Sunday, Day 3
What do I want to do on a Sunday in Breckenridge? That was the question. As I headed out, I stepped into a warm sunny day that was crystal clear with a sky so blue it hurt the eyes! My first stop was to get a picture of the gondolas. I plan to take them to the top of the mountain before I leave but I like the way they look as the cross above the road, so I stopped for a few pictures.
Gondola photos done I headed for East Route 70 to find the wildlife viewing area I’d seen a sign for on Friday.
Wildlife Viewing Area
I remembered seeing a road sign for wildlife viewing, specifically big horn sheep. Since my accidental Moose sighting yesterday, I thought maybe my luck would hold.
The Exit number was 228 and took me off the highway at Georgetown. I tried the visitor center first, but it was so packed I couldn’t even find parking, so I poked along toward the center of town watching for more signs. I spotted two of interest. One was for the Georgetown Loop railroad, and another was for Guanella Pass. I figured the wildlife viewing was probably along the pass.
Guanella Pass- A Scenic Byway
A former burro trail, the now-paved Guanella Pass scenic byway is 22 miles and climbs to timberline, taking in spectacular views of Mount Bierstadt, Mount Evans and the alpine tundra before descending into cool groves of aspen and pine.
The road twists and turns through a series of hairpin and U-turns with minimal shoulders. Posted speed limits of 10 mph on these curves is common as is rounding a corner to a magnificent vista spread out before you. Of course, finding anyplace to pull over to enjoy the view is a challenge!
This is not the most difficult road I have ever driven but it does present challenges and can get the heart pumping and adrenaline surging. Thankfully no Big Horn Sheep, elk or deer decided to cross the road in front of me.
The Scenic Look out
Early on at the start of the pass there was one scenic turn out. I had the good luck to be there when the Georgetown Loop train went by, black smoke billowing out of the engine’s stack. I think I may have to see about taking that train ride now that I’ve seen the train.
The Summit
The summit was packed, cars campers, motorcycles and bicyclists. There were lots of trails leading in all directions and hikers and walkers roamed everywhere. I managed to snag a spot to park and indulged in a few landscape photos. After all, I was on top of the world here. Before I pulled out to start my downward trip, I debated if I should go back down the way I came and return to Georgetown or continue down the other side of the mountain.
Although I had no idea where I would come out when I reached the other side, I decided I didn’t have any place I needed to be, so I’d just continue to explore. Going down was easier than the climb had been. There were fewer of those incredibly sharp turns, but the views were no less amazing.
No wildlife this time but the week is only getting started.