Enjoying Amazing Scenery While Driving Through the Colorado Mountains

The mountains of Colorado are certainly quite stunning and there are lots of destinations to head to where you can be surrounded by incredible views. As the saying goes, it isn’t always about the destination, but about the journey as well and that is certainly true when the journey includes a drive through Colorado’s high country. There are some areas that aren’t particularly that interesting, but for much of it there are literally beautiful scenes around every corner.

Driving Through the Mountains
Looking Up from the Road
Boats on the Lake
Mountains in the Distance

During our drive to Telluride not that long ago, we captured as much of the drive as we could. It was a long drive, so we didn’t stop to take photographs, so all of these images were taken through the windows of our car as we made our way through the different mountain ranges until we finally reached our destination. Along the way, there were mountain peaks, national forests, as well as lakes and rivers. Seeing the rafters navigating the white water of the river certainly reminded us of our times rafting here in Colorado.

Rafters on the River
Colorful Rocks and No Traffic
Rocky Hills
Dramatic Mountain Peaks

The scenery of Colorado really starts with the Front Range and then heads west towards Utah as the drive eastward towards Kansas is certainly nothing to look forward to. Whenever driving through Colorado’s high country, it is important to be sure to be aware of weather conditions from rain and snow as well as potential fires that might be in the region. Fortunately we had beautiful weather during our drive, which made the scenery that much more enjoyable.

The Start of Our Drive
Even in July, You’ll Find Snow on the Peaks
Boulders on the Hillside
Red Rocks
We Truly Enjoy Driving Through the Mountains

Unique Geological Features Around the World

We enjoy seeing a variety of natural wonders as we travel to different parts of the world. It is often the case that these unique features are associated to the forces that are constantly changing the landscape, but often take thousands of years to create. We have many interesting geological formations right near where we live as well as those that we’ve seen during our travels. Obviously this is just a sampling of the different features that we have seen, but we find the varieties as well as similarities to be quite interesting. What is the most unique geological feature that you have seen during your travels?

Moon Valley in La Paz, Bolivia
Halong Bay in Vietnam
Westfjords Glacier in Iceland
View of Delicate Arch in Utah
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
Fascinating Ceiling of a Cave
The Arch at Cabo San Lucas in Mexico
Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Quilotoa Volcanic Crater in Ecuador
Grand Prismatic Lake in Yellowstone National Park
Paint Mines Interpretive Park near Colorado Springs
Rock of Gibraltar
Lava Rock Formations at Lóndrangar in Iceland
Formations and Ceiling in a Cave in Vietnam

Owl Gulch Trail in Telluride, Colorado

Located right down the street from the Telluride Historical Museum is a the trailhead for the Owl Gulch Trail. It takes you above the town of Telluride and provides wonderful views of the town as well as Bridal Veil Falls off in the distance. Unfortunately, it is also a road that is heavily traveled by 4-wheel drive vehicles, so you often have to step out of the way. It is also exposed to full sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen and take plenty of water with you.

Rounding the Bend
First View of Bridal Veil Falls
Town of Telluride with the Ski Slopes Behind
Dramatic Scenery
Start of the Trail

We got on the trail at around 11:00 am in the morning and started our leisurely hike that took us east of Telluride. The mountains around Telluride are absolutely stunning and hiking throughout the valley provides stunning views. The trail also gives a chance to see how quaint and small the town of Telluride has remained throughout the years. Although Bridal Veil Falls, which is the tallest free falling waterfall in Colorado, is far off in the distance, it is still quite spectacular. The power plant that sits adjacent to it is also clearly visible.

Bridal Veil Falls, the Power Plant, and if You Look Carefully, All of the 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Stunning Mountain Tops
Hiking Back Towards Town
Ingram Falls, Which Can Be Seen from Telluride
Views Looking Down the Valley

We decided to keep our hike short as we had hiked Bear Creek Trail the day before and our legs were a little tired. The number of vehicles with local guides taking people up the road to Bridal Veil Falls also made it dusty and somewhat less enjoyable. Despite the heat and the traffic, we did enjoy getting out and seeing the beautiful scenery. Afterwards, we went back into town and took the free gondola up to the Mountain Village to enjoy a relaxing lunch and a deserved ice cold beer.

Spectacular Rocky Mountain Scenery
Lower Trail Looking at the Ski Slopes
View of Telluride as We Hiked Back to Town
Trees and Rocks Along the Trail