Category Archives: Colorado

Colorado’s Big, Bold, and Slightly Baked Idea

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A Wildlife Overpass for the Ages

A Mile‑High Solution to a Down‑to‑Earth Problem

Yo, wildlife lovers—gather ‘round. Did you know that Colorado, the state where the air is thin, the mountains are tall, and the recreational marijuana is… well, very recreational, is building one of the world’s largest wildlife overpasses? Yes indeed. Leave it to Colorado to say, “Hey, what if we just let the elk do their thing—safely—and vibe their way across the interstate?”

Mama and Cubs

Grizzly 399 and cubs -Wyoming Photo Credit Deb Neumann

I first heard about wildlife crossings in Canada, where they’ve been quietly helping critters avoid becoming roadkill for years. Sometimes it’s a tunnel under a highway; sometimes it’s a lush, green overpass that looks like a national park decided to take a nap on top of a bridge. Either way, the goal is simple: stop the heartbreaking (and frankly messy) carnage we see on roads every year. From squashed squirrels to majestic elk and even bears—vehicle collisions take a toll. Grizzly 399 in Wyoming, a beloved icon, was tragically killed by a vehicle accident. These crossings matter.

The Biggest, Boldest Overpass Yet

Colorado’s new wildlife overpass is being built across I‑25 near the Greenland interchange between Larkspur and Monument. And this isn’t just any overpass—this will be the world’s largest wildlife structure over a major roadway. Leave it to Colorado to go big or go home. Maybe it’s the altitude. Maybe it’s the edibles. Who’s to say.

This massive structure will span six full lanes of interstate traffic. Imagine elk strolling over rush hour like they’re on a scenic hiking trail while commuters below sip coffee and wonder why they didn’t choose a simpler life in the woods.

Why Overpasses Work (Especially for the Big Guys)

Before this system began construction, this stretch of I‑25 saw an average of one wildlife‑vehicle crash per day. One. Every. Day. The new crossing system—overpass plus underpasses—is expected to reduce those crashes by up to 90%.

Smaller animals tend to use the tunnels, but elk and other large game? They’re not fans of enclosed spaces. Tunnels don’t accommodate their antlers, their line of sight, or their general “I need room to strut” energy. Overpasses, with open views and natural vegetation, are their preferred runway.

A Win for Wildlife and Drivers Alike

This project is a reminder that conservation doesn’t always require grand speeches or sweeping legislation. Sometimes it’s as simple—and brilliant—as giving animals a safe path home. Colorado’s leading the way, and honestly, I hope more states follow suit.

After all, if we can build bridges for people, why not build them for the creatures who were here long before the interstates arrived?

 

A Mustang Like No Other

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Returning to Arounddustyroads roots of travel stories and the approach of Halloween seems a good time to touch on the mysterious Blue Mustang of Denver International Airport. “Blue Mustang”—a towering sculpture steeped in tragedy, controversy, and conspiracy—has become one of the most iconic and unsettling landmarks in Colorado.

 

The Beast at the Gate: A Mustang Like No Other

Standing 32 feet tall and weighing approximately 9,000 pounds, the cast-fiberglass sculpture known as Blue Mustang greets travelers along Peña Boulevard leading to Denver International Airport (DIA). Its electric-blue body and glowing red eyes have earned it the ominous nickname Blucifer, a moniker that reflects both its dramatic appearance and the dark tale behind its creation.

A Vision Cut Short: Luis Jiménez’s Final Work

Commissioned in 1992 as part of Denver’s public art initiative, artist Luis Jiménez envisioned the mustang as a tribute to the spirit of the American West. Drawing inspiration from his own Appaloosa stallion, Blackjack, Jiménez poured years of effort into the sculpture. Tragically, in 2006, a section of the statue broke loose during studio work and fatally severed an artery in his leg. After his death, the piece was completed by his family and fellow artists, including Camillo Nuñez and Richard LaVato, and finally installed in 2008.

Blucifer’s Glow and the Public’s Unease

 

The sculpture’s glowing red eyes—an homage to the neon signs crafted by Jiménez’s father—have fueled eerie interpretations. Some locals view the mustang as demonic or cursed, while others admire its bold presence and artistic merit. Despite initial backlash and calls for its removal, Blucifer has become a permanent fixture and a symbol of Denver’s unconventional approach to public art.

DIA: A Hotbed of Conspiracy

Denver International Airport itself is no stranger to mystery. Since its opening in 1995, DIA has been the subject of countless conspiracy theories. From alleged underground bunkers and secret societies to murals with supposed subliminal messages, the airport has inspired speculation about hidden agendas and paranormal activity. The mustang’s deadly backstory only adds fuel to the fire, with some theorists claiming it’s part of a larger narrative involving alien coordinates and apocalyptic symbolism.

A Legacy of Awe and Intrigue

Though born of tragedy and surrounded by controversy, Blue Mustang endures as a striking piece of public art. It stands not just as a gateway to Denver, but as a testament to Jiménez’s vision and the airport’s embrace of the bizarre. Whether seen as a protector of travelers or a harbinger of mystery, Blucifer continues to captivate and unsettle in equal measure.

 

 

Natural Wonders of the USA Part 12

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Natural Wonders of the USA

 

So sorry I missed a couple of posts this week. We’ll get back on track with more Natural Wonders from the list today. Wednesday was my birthday. How old am I? Never ask a lady her age! Then the last docs for my taxes came in so I spent the rest of the time getting everything together for my tax guy. He’ll have fun this year…there was a severance payout, unemployment, and a cash out of my 401K all because of the layoff. He’ll earn his fee this year. 

But lets get back to the fun things. We are winding down on the Natural Wonders of the USA. In my last post we reached #41 that was South Carolina and  Congaree National Park.  9 more to go to make our 50 Wonders. So what’s next?

 #42 Minnesota – Big Bog State Recreation Area

That sounds real inviting.  What do you want to do for vacation? Lets go visit a big swamp but not the Everglades. Lets go north to the Big Bog! Big Bog has only been a designated area since 2002 so it’s kind of young. The area is comprised of wetlands with jackpine forests, nearby lakes and of course a big bog. The bog is about 500 square miles. There are approximately 300 species of birds, white-tailed deer, black bears, gray wolves and other animals. They don’t mention mosquitos but saying bog brings stinging insects to mind. Big Bog State Recreation Area has been called Minnesota’s last true wilderness.

The mystery of Big Bog | Columnists | ellsworthamerican.com

Photo Credit- Internet

#43 Colorado – Rocky Mountains

Oh my, The Rocky Mountains – Colorado. Been there. I stayed in the heart of the mountains in Breckenridge but I never got into the National Park. Admission to the park is by reservation and has to be booked in advance online. I tried everyday to get a reservation and was never able to get one. I asked locals about it and they said the reservation system never worked right. It was very disappointing. But this is what I know about the Rocky Mountains. John Denver sang wonderful songs about them. They take your breath away- literally- Beware of altitude sickness! The are beautiful and majestic. The Rocky Mountains are the biggest mountain range in the western United States. They stretch approximately 3,000 miles from northern part of British Columbia, all the way to New Mexico. 

Colorado 2022 – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Rocky Mountains 2022- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

 

#44 – Wisconsin – Cave of the Mounds

I’ve been to Wisconsin but I was there for my brother’s retirement from the Navy. The ceremony was in Kenosha. It was a quick trip and I don’t remember much about the state. I definitely didn’t see the Cave of the Mounds. How many cave systems have we seen so far under Natural Wonders? What’s one more? This looks really pretty. This limestone cave is believed to have started forming around 488 million years ago when the earth was covered in shallow seas

Cave of the Mounds | Cave of the Mounds, Dane County, Wiscon… | Peter Gorman | Flickr

Photo credit- Peter Gorman/Flickr

Well folks, that’s it for this post. Only 6 more states to check out. Back soon!

Colorado Thumbnail

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Colorado

What can I say about my Colorado vacation to sum it up? First off, Take time to adjust to the altitude. That I suffered from altitude sickness was a complete surprise to me. I grew up in mountains. Granted my childhood mountains were  a bit smaller than 10,000 ft but I still expected it to count. Plus I’ve been to Wyoming and at 8,000 ft I had no problems at all. Maybe age , overall health or just that extra 2,000-4,000 ft tacked on made a difference.

Mount Quandary 2022

Hiking, Skiing

Breckenridge is a beautiful little town but other than the quaintness there isn’t much to do except hike in the summer or ski in the winter. There are few roads and like any area with more winter than summer, road work has to be crammed into those few warm, storm free months. Getting anywhere required patience. The road construction had traffic tangled from just about every direction. 

Lake Dillon 2022

 

Wildlife

Friends who had been to Colorado told me about the abundant wildlife but I didn’t see much of it. Spotted the Moose family a couple of afternoons and there was a beaver lodge. After watching for the little rodents at various times without success I finally concluded the lodge was abandoned. The big horn sheep were no where to be found although I did see one deer and one pronghorn.  The most exciting moment was spotting that big white bird. (I still think it was a whooping crane) I love a mystery and think it would be great if whooping cranes were making their way back to Colorado. 

Colorado Moose 2022

I was warned about bear in the area, not sure if they were grizzly or black bears but I didn’t see any. The dumpsters were always chained shut to keep the animals out of the trash. 

Maybe the lack of wildlife was due to the heat. Temps were in the mid 80’s most days. I was told to expect low 70’s so that could have had the animals looking for shade.

What I missed

Colorado is now checked off my list of states that I’ve gone for vacation but I’m not done with the state yet. It’s huge and now that I know driving in the summer is not a viable option ( unless you like traffic jams)  I’ll need to consider short visits in different areas. 

Breckenridge Gondola 2022

I wasn’t able to get the web site for Rocky Mountain National Park to work. You have to have a reservation now to get in and you have to do it online so I still want to go there. Great Sand Dunes National Park was too far from Breckenridge so I will need a return trip for that. Heading to the south western corner of the state is the Durango and Silverton railroad. That’s a train ride I really want to take. Finally there is Mesa Verde National Park also in the southwestern part of the state.

Back near Denver a side trip to Colorado Springs will let me experience riding the Cog railway up Pike’s Peak. Then take time to visit Garden of the Gods. So much still to see!

So you see I’ve only just scratched the surface of what this state has to offer. 

 

Georgetown Loop Railroad

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Historic Railroad

Can you hear that lonesome whistle? 

After seeing the Steam engine puffing by with black smoke billowing from its stack I knew I’d be riding the Georgetown Loop Railroad. 

I’m not a true train buff but there is just something about a steam engine that stirs the heart.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

The Georgetown Loop Railroad was completed in 1884. It was built to connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. The builders planned out a corkscrew route to make the grade between the towns more manageable for the steam engine. Although the towns are only 2 miles apart, the loop is twice that distance and crosses 4 bridges.

 

On this bright and sunny summer day all of the cars were open air. 

Devil’s Gate Station

 I was waiting at the Silver Plume Depot to pick up my tickets for the 11:25 train. There are restrooms, benches and tables and a nice friendly atmosphere. I should have known that was too easy. I was at the wrong depot. My departure point was the Devil’s Gate Station. Devil’s Gate was completely different!

The parking area at Devil’s Gate was huge and full. Walking down the steps from the parking to the depot area was like entering a beehive. Lines were everywhere. Lines to get into the gift shop, lines to pick up tickets, lines for the restrooms and lines to board and exit the train. Tour busses unloaded their passengers and guides called out instructions to their charges. The contrast to Silver Plume Depot was startling. 

 

All Aboard

 Our conductor had the perfect voice for the All-Aboard call and in spite of the noise and confusion boarding was quick and efficient. In no time at all the whistle blew 3 short toots and the train pulled out with a jerk. Everyone was warned that it wouldn’t be a smooth start and to keep hands and children inside the cars.

This was Big Horn Sheep country, and I kept my eyes open for possible sightings, but the only wildlife out today was a deer getting lunch in some low brouse.

My favorite parts of the trip were the creek crossings. My seat allowed me to watch the engine as it started across the trestle bridges. 

A Perfect Day for a Train Ride

All in all, it was a perfect day for a train ride. It was sunny and warm with a lovely breeze. I even got a bit of a sunburn.

Everything about the depot was clean and welcoming. The staff were fun and friendly. I’m really glad I took the time to explore this area and enjoy this train excursion. Maybe I’ll get to see the Big Horn Sheep another time.