Heading toward Yosemite

[Mike Magee]

If I don't seem to be around here much for the next 3 weeks, it's because I leave tomorrow for some major camping! Heading through CO, UT, and NV on the way to a week in Yosemite (mostly at Bridalveil Creek CG). Then I have a business meeting in Las Vegas on the 23rd, after which I'll mosey toward home through AZ and NM. Hoping to visit the Black Canyon and CO Natl Monument, Great Basin, and Grand Canyon's north rim along the way, too... I've never been to any of those places before. Watch for a trip report with plenty of photos when I get back home! ( Donna)

[Robin G]

Heat has been on in east side of CO, head for the hills! And fires have been awful on the south end of the state. There have been road closures do to fire lines, so you might wanna check your route! Safe journey! Enjoy!

[carlkeigley]

Black Canyon has to be viewed from the back side.
The main highway runs along the Canyon but you
can't see squat. Just a heads up. I've only been there
once, but a co-worker gave me the low down before I left.
It was pretty nice.

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by carlkeigley

Black Canyon has to be viewed from the back side.
The main highway runs along the Canyon but you
can't see squat. Just a heads up. I've only been there
once, but a co-worker gave me the low down before I left.
It was pretty nice.

You mean the north side is more scenic than the south?

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by Robin G

Heat has been on in east side of CO, head for the hills! And fires have been awful on the south end of the state. There have been road closures do to fire lines, so you might wanna check your route! Safe journey! Enjoy!

Thanks for reminding me to check the fire maps. Looks like I'll be good, I'm heading from Walsenberg to Alamosa, then north to US-50, then west. Might get some smoke at Black Canyon from the East Fork fire...?

[carlkeigley]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

You mean the north side is more scenic than the south?

I'm nearly positive. It's been a very long time since I've been there.
But if I hadn't been told I probably would have missed it all together.

Looking at the map, looks like hwy50 on the south side.
Hwy 92 runs the north side. Actually, if I remember correctly you
don't even see it on the south side. There are pull off parking on the
north side.

If it's still there, there is a cafe known for the largest pancake.
There was a huge pancake above the cafe in Gunnison. I had to try it.
I could not eat it all. It hung over the edge of the plate all the
way around.

[carlkeigley]

It looks like the Black Canyon may have a visitor center now.
Here's the tripadvisor site on it:

Black Canyon - Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park - Reviews of Black Canyon - TripAdvisor

They may have some sites on the south side now, but if not
it's a short way on the north side.

I might add, I didn't go to the National Park, I just went to see
the canyon. Just so I don't steer you wrong.

http://www.black.canyon.national-par...es/areamap.jpg

http://www.black.canyon.national-par...lackcanyon.jpg

[Mike Magee]

Thanks. The NPS website and visitor comments I've found seem to point mostly toward the turnouts along the south rim. I found this quote from NPS:

"What is the difference between the South Rim and North Rim?
The South Rim has more services, facilities and overlooks, and provides better views of the Painted Wall. The North Rim is accessed via a gravel road, has no visitor center, but does provide better views into the narrowest part of the canyon."

I will see that area, then if I have the time and inclination I'll backtrack to hit the north side. Anytime an area really looks spectacular to me, I slow down and spend more time there (if possible). But if it's sorta bland, I move on. (And one person's bland is another person's spectacular, of course... )

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

Watch for a trip report with plenty of photos when I get back home! ( Donna)

I WILL Be!!!!

Safe travels Mike and make a ton of great memories

[Mike Magee]

I am currently sitting at Glacier Point. While in the valley CGs last weekend, I saw a blue Perris and stopped by to meet the owner. Turned out to be forum member Susie I (not sure I spelled it right). We had a nice time chatting and looking at her Perris which was on its maiden voyage with her family.

I have seen several Scamps around the park, and also a trillium being towed by what looked like a Ford Model A!

I will be home in about a week and look forward to a full report.

[carlkeigley]

A Model A Ford would be a trick TV.
Looking forward to the report.