Day 2: To Lake City

Today started out in Ouray, not Telluride. As the map shows, we rode the long way around, since there is a huge mountain range in the way.

Before setting out to Lake City we first rode part way up the million dollar highway towards Silverton. We stopped at the overlook at Red Mountain, which had many mines going in the side of the mountain, not active any more. The reddish peaks of Red Mountain are poking up above the tree line.

We then headed off on dirt roads, over Owl Peak Pass, past beautiful ranches along the way, then stunning mountains near the pass, about 10,000 feet.

Our late lunch was hot dogs with all the fixings grilled up by Juan, our guide driving the van.

We pulled into Lake City about 4pm. It was raining lightly. After we got our hotel rooms, the sun broke through the clouds. My friend Bill and I were the only ones who headed off on an afternoon ride up a Jeep trail to Mechanics Pass with Barak, our lead guide.

We headed off up the canyon.

Eventually we got to the pass.

A bit further we came to this look out, at 13,000 feet. Amazing view in all directions.

Then we headed back down to Lake City. Round trip up the Jeep road and back was 35 miles, took three hours, and was well worth it. We got back just in time for showers and then walk across the street to join everyone else at the Mexican restaurant for dinner.