Colorado (Oct 5-9, 2020)

 We had plans to fly to Maine and then drive through the maritime provinces of Canada. Sadly, Canada closed the border due to Covid and we didn't want to risk getting on a plane or airport exposure, so we cancelled those plans. Since I still had the time off from work scheduled, we decided that a jeeping road trip to Colorado would allow us to minimize contact with others, but still get get to travel.

We spent the first day driving to Durango and spent the night. The next morning we headed to the San Juan National Forest outside Hesperus, CO to drive into La Plata Canyon. 

We started by the La Plata River, 

We then drove the 2WD Jeep up a 4WD trail until we couldn't go any further.

As we tried to turn around the front edge of the Jeep slid off the road, allowing us to spot a waterfall below.

After getting back on the road and backing down the trail, we drove a few other trails. 

And then drove up to Kennebec Pass.

We then left the Durango area and headed to Ouray.

Colorado - Ouray area

After spending the night in Ouray, we drove the Alpine Loop between Ouray and Silverton. 

At one point we needed to be towed while driving up to Hurricane Pass.

Despite being in October, there was still some snow left from the previous winter.

We also drove towards Animas Forks and past where we had camped several years ago.

Colorado - Last Dollar Road

The next morning, we started heading toward home, driving from Ouray to Telluride.

We decided to take the Last Dollar Road, next to the San Miguel River, to Telluride and then continue to Cortez.

We stopped in Cortez/Mesa Verde for dinner at a local brewery. I couldn't resist ordering the Schnorzenboomer Amber Doppelbock, simply because I liked the name of the beer. It was also tasty!

 

We then spent the night spent the night in Room 1977 at the Retro Inn in Mesa Verde. Each room number corresponded to the decor of the room.

The next morning we started our drive back to Phoenix.

We stopped in Flagstaff for a picnic lunch before driving home.