Doug Peterson's Travel Blog: Vacation 2016

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Vacation 2017, Monarch Pass, Salida, CO and surrounding area

Monarch Pass, Salida, CO and Surrounding area

We are at the Heart of the Rockies RV campground near Salida, CO. exploring the area. We enjoyed this area so much last year we decided to come back to do some additional exploring. You will see some new images in my current blog post along with narrative of our unique experiences during our visit. Enjoy.

We are only about ten miles away from Monarch Pass, one of Colorado's highest and most scenic passes. We spent our first day here touring Salida, CO., which is located in the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains on the Arkansas River. What a special place for those who love water sports of all kinds including kayaking, paddle boarding and mountain biking. This town is a special place that is home to many local artists and out door enthusiasts who enjoy the beauty and abundant activities that make this area a special place in this beautiful state.

Our campsite at The Heart of the Rockies RV Campground

View for our campsite

View of the Rocky Mountains from our campsite

The following images I are taken in Salida, CO. The interesting shops, hotels, eateries and white water of the Arkansas River makes this mountain town a place to remember.

I took this video of a skilled surfer who was using a surf board to ride the rapids of the Arkansas River.

Video of a skilled surfer in the rapids of the Arkansas River

While we were in the area we drove to Valley View Hot Springs about 25 miles south of Salida near where US 285 meets US 17. This beautiful hot spring land trust is a beautiful place to visit with 7 natural hot springs all nestled in the hill side surrounded by scenic views of the valley below. This is a clothing optional hot springs wish is nice for those who enjoy a natural experience. We love Valley View and stop to enjoy the hot springs, lovely vistas, and the unique territory that makes it a great place to relax when we are in this area of Colorado.

We passed over Monarch Pass on our way west to Ridgeway State Park south of Montrose, CO. The views from that level of elevation, at 11,312 feet, on a clear day your can see for well over 60 miles. We braved the cool weather at the summit & winds of 25 mph to get a great view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Vacation 2016, The Mine Shaft Inn, Rico, CO

Rico, CO is a lovely old mining town located high in the foot hills of the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado. We stayed at The Mine Shaft Inn an historic hotel and hostel that has been restored back to it's original state from the early mining days when this community thrived. Today it is a travel destination for those who love the remoteness and out door activities that surround the area. The rooms there are reasonable and the atmosphere is very inviting providing for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Barbara and I like to take a break from camping out at least once or twice during our trips to enjoy the comforts that are not available to us when we are on the road. We explored Rico touring the small museum, waundering down to the hot springs near town and viewing the old water tower that was restored from the days it was used for the Rio Grande Southern railroad. The railroad is no longer operational having been used during the boom times long ago to haul ore out from the silver mines.