Clear Creek is about 16 miles north of Buena Vista on US 24 and has a huge, free boondocking area only two miles west of the main road (39.02216, -106.27769.).
From there it was just a short drive to visit Leadville for a day. At 10152 feet, the town appears to be even higher than the surrounding mountains.
In the late 1800s, Leadville was the most famous silver mining camp in the world and the second largest city in Colorado. There are lots of reminders of its past.
Ron checked out this big rock to see if they left any silver for him. Hey! I think that rock would look great in our front yard in Mesa. How about it, Ron?
Since we crossed into Colorado, it seems to cloud up and/or rain every day. I snapped this ominous shot out the moving car window on our way home from Leadville.
But as usual, the next day dawned clear and we drove up the side valley. Pretty.
One more just because I can.
I agree with your comments on Salida, yet we prefer Buena Vista... smaller, and so perfectly situated for hiking and sightseeing. You weather there seems like typical August - clear and lovely in the morning, with some heavy rain in the afternoon. We really love that area and have spent many happy days there - always going our hikes in the morning!
ReplyDeleteI am taking notes on your places of travel in the hopes of my own visit some day thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnyplace we can escape the heat is a welcome one ... even if we have to take is slower so that we can breathe :-))
ReplyDeleteHmm. Seems there is no real escape from the heat. It was almost 100 in Eugene, Oregon yesterday. We are melting here!
ReplyDeleteThat is a terribly crowded campsite you were in.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think a town based on a silver mine wouldn't be named Leadville. Silverville comes to mind. ;c)
C'mon, Ron - heave ho!
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