RMNP to Leadville CO

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Trail Ridge Rd was open and we were on it by 6:45am. We wanted to avoid the weekend crowds. TR Rd is the highest paved road in North America. It travels along the spine of the Rockies with the highest point over 12,000 ft. There were some good mountain views and the skies were blue, but it was cold and windy at the top. In the afternoon we left RMNP behind and traveled southwest to Leadville, the 2 mile high town. It was a scenic drive with ranch land, brown rolling mountains sprinkled with golden aspen, snowcapped mountains in the distance and several large lakes and reservoirs. We’re in the middle of ski country now. Leadville was a prosperous mining town of 30,000 during the late 1800’s. Now it’s an antique haven, tourist town and outdoor recreation mecca. We stayed at an RV campground in town -no Wal-Mart here, but there was a Pizza Hut we enjoyed.

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Photos

Abstract of Elk
We saw this fellow as we started on the Trail Ridge Road. He was scratching his antlers on a bush and he appeared to be alone.

Early Morning Light
We drove Trail Ridge Rd. early. We avoided the crowds and caught the sun striking the mountain tops. It was cold.

Top View on Trail Ridge Rd
This was about 12, 000 ft. up. It was very COLD and windy.

Mountain lake
A lake in the lower altitude of the road. There was still some snow and ice around. The road had been closed for 4 days. It generally closes for the season in mid-Oct.

Colorado River
The river starts on the western side of the Rocky Mountains as a placid, shallow river

Ranch on the Way to Leadville
South of RMNP the mountains became more like rolling hills and it was ranch country

Restored Leadville Building
Many of the victorian facades of Leadville's buildings have been restored. The town and mining area peaked in the early 1900's.

Victorian Window
The details attracted me.

View of Mt. Elbert
This 14,000 ft mountain towers over Leadville. This is the view from our RV park. Walking the dogs early in the morning has its advantages.