Things To Do
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
If you have never experienced Black Canyon National Park, this breathtaking canyon is not to be missed. It is absolutely an incredible sight and one of Western Colorado's gems.
Grand Mesa National Forest
Grand Mesa is the largest flat top mountain in the world. With over 300 lakes and many hiking trails to choose from, including Cheryl's favorite trail, Crag Crest (where the picture above was taken), there is no shortage of things to do. Even just a drive is well worth the trip up there.
Ouray
Ouray, Colorado, located in the San Juan Mountain Range is known as the Switzerland of America. It is one of Cheryl's favorite mountain towns. Things to do include hiking, visiting waterfalls, shopping, and the best hot springs pool in Colorado. This hot springs is unique because it is completely odorless. There are also a couple sights there that are included on the True Grit Film Tour, including the courthouse where the scenes were filmed inside during the trial at the beginning of the film. If you are feeling adventurous, join a jeep tour and go visit some old ghost towns from Colorado's gold rush days. Those trails are not for the faint of heart, but are well worth the time. The San Juans are some of the most gorgeous mountains in the world and are rich with history. The area is famous for Red Mountain Pass, also known as "The Million Dollar Highway" because of the cost to build it in 1880. If you drive it, be sure to grab an "I survived Red Mountain Pass" t-shirt back in town as a badge of honor. You will understand if you Google pictures of this narrow pass with no shoulders and step cliffs...or join the Colorado natives who shrug and say, "Eh, no big deal. It's not that scary!" Cheryl is trying to convince Larry it's not as scary as the pictures make it look.
Ridgway True Grit Film Tour
The first time Larry came to visit and meet Cheryl in person, she took him on the True Grit tour. It was filmed in Ridgway, Ouray, and up on Dallas Divide. "True Grit" starring John Wayne is Larry's favorite movie. Dallas Divide is one of the most photographed locations in Colorado. It is absolutely breathtaking!