Off to Ouray

After the Rally, I headed off towards Ouray over Monarch Pass. The pass is located on the continental divide at 11,312 elevation with a 7% grade. It is considered one of the most scenic in Colorado.



I spent the night in Montrose, then headed off to Ouray Monday morning. Ouray bills itself as the "Switzerland of America" because of its setting at the narrow head of a valley, enclosed on three and a half sides by steep mountains.



Ouray is connected to Silverton and then Durango to the south by the Red Mountain Pass which crests at just over 11,000 feet. The drive over the pass is nicknamed the “Million Dollar Highway”, part of the San Juan Skyway scenic byway. it is characterized by steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a lack of guardrails but the views are just breathtaking.





Silverton is quaint little old mining town and is designated a National Historic District.



Durango is the largest of the three and a very busy place. Lots of traffic, so I didn’t linger there long.

Onward to Mesa Verde Nat’l Park for the night. Tomorrow, we’ll get on the scooter and tour the park!