Trinidad to Mancos - the scenic route

Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, United States
There was a lot of chat over breakfast this morning, because of the weather. We had to go to Plan B, because Wolf Pass was snowed and we would need snow chains. So Instead of going the quick route, we backtracked a bit and headed west on highway 64. It was only 59 miles (107 km) longer - but took an extra couple of hours. Plus!

Going into Taos we had to go over a range - the speed limit was 35mph going up and 25mph going down . The last 90 miles were on our original route, as the snow had stopped. So we didn't have to go to Plan C!! In Taos, we passed Kit Carson's house.

The scenery was incredible, and just kept changing. We'd see snow beside the road, then go into a valley and motor along for miles. Then over another range with even more snow! And then another! And lots of valley or prairie in between the ranges.

Today we saw Prairie Dogs running across the road; a herd of bison; a couple of Mountain Bluebirds that flew in front of the windscreen (brilliant all over blue!). Lots of snow and lots of running water - snow melt and rain - so a lot of rock falls and hard shoulders broken away.

We stopped for lunch at The Three Ravens in Tierra Amarilla. I'd recommend it to anyone - but it's so popular with the locals, probably best to go outside "office" lunch time. We only had coffee and shared a panini (which was scrumptious) but we spent a lot of time talking to the owners who were about our age. So the lunch break was an hour plus! Tierra Amarillo is a shadow of its former self, with just a few hundred people these days. Check it out here http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nm/tierraamarilla.htm

We got back onto the 160 highway at Pagosa Springs, and then followed that for the last 90 miles to Mancos. There were a few roadworks - some to do with the recent snow & rain, and some just regular resurfacing. We got here just after 5pm.

A long day, but enjoyable. Had dinner next door to the motel - at "Millwood Junction" restaurant.


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Comments

greghills1@bigpond.com
2015-05-20

Lovely country. It is great to get in amongst it and experience the everyday people and places.that is what is so great about overseas road trips.

2025-02-11

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