Exquisite. This is one of the most scenic drives I've ever taken…read more I've lived in Denver for four years now. From the moment I moved, SW Colorado has been top of mind. Well, time gets away from you. And though I've explored more of this beautiful states than many locals have, I finally crossed off the famed Million Dollar Highway off the ole bucket list. Good golly miss molly, this drive is something else. Something magical, something spectacular, something majestic. Something that can actually leave you speechless. For me, that's the Million Dollar Highway. The winding roads through the San Juans, each passing turn as jaw-dropping as the previous. Whether commuting South from Ouray to Silverton, or North from Silverton to Ouray, this stretch of America is simply surreal. You're missing out if you don't stop at Red Mountain Pass, the highest point of the drive. The lookout point gazing over the Red Mountains was something I didn't expect to blow me away. I love driving. And there's a lot of this country I haven't seen. But this, the Million Dollar Highway, is iconic. It must, I repeat, MUST be experienced not once, but many times. Dare I say, a million times? We need to honor those who built this road. They risked their lives in harsh conditions. And we're left with unadulterated beauty. So much beauty. America, the beautiful. To me, that's the Million Dollar Highway.

The million dollar highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. I'm driving this…read moreyou'll e counter jaw dropping views of mountains, rivers, lakes, and meadows. This does not disappoint. We did the drive in early September 2023 so there was no snow or icy conditions, even when climbing up to 11,000+ feet. The road is windy in spots and you're right on the edge of the mountain with no guardrail at points but honestly it is not that bad. I am scared of heights and have recurring dreams of plunging off a mountainside in a car and I was totally fine with this drive, only clutching the "oh sh!t" bar in the car once or twice lol. The 12 mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray is the true million dollar highway but the entire thing all the way up to ridgeway is gorgeous. I'd recommend taking it from Durango to Ridgeway (about a 2 hour drive one way) to experience the full splendor.

Don't miss this one! When we first arrived in Fruita, Colorado. The Colorado National Monument was…read morenot on our list of things to visit. We would of totally missed it if it hadn't been for some people we met at a restaurant. Colorado National Monument is not a National Park; it is a National Monument managed by the National Park Service. It's name doesn't portray the beauty and magnitude of this gorgeous park. It is a 23 mile drive and is often called the mini-grand canyon. The towering red rock monoliths and the Canyon views were absolutely incredible.

What bliss this is…read more Colorado National Monument is basically the smaller in scale sandstone-stacked cousin of the Grand Canyon, but without all the horrific traffic and crowds upon crowds, especially at the start of summer. This place has miles of views with gorgeous towering cliffs, dramatic canyons and many trails for walking and hiking. You can also see the Grand Mesa (the world's largest flat-topped mountain) and the Book Cliffs from the monument. And it has that Grand Canyon feeling when you look at its depth -- as though you are looking directly into a painting. Along about a 20-mile highway (with an east and west entrance) you can enjoy the full views. There are plenty of places to pull over and park to take a look or to plan for a hike. And be very, very careful. The main drive is very deeply beloved by cyclists, so be sure to drive slow and keep eyes on the road. Do not miss Independence Monument. This is a glorious rock spire. also, the Kissing Couple is adorable. The Coke Ovens are these beautifully shaped domes -- some of my favorites in the area. Also, be aware of wildlife. I did not get lucky, but there are regular sights of bighorn sheep, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, eagles and many other animals. I did see a pretty spectacular aerial fight between a hawk and a raven during a recent visit, though. Also, be sure to check out the visitor center on the west side. It has some natural history exhibits and a gift shop. There is also the Saddlehorn Campground, which is very well maintained and has a good number of spots, but not all with sprawling city or canyon views. All told, there are three loops with nearly 80 sites. Some are small and best for a pair and others that are good for a couple of tents on one site. Overall, bring lots of water and snacks, because it is dry and sometimes feels desert like. And do not over rely on cell service, as there are a number of dead zones.

This breathtaking geological feature is a "saddle" bewtween Telluride and Ridgway Colroado. A…read morerelatively gentle grade across the shoulder of some the mightiest mountains in the continental USA. From this vantage point, you'll see Dallas peak, Last Dollar mountain and majestic views of often snow capped briliance. Fall is the best time, with virbrant colors sweeping accross the endless vistas.

Cisco, Utah, is one of the most fascinating ghost towns you'll ever come across on a Utah road…read moretrip. Located right off Interstate 70 near the junction with State Route 128, this abandoned town has an incredible history that makes it worth a stop. Founded in the 1880s as a water and supply station for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, Cisco quickly grew into a busy frontier town with saloons, hotels, and shops serving travelers and workers. By the early 1900s, Cisco became known for sheep shearing--processing as many as 100,000 sheep in a single year. The discovery of oil and natural gas later fueled another boom, making Cisco one of Utah's busiest energy towns. But when diesel locomotives replaced steam engines and I-70 bypassed the area, Cisco fell into decline. Today, Cisco is largely abandoned, with crumbling buildings and desert winds telling the story of its rise and fall. It has appeared in movies like Thelma & Louise and inspired Johnny Cash's song "Cisco Clifton's Fillin' Station." It's eerie, rugged, and authentic--exactly what you'd expect from a ghost town. If you're traveling through eastern Utah, don't just speed past. Cisco is a hidden gem for history lovers, photographers, and explorers. https://linktr.ee/reessroots

This is an interesting ghost town. He had come through on a bike ride and wanted to show it to me…read more There didn't seem to be anyone about. But there are many buildings to look at. Most of them are run down and their roofs have collapsed but the General Store building looked pretty good. And there's a bus attached to a structure which looks like an outhouse. And a snake sculpture winding in and out of a bus. A Winnebago and truck which I read in an article was converted to living facilities for artists who want to work on their craft. I read an article which said that in 2015 the town was purchased by Eileen Muza who works to repair the town and make it a livable space. She also lives there in an airstream I believe. You can apply on her website for the artist residency. And subscribe to the town newsletter. I thought I read somewhere that the General Store could be rented as an Airbnb. But it seems like the General Store is actually open ! It's called Buzzards Belly General Store. Looks cool on their Instagram. And the old post office is the one which can be rented on Airbnb. Makes for an interesting place to stay. Only drawback is no running water so bring your own. I've started following Eileen on Instagram because I think it's amazing that she's working to restore this town. If you visit on your road trip please pick up after yourselves and don't invade her privacy by entering buildings which are occupied. Also read that she relies on fundraisers and the Airbnb rentals to keep the town up. So help out if you can. I didn't get to walk around as we were on a time crunch but I'd go back and hopefully get to shop at the General Store and maybe even meet Eileen.

Stopped by to check out the ruins of the Driggs mansion. Built by two Italian stone masons for…read moreLawrence Driggs, a lawyer, author and Texas cattle rancher, between 1914 and 1918, when he homesteaded in Unaweep Canyon. The land where the mansion stood was sold to 3 Grand Junction businessmen who turned it into a hunting lodge. The local rancher who then acquired the property took the roof off the mansion because he wanted to discourage trespassing. The building was fortified by an archaeological company to ensure the structure would stand the test of time. It is an example of the homesteading efforts in the canyon. Unfortunately the structure is on private property and not open to the public. It would have been cool to be able to look at the sandstone blocks and mortar work. We pulled off to the side of the road to take some photos of the structure. Some talkative cattle were nearby and it was amusing to hear them 'speak.'

Doc Holliday Trail - Hike now, haunt later…read more If you're looking for a hike with a little cardio, a lot of history, and a surprise emotional ambush by a tree--this is your trail. The climb is just steep enough to remind you that gravity is rude, but manageable. Along the way, you get killer views (pun absolutely intended) and the unexpected gem that is Annie's Wishing Tree--a ribbon-covered pine full of hope, love, and probably more emotional depth than Doc Holliday himself. I came for Wild West drama and instead found myself getting misty-eyed halfway up the trail. At the top, you'll find Doc's "maybe this is where he's buried" memorial, because apparently even in death, the man couldn't commit to a single location. The cemetery is peaceful, shady, and filled with old-timey vibes--perfect for pondering life, death, or just how out of shape you are. Final thoughts: * 10/10 for historical spookiness * 10/10 for emotional surprise tree * 11/10 for that sweet downhill return Would absolutely hike again, possibly in cowboy boots for authenticity (but let's be honest, Crocs won this round).

I had no clue back when I was a rookie in my Yelp Elite status that one of these days I would write…read morea review for a graveyard/cemetery. Hopefully this becomes one of the coolest things I have ever written. I was in Glenwood Springs for a few days earlier this week (and it sure wasn't my very first visit.) I thought I was thoroughly versed in this hot springs town and yet I had no clue about this place (which I learned from my boyfriend the day before my trip.) Still I wasn't planning on visiting this site; it sort of fell into my busy two-day schedule by accident when I decided to stroll through the town after I had eaten dinner early. The daylight was still plenty left for the evening so I got lucky to be able to do this little hike up to none other than the legendary Doc Holliday. The trailhead is located in a very quiet residential neighborhood on 12th and Bennett Avenue. At/around 7:15pm or so, there was nobody around except me (and I was in my dressy platform heels!!) When I got to the entrance, I had no clue I would have to hike up a dirt road to get up to the top to see the cemetery. It was simply too late to turn back; I was determined!! The trail is quite steep. If I was in my sneakers I would run up the hill to get my cardio at the maximum but of course, I had to go slow. As I went up, I could hear my heartbeat as it elevated. What a way to burn all the calories I had consumed earlier in my hotel room!! The view to the right (uphill) was quite nice. Since it was when the sun was retiring for the day, I was able to take some stunning photos using my iPhone. Great place to overlook the town of Glenwood Springs at the dusk. When I was almost at the top, I finally saw another soul: a solo female hiker who quickly said hi to me (to which I said my friendly response.) I saw dark grey clouds forming in the sky with some roaring of light thunder; I knew at that point that my stay at the cemetery would be brief (so I wouldn't get hit by the lightning! No joke, right?!?!) "If I could just see Doc's grave, I would be happy" was my thought process so while I was taking some pictures of other beautiful tombstones belonging to some unknown people, I rushed to his grave without wasting a moment. And finally, I saw the final resting place of the legend, Doc Holliday's grave. Doc's tombstone is more of a memorial dedicated to him as his body is buried somewhere in the cemetery (is what I read on the stone plaque/plate that explains his whereabouts.) Still, I was happy to be there to pay tribute to one of the greatest legends of the American history. While I was still concerned about the forming rain clouds to the southwest sky, I rushed to see Kid Curry's grave. Harvey A. Logan known as Kid Curry was also a legend (well precisely speaking, he was an outlaw and a gunman); his association with Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid for what's known as Wild Bunch, Kid was a bit lesser known figure for what he did along the other two.) As I was wrapping up my visit at the cemetery, what I kept hearing in the near background were the male turkeys' gobbling sounds. As if to say that this was the most fitting sound effect in a place like this, it made the whole place so mysterious. I got spooked by it a little to be frank!! As I descended my way to go back down I saw another soul with a furry animal. This friendly gentleman with his 3-year old pup carried a frank conversation with me. He certainly looked shocked to see me in my heels!! Well, final thought about this place? I highly recommend for sure! I don't know how crowded it gets during the peak hours but if you want to spend a little quiet time having the whole place to yourself then like I did, visit here during the dusk. Whether you want to go here for a quick night time cardio or just to say goodbye to the sun at the conclusion of the day, you'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and the serenity that Glenwood Springs has to offer. And let's not forget; it's definitely a place to learn about the history of the Wild West!!

The site itself is not really exciting, but when you come at right time, the background of the site…read moreis very beautiful, the additional history and culture make it very interesting. I even saw people taking wedding pictures here. The nearby Castle Creek is also nice.

We had such a great time going up here. It was late June and we were in Aspen for an assessor's…read moreconference my husband went to. We took the afternoon off grabbed a picnic lunch from Clark's market in Snowmass and drove towards Aspen. Ashcroft is about 10 miles south but it takes a little longer because it's a windy road. The concierge at our hotel said there wasn't much up there, but we were so impressed with the buildings that have remained and been restored. It was so tranquil and quiet. There's a big parking lot and nicely marked trails and signs it makes a perfect afternoon outing for a family. Here's a link to the video we made. It was our first attempt using Premier Pro so it's a little disjointed and the music is a little creepy but it goes with the ghost town motif. https://youtu.be/92XyfU0uhcw

Simply amazing. I would stop by the visitor center and museum first before exploring the pueblos…read moreand other locations that make up this national monument. The visitor center and museum have a lot of artifacts and information about how scientists research the artifacts and structures of the Pueblo peoples. It helps put into context the other sites that are part of this national monument. It kind of made me feel like an archaeologist when I identified some potsherds later on my hikes and could identify which Pueblo Era they came from. Definitely worth a stop!

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Visitor Center are a worthwhile destination or a…read moreshort diversion, if you are in SW Colorado. Inside, there are educational movies about the history of the Puebloan Indians who inhabited the plains 1200 years ago, and then suddenly left about 1300. There are numerous exhibits about these people, their tools, their cooking implements, their arrow heads, basketry, housing, etc. It is well laid out and then there are descriptions of several deserted Pueblos within an hour or two of the visitor center. Your national park pass will get you entrance, or a small fee if you don't have one. With the Federal workforce cuts, staffing is minimal, so be patient and respect the work these Rangers do for us every day. Wish I had visited this site before I went to Mesa Verde National Park last year as it added an additional perspective to the way some of our SW native Indians lived.

A handful of interesting historic buildings scattered over a scenic valley with a few good…read moreinterpretive signs telling the story of the thriving town once here. There are limited summer hours with volunteers on site, but open & easy to explore on your own anytime Independence Pass is open.

From the owner: The first mining site in the Roaring Fork Valley, today, Independence is an archaeological preserve…read morelocated just below the Continental Divide; a "don't-miss stop" on Independence Pass along the Top of the Rockies' Scenic Byway. Aspen Historical Society operates a permit with the National Forest Service to manage and interpret the ghost town. Docents are on-site during open hours and signage tell the stories of the characters, enterprises, and structures that make Independence an integral part of area history.