A few of us rented n Jeep in Lake City and enjoyed driving Cinnamon Pass into Silverton, Black Bear Pass dropping down into Telluride, then Ophir Pass to Ouray, Engineer Pass back to Lake City. An incredible loop with big views in every direction. Also, we were able to head up to the old Carson townsite above Castle Lakes.
At 9300 ft elevation, this is a one way airstrip surrounded by 14ers in a narrow canyon! (Density altitude can easily reach 12,500+ ft.) Please email us for more information at [email protected] if this peaks your interest.
On the way to Castle Lakes, I stopped by Quarter Circle Circle. Crisp mountain air and antelope at 9600 ft.
Fall colors at QCC.
Stunning views on the way to Castle Lakes.
Taking a closer look at Uncompahgre Peak and Wetterhorn.
Castle Lakes airstrip
Pretty electric fall colors in the area.
Old Carson townsite
American Basin
Cinnamon Pass
Old Frisco Mine
Towards Silverton, CO
Old Eureka Mine
Steam engine in Silverton, CO
Top of Black Bear Pass
Driving down the "steps" on Black Bear (Don't screw up here, it's a long way down.)
Looking down on the Bridal Veil power house
Power house and falls
Heading up Ophir Pass
Lower part of Engineer Pass from Ouray
The group at the top of Engineer Pass
Hinsdale County court house in Lake City
Soggy morning at Castle Lakes
Cessna 180 departing
On our way home topping off the tanks at Buena Vista.
