It’s been awhile that I wanted to explore Colorado mountains and as I have to cross the Rockies to go East, I took the opportunity to make a few detours.
 
 
1. Nice valley West of Uncompahgre Plateau.
 

 
 
2. The edge of the plateau is sometimes abrupt.
 

 
 
3. “Western” but actual building…
 

 
 
4. Small church in Gateway.
 

 
 
5. Beautiful mesa over Gateway.
 

 
 
6. The Dolores River has a particularity. To bring water to gold mining, in 1883, a company created a 15 miles canal which was suspended in the cliffs for 5 miles. Some vestiges remain clearly visible…
 

 
 
7. Here in closeup. It’s crazy what the search for gold and silver generated as work in the American West!
 

 
 
8. Typical saloon in a small hick town…
 

 
 
9. Wildlife is still abundant. Here a troop of deer not far from the road.
 

 
 
10. VivaLaVida approachs the mountains and leaves desert with altitude. Here the Lone Cone Mountain which looks like a volcano with this storm cloud.
 

 
 
11. Quiet camping in National Forest…
 

 
 
12. Of course with the campfire to cook the diner! 🙂
 

 
 
13. One of the symbols of the American West: artesian wells…
 

 
 
14. Pastures…
 

 
 
15. Highlands…
 

 
 
To be followed with a small glimpse of Telluride, a small town in the foothills of mountains.