Fall River Drive

Today, I took another adventure. Only this time, it was heading West, away from Denver and into the Rockies. It's amazing how far away the mountains look from here, a far off distant hill, but after only an hour (or less actually) of driving, I was there IN the mountains. The driving was scary--Indiana doesn't have 6% grade downhill roads with semis and emergency pull off ramps. I wish I could have gone with someone else. There's always the pull between wanting the wheel in your hands as you discover new territory or being able to stick your head against the glass and soak in the scenery.

Fall River Drive is a scenic road that starts near Idaho Springs. The road itself is only a 20 minutes drive, but the curves are insane. The roads with 180 degree turns that slowly get you up the mountain really do exist and I have now drive them! (I guess I should know this, since we went up the Dolomites in Italy, but I was really motion sick so there was so observing...)

The trees are gorgeous (the road is lined with Aspens) and starting to turn bright Fall colors. I rolled the windows down, turned the music off, and just enjoyed the nature. At the top of the road (~10,000 ft in elevation), there is Silver Lake. It was like something from a movie or a picture: a few decrepit brick buildings, old farming/mining equipment in a carved out niche of land surrounded by mountains. It was a little chilly and windy, but it was perfect. I just..sat there.

Mountains are truly the architecture of America. Europe has old stone buildings that you can't help but stare at in awe. These mountains are the same. They're large and majestic and natural pieces of beauty--like if St. Paul's, St. Mark's, St. Anthony's, and Notre Dame were all built next to each other.

I'm glad I went. It was beautiful. And perhaps next time (or after the Winter season) I can find a place to hike around too. I bet there's even better views if you hike to them.

Cheers!