Colorado, A Land Of Contrasts.
The state of Colorado is bisected north to south by the Rocky Mountains and that imaginary line called the Continental Divide. Precipitation falling to the west of this imaginary line flows to the Pacific Ocean and that falling to the east ends up in the Gulf of Mexico (Atlantic Ocean). While everyone knows about the Colorado River many may be surprised to learn that the head waters for the Rio Grande, North Platte, Platte and Arkansas rivers are all located in Colorado.
That area east of the divide to approximately Interstate 25 is referred to as the Front Range which is by far the most densely populated part of the state. From the Front Range to the Kansas state line is a high and dry agricultural region called the Eastern Plains or informally the flatlands. Last but not least is the Western Slope which in many ways is the most diverse and interesting part of the state. From the high mesa points of scenic, geological and archaeological interest to the Colorado River valley in the north (Northwestern Colorado) to the vast and rugged San Juan Mountains and high desert Colorado Plateau region of 4 corners in the south (Southwestern Colorado).
Telluride Grass (Bluegrass Music) Festival
If y'all be thinkin that Colorado, or as my beloved father-in-law said Cal-o-rad-o is all about the population sprawl of Denver and the front range, skiing or the death wish of jeepin the high country then you'd better get yourself a new thinkin cap. There is this little thing called the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
An Often Overlooked Treasure
One of the primary objectives of this Web site is to promote and direct folks to some of the often overlooked things that the state has to offer. In that spirit I would like to suggest what I feel is a very worthwhile thing to do on your next trip to “The Springs” (Colorado Springs). Everyone knows about the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs and the Broadmoor Hotel which are at, or near the top of nearly everyones “must do” list. We have visited and taken guests to all these and I remember that my wife nearly passed out from trying to run to the car at the top of Pikes Peak on our first visit.
A refreshing stop on I70.
While I have a fondness for the great American high plains which stretches from just west of the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains I freely admit that driving Interstate 70 can be quite dull. Somewhere between point A and Point B is the town of Burlington CO. (actually just west of the Colorado and Kansas line) which can be a nice place to stop and unwind a bit. Ok, I can hear a collective 'what you talking about boy', there can't be anything of interest out there. Believe it or not I have an answer and it has nothing at all to do with skiing, jeeping the high passes (death wish activity), rafting, gambling or Bluegrass music at Telluride.
A hair raising little drive.
The road to the top of Mount Evans is the highest paved road in North America at 14,264 feet. Be advised that you should pay close attention to your driving on parts of the road and save the sight seeing for the top. You won't be disappointed as it truly feels you can see forever and on a nice clear day that isn't far from the truth. Turn one way and it almost feels like you can reach out and touch the Continental Divide. Turn the other way and the eastern plains seem to go on forever. One can often see both Wyoming and Kansas. I have often thought anyone who drives to the top should receive a pin to wear.
Not far west of Denver and a bit south of I70 it is an easy day trip. About an hour drive from Idaho Springs. For more information check out MountEvans.com
I have only driven this road twice and that was a number of years ago. Both times there were parts of the road near the top which literally made the hair stand up on my neck and I got that tightness in my chest.
P.S. Don't try to run, especially if you are not acclimated to the altitude.
