entered the tunnel we realized why--the road started to descend steeply within the tunnel. Gary says the car floor panels where I sat have big dents where I tried to apply the brakes.

At the start we followed the Colorado river through a long gorge where each roadway (east and west) were often at different levels.



We stopped several times for a rest and to stretch our legs. One stop, at No Name Gorge, Gary went down to river to get some photographs, Jane went down to see that he was all right, and I took some photos in case we needed them for the insurance.






We continued on to arrive at our hotel in Denver at 3.05pm.

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P.S. -- Aspens!

by Jane

Aspens

I'm sure that's what the yellow/gold trees were that were scattered among the pines all through this area.  They were absolutely beautiful all by themselves but when they were in clumps up among the pines they looked like rivers of colour flowing down the mountains.

Aspens in amongst the pines

Jane