I highlighted everywhere I drove in blue, the places I hiked in pink and the places I slept at in orange. My plan was to go all over Colorado but I picked the wrong time to do it. Southern Colorado is excellent in the beginning of June, but Central and Northern Colorado, not so much, just as far as hiking the peaks go, everything else is good. I had to re-route my trip and go to Utah, which is all right. I just didn’t get to keep going through Colorado. I will return someday though and finish what I started. I still saw a lot! And that is what I am about to share with you.
Every road I turned in Colorado offered a magnificent and diverse view. You do not just see one type of environment, but many types of environments. Southern Colorado is more of a desert landscape. The middle of Colorado is more of the country-side and mountains and lakes. The west side you start to see a lot more canyons getting close to Utah, and the East side of the state is more or less flat. You do not get bored driving through this state! You can get trail maps and road maps here.
On the 160! The 160 has a direct West and East route through southern Colorado. It will lead you through small towns (don’t expect to see many red lights here), mountains, desert, and National Parks. This route will lead you right to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. Both great parks that offer plentiful sights, but the drive there is almost just as overwhelming.
Continuing up to the North on the way to Telluride held some of my favorite pictures. This road which is the 145 is undeniably breathtaking.
After Telluride I drove Northeast to Aspen. I took the 62 to 550 to 50 to 92 to 133. Most of the driving through the middle of Colorado, pretty much has no reception so be prepared for that. You pretty much only get reception in the small towns and even some towns don’t have it at all! Also the radio station you don’t get too much on. I barely listened to my i-pod though because I was just curious on what the radio stations were like. It is mostly religious and Mexican music. And the religions stations are very intense. There’s a lot of yelling and preaching. But it’s kinda interesting to listen to. So the drive up to Aspen looked a little like this.
I loved the farming towns!
Farms and High Mountains Here
I did this for you Lacey!
After Aspen, I decided to leave Colorado for the time being because I kept getting snowed in when hiking. You can definitely visit Aspen in June, but you really can’t hike up any peaks or passes unless you have the right equipment.
Thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed!
Shelly/Livingonthedirt
I’ve been to Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park in CO, which I love with a passion. Also, last year on my trip to Arches, my friend and I took the train from Chicago. The views are amazing west of Denver. We got off at Grand Junction, and hiked the Colorado National Monument, It is fabulous, like a mini Grand Canyon. If you have a chance when you return, I highly recommend it. Lots of other places in CO I need to check out.
Oh yeah! That does sound amazing! Thanks for the heads up and if I’m back in the area ill definitely check it out!