On Top of the World - Monarch Pass, Colorado

I remember in my younger years when I lived and worked at a ski resort in Colorado.   It was a wonderful feeling to get on a chair lift and head to the peak.  I always felt like I could see the world from way up at the top.  Yesterday, we got to enjoy such an experience at Monarch Pass along the Continental Divide on US Highway 50. 

Monarch Pass in Colorado

When we left our campground, the first thing we did was drive to the Salida Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.  They have free Wifi, so we were able to post our blog.  They also allowed us to fill our nearly depleted supply of water.  Salida has an elevation of around 7000 feet (2100 m), but within 30 miles we reached the pass at an elevation of over 11,000 feet (3300 m).  To our delight we found a scenic tram to take us to the top of the mountain.  We marveled as we traveled in the tram above timberline to the observation tower.  The view was outstanding but the temperature was a chilly 55* F (13* C).  Despite the cooling breeze, we found ourselves having a difficult time wanting to come down. 

Monarch Pass in Colorado

As we continued down the highway toward Grand Junction, CO, it seemed as if every turn in the road brought a new landscape.  We passed along a beautiful lake that stretched on for miles.  Finally, as we made our way to Montrose, CO, the landscape flattened out and travel became quicker.  

Montrose Point Reservoir

After stopping in Grand Junction for dinner, we jumped on the Interstate toward the Colorado-Utah border.  We have taken this highway  many times over the years.  To our surprise, there was a free campground listed on freecampsites.net two miles this side of the Utah border.  This is vast, open, high desert country.  We had no idea that this road even existed.  We drove exactly one mile south of the Interstate to a campground called Rabbit Valley Campground.  It proved to be a perfect place to stay the night.  We had a chance to use our solar shower again, take a short hike, and even had a little daylight left to set up our solar panel.  There was a complete lack of sound, so the night brought a very restful and peaceful sleep.

Rabbit Valley Campground

Today will be spent in Utah.  The plan to make it back to a road that we traveled a month ago.  We hope to stop near Duck Creek just to the east of Cedar City.  More good times await!  Happy Trails!