We moved to the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies in 2020. Since then, we visited a few magnificent locations around the area but nothing prepared us for how amazing the western part of the state is (aka the Western Slope).
We got a first taste of the western wonder as we followed the sometimes bumpy back road (US Hwy 50) west, past Gunnison and to our AirBnB destination in Ridgeway, Colorado. Rumbling skies made for an extra dramatic background as we followed Gunnison river to Blue Mesa Reservoir before it veered toward Black Canyon. The reservoir offers plenty of fun options, especially in summertime: from a relaxed beach outing to fishing to water sports. The Black Canyon offers breathtaking views, exciting hikes, and wildlife and night sky watching opportunities.
As the sun went down, we veered off the main road and followed a gravel road to our AirBnB cabin. We didn’t know what to expect but we certainly didn’t expect that VIEW: Mount Sneffels, the highest summit of the Sneffels Range in the Rocky Mountains (14,158 feet/4,315m); an open valley and a peek-a-boo view of the County Fair Grounds, and pretty cabins with more mountains in the background.
The sunset painted the sky and mountains red, fuchsia, and golden.
We settled in and relaxed on the deck, breathing in the crisp mountain air.
In the morning, steaming coffee cup in hand, I savored the view before we headed out to explore Ridgeway.
We watched the preparations for the Ouray County Rodeo, a quintessential Western experience.
Our next adventure: Ouray.
