The road leading up to Hayden Pass, on the East side of the Sangre de Christos.
I rode along with my pal Treeroot and his nicely lifted white 80 series Land Cruiser for this trip.
Morning views.
Making our way up Hayden Pass, Coaldale, CO in the distance.
Recent burn on Hayden Pass.
Working our way through the burn.
Most of the trail works through dense forest.
Colorado Columbine.
At the top of Hayden Pass.
As we started the decent on the West side of the pass, we were greeted with some fine views of the San Luis Valley.
Looking back on the Sangre de Christos.
After gassing up in Saguache, we headed into the Cochetopa Hills via the Alder Creek Trail.
Another narrow, but enjoyable drive through the Aspens/forest.
A tight fit for Treeroot and his 80 series….
Most of the rest of the group passed through easily.
Came across some of our first mines along the Alder Creek Trail. A small mine operation that we stopped to check out.
Some fine views of the Sangre de Christo as we climed further up the Alder Creek trail.
Wild Iris at the end of it’s summer life.
Round Mountain. As we came to this spot, we came upon a group that needed some assistance with a flat tire. So some of the group went over to help.
Some good afternoon vistas.
Exploring the Rawely Mine.
Ore was discovered at the Rawley Mine site around 1880 with production increasing significantly in 1902. Copper, Lead, Zinc and Silver was the main ore mined. The mine consisted of 12 levels, with the 1200 level used as a drainage and ore hauler. A 300 ton/day mill was built in 1923 along Squirrel Creek The Rawley mine produced some 476,000 tons of ore between 1923 and 1930. Quit a bit of structures remain around the mine site.
Treeroot blocking my shot.
The old cemetery at Bonanza.
A fine camp just outside the old mining town of Bonanza.
Enjoying a nice rainbow after the afternoon shower had cleared.
A fine evening with friends around the campfire.
End.