Day 5 June 2, 2014

4 Jun

Grand Junction, CO to Carbondale, CO

Today we left Grand Junction, CO at 10;30 AM on our way to Carbondale, CO.

Driving on I-70 we past several small towns:  Palisade, DeBeque, Parachute, and Rifle.

We stopped for our first diesel fill-up since leaving Arizona.  At the truck stop, we met a couple from Scottsdale, AZ on their way to Breckenridge.  They are the owners of the Coach House, Scottsdale’s Oldest Tavern since 1959.  We have never been there, but will give it a try when we return home in the fall.

At Glenwood Springs, CO, we took Highway 82 towards Aspen.  Glenwood Springs is popular for its Hot Mineral Springs and Natural Vapor Caves.  It is also a popular rafting and trout fishing destination.  We will make a trip back to this area tomorrow or stop on our way back to I-70 in a couple of days.

Continuing on Highway 82, we drove 12 miles to our destination, Carbondale KOA.  After getting settled, we drove 30 miles to Aspen.  Aspen is a year-round resort and cultural center best known for its Ski Runs on Aspen Mountain.  Aspen became the official town name in 1880 because of the bountiful number of Aspen Trees. Aspen, CO - Aspen Trees

 

We drove around and looked at the houses, condos, and ski area.  The town was bustling with workers repairing, restoring, and landscaping.  We were amazed at the amount of work taking place!

Next, we stopped at Snowmass Village, founded in 1967 and incorporated as a town in 1977.  Snowmass Village is 3100 acres of ski terrain in the White River National Forest.  This rugged mountainous area is known for its spectacular scenery and year-round outdoor recreation.  The Village is made up of lodges, condos, restaurants, and boutiques.

Snowmass Ski Lift

Back at the KOA we enjoyed sitting on our patio and listening to the sound of the nearby rushing Crystal River.  Our campsite has a view of the river as well as a view of the snow-capped Mt. Sopris.

Carbondale, CO KOA- MT. Sopris

 

Does it get any better that this?