Michael Satterfield
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is one of the most important roads and beautiful roadways in the United States. The first route was opened in 1921 and quickly proved inadequate for motor travel as a single-track road with steep grades. From 1929-1938 a modern two-lane highway was built connecting the Kawuneeche Valley to Grand Lake. The route followed what was known to local Arapaho Indians as the Dog Trail and was with minimal impact to the landscape since it’s primary goal was to bring visitors into the Rock Mountain National Park.
During Winter much of the road is closed due to the snowpack, but the parts that are open are still striking. The Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the United States and is one of the few roads listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the warmer months, visitors can explore the ghost town of Lulu City, and enjoy some amazing views. Be sure to check the weather and road conditions before you head up.
Highway 160 and Wolf Creek Pass
There are a number of amazing sights along US Highway 160, but Wolf Creek Pass has to be one of the most awe-inspiring views in Colorado. The high mountain pass on the Continental Divide drops into a beautiful valley that then slowly leads to the vast deserts of the Southwest. Just west of the pass, about 15 miles east of Pagosa Springs, Treasure Falls offers passers-by a dramatic view of a mountain waterfall. If you continue on Highway 160 you will find yourself at the four corners monument in the Navajo nation where you can stand in four states at the same time.
During warmer months there are several places with campgrounds along the route, the Toyota RAV4 I was driving was perfect for camping along the way and once I was down out of the mountains I found some amazing landscapes to wake up to each morning.
Special Thanks to Toyota for allowing me to borrow the RAV4 Adventure for this trip.
