In May 2005 I created the opportunity to drive from Denver, Colorado, south to Albuquerque, New Mexico. These pictures include Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheater; the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs; and my drive over Colorado Highway 12, the "Highway of Legends" through Cuchara Pass. The scenery and the wildlife were exhilarating when I was there, and then happily relaxing when I reflect back on them through these pictures.

Always take time to smell the roses.

Bighorn Sheep: Best Surprise of the Trip

(and click the thumbnail shot, below, for more pictures of bighorn sheep)

Cloudcroft Bears (and fellow critters)
 

Garden of the Gods

 
The Continental Divide marks the point in North America where water falling on the east side of the divide flows (theoretically) to the Atlantic Ocean, while water on the west side flows (eventually) to the Pacific Ocean. The passes shown above are all at elevations above 10,000 feet (more than 3000 meters.)

Red Rocks Amphitheater
 

Above: Buffalo Bill's Grave
 

Rocky Mountain National Park

It was a privilege as an American to be able to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, northwest of Denver. Although there weren't great photographic conditions, I tried to capture the breath-taking splendor and scenic majesty. May you have a chance to visit for yourself.
I drove up Old Fall River Road, a one-way, dirt track that winds up to Fall River Pass, at over 12,000 feet (more than 3,600 meters.) It's not as efficient as the more modern Trail Ridge Road, and driving restrictions are in place, but it's very much worth it.

Colorado Water

-- hardy as it has to be in those mountains, serene as it should be in that setting.

 

Above: mule deer herd heading for supper alongside the highway near the Colorado/New Mexico state boundary.
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