Wednesday April 6, 2022
The western part of my trip is coming to a close and today offered a last chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region before I cross the plains. My destination was Pueblo, CO and, although Route 50 runs through both Salida (where I stayed last night) and Pueblo, I have already traveled that section and decided to take a detour via the Pikes Peak Highway near Colorado Springs. Unlike yesterday this detour did not outdo Route 50 as you will see if you read my post on Route 50 from September 2017.
The Pikes Peak Highway climbs to the summit of Pikes Peak at an elevation of 14,115 feet (4,302 m) over a distance of 19 miles (31 km) and advertises spectacular views along the way. Today dawned with clear blue skies and excellent visibility and I decided to drive the highway even though I knew that, due to ice and wind blown snow at higher elevations, only the first 13 miles (21 km), up to 11,600 feet (3,536 m), were open today.
The weather was great as I left Salida on Route 50 this morning.
Pikes Peak viewed from 5 miles away.
Unfortunately, the best views from Pikes Peak Highway must be on the upper portion as the first overlook offered this great view which turned out to be the best of my drive. The valley below is the Ute valley with Route 24 providing access to Pikes Peak.
This was the only other view on the section of highway that was open that was not obstructed by trees. This was from a pullout, rather than a viewpoint, so there was no description of what I was looking at.
Route 24 was scenic as I drove toward Colorado Springs when leaving Pikes Peak but, while driving south to Pueblo, I could see the flat expanse of the plains stretching to my left.
I am not done with Route 50 just yet but expect I have seen the best of it and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
So nice to glacial landscapes regardless how far away from the photographer
Sorry, didn’t realize it was glacial. That’s what we need you for.
The wild, wild west! Enjoy!
Love,
Kusum
Thanks, I did. All the way from Dallas to San Francisco and back.
I did Pike’s Peak by train in 2008. It was 27oF at the top in August and I bought a jacket (still worn) at the top (108oF a week earlier on I-15). More bizarrely it was Pike’s Peak marathon weekend so I could just make out through the mist runners who’d just run a half-marathon up a mountain checking in then setting off to run down again. Happy memories.
Sounds like my visit to Mt Washington in New Hampshire where it was blowing a blizzard at the summit and I just had a cup of coffee and a quick look around the museum before leaving. Luckily I was driving so had a jacket with me. No marathon runners to avoid – just had to stay on the road in the mist. Fun times.