Jeff Linroth on Colorado – Scenic Drive to Durango

On the map the entire journey seems unassuming…beginning westbound on US 50 from Canon City through a scenic canyon with the Arkansas river keeping you company just off the north edge of the roadway.  If not for the promotional signage you might drive right past an unpretentious side road that leads to one of the highest bridges in the world…a breathtaking suspension bridge spanning Royal Gorge.

Exiting the canyon you are greeted by the friendly town of Salida with plenty of options to fuel you up and stock you up for the journey ahead.  Poncha Springs presents the first navigational choice…turn right to head west in the direction of Monarch Pass and Gunnison or north to go to South Park and eventually Denver or Vail.  On this trip to Durango you turn left and proceed up a hill and then onto a high somewhat featureless plain known as the San Luis Valley.  Thouth the valley floor is unremarkable, you will be treated to the seemingly unending string of gorgeous (and often snow-covered) peaks of the Sangre de Cristo (blood of Christ) mountain range.  It features some beguiling, challenging, and uniquely shaped summits such as Crestone Needle, Little Bear, and Challenger Point.  It may be difficult for you to restrain yourself from the constant temptation to take photographs or videos as you roll along.  After crossing the mighty Rio Grande (which has as much water in it here as it does in numerous places along the southern Texas border 1000 miles downstream), a right turn onto Colorado 112 gets you started on the long scenic drive westward.  The Rio Grande accompanies you through a surprisingly fertile valley until you reach a fork in the road known as South Fork.  From here, the left turn you take starts you on the climb to Wolf Creek Pass.  (Yes it is the one made a tiny bit famous by C.W. McCall in his song by the same name published in the late 1970’s!).  The higher you go the prettier it gets…and the vistas as you descend the west side are gorgeous.  Pagosa Springs is an agreeable town with plenty of food and supplies to choose from.  The rest of the way into Durango features gently rolling hills, beautiful trees and the occasional view of some of the snow-capped San Juan Mountains to the north.

All in all a very worthwhile and perhaps not so well known beautiful Colorado Mountain drive.     – Jeff Linroth