Day 4 Early Breakfast, Million Dollar Highway, Abandoned Mines

Another day another yummy breakfast at Starvin Arvins. I was the first person in the place. That is becoming a norm on this trip. I also must say I can take down this tent pretty fast. Can put it up pretty quick too. Yay me.

After breakfast it was time to hit the road for Mesa Verde. But there were going to be some interesting sites along the Million Dollar Highway. Built in the 1880's the road is home to some amazing vistas turn after turn. 

"From Durango, through Silverton and Ouray, to Ridgway, the highway delivers jaw-dropping vista after vista. It was cut from the side of the mountain and became know as the "Million Dollar Highway". It's one of the most scenic drives in the USA. The Million Dollar Highway stretches for about 25 miles (40 km) in western Colorado and follows the route of U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. It is part of the San Juan Skyway. Between Durango and Silverton the Skyway loosely parallels the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The road climbs up to 3 very high mountain passes. Coal Bank Pass (10,640 ft /3,240 m); Molas Pass (10,970 ft /3,340 m) and Red Mountain Pass (11,018 ft /3,358 m)"

https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/635-million-dollar-highway-usa.html

This is Ouray

One of the spectacular shots just outside of Ouray, Switzerland of America

The highway zigs and zags through the Red Mountain Mining District. Several abandoned mining towns remains are still here. I chose two to explore and put the Trailhawk through her paces. Both roads I took were SEVERLY 4WD. No way someone in a normal car goes back these county roads. Though there were a lot of people back there camping, tents and campers.

First stop was Ironton. It was creepy but cool. As always I have more pictures and videos on my instagram, john.m.73. Check them out.

The whole area had several downsites and is loaded with old mines and the assorted remains. For more history about the area go here.

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/red-mountain-mining-district/

After i managed to get out of there in one piece i continued on down the highway through the different passes. Through Durango an onto Mesa Verde.  A few thoughts here there were tons of bikers training in the high altitude, mad props to them.

Final note of this part of the day. I was behind a fancy Corvette for miles on end. I so wanted to pass him. I didnt. I figured I would let him go falling off the edge to a fiery death first.