Travel Living in Colorado ~
Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam
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What can I say that
has not already been said? The late John Denver pretty
well summed it up for our generation: Colorado Rocky
Mountain High, that’s it in a nutshell. I was fortunate
to have in-laws with a remote cabin and land on the big
Cimarron River nestled between the Gunnison and
Uncompahgre National Forests where many summers were
spent in the glory of the high country. As a child,
Heidi was one of my favorite stories and movies, and in
this remote area of Colorado, I was easily able to live
out my childhood fantasies. Herds of sheep would block
the road in summer as they moved slowly from the
lowlands up to higher ground, sometimes stopping traffic
for extended periods. Just a tad northeast of Ouray and
the area known as “little Switzerland” summers spent in
this region were indeed the closest I could get to the
Swiss Alps.
River fishing in the
Cimarron, lake fishing at Beaver Lake, brought home an
abundance of fish for cook fires outdoors, grilling and
lazing in the cool summer evenings with company and
friends. Life is simple on the big Cimarron, if you’re
going to need it, take it with you. An hour’s drive from
Montrose, facilities are not available once turning off
Highway 50 and at that point there is only a service
station, a motel and small store. |
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Campgrounds though are
abundant throughout the forest, especially around the Silver
Jack Reservoir which has about sixty camp sites and though water
is available there are no facilities. Lush in the surroundings
of Aspen and spruce, undergrowth and wildflowers, this is a most
beautiful camping spot. Camping is also available at Beaver
Lake. Wildlife is abundant in this area, including bears which
are commonly seen and do come up to cabins and homes so take
precautions as appropriate. Remember to pack out your trash and
anything else you brought in as not to spoil this pristine
wilderness.
Hiking, gathering wildflowers,
identifying animal tracks, sitting on huge river rocks and
hunting for small ones were some of my favorite pastimes. Summer
days are warm and sunny but nights are very cool. The cabin we
stayed in was next to a stream and at night with the windows
open we could hear the fresh running mountain water.
Summer vegetables grown at
high altitude seemed to taste better and salads were a delight.
Spending summers in this area we were able to meet others doing
the same and there was a friendly network amongst the area
residents. Some were artists inspired by the mountain grandeur,
others were crafters and many made their creations available to
passers-by. We were also able to meet and visit with the
sheep-herders as they tended their flocks which provided
interesting conversation as some were from countries south of
our US border and in knowing and understanding their lonely life
we were indeed transported to another world in another time
co-existing there on the high mountaintop.
Neighbors would gather for
games of cards or cookouts or family outings. It was not
uncommon to see an eagle soar overhead, bears crossing the road
or deer grazing just a few feet away.
Day trips religiously included
Secret Falls just up the river fork, Chimney Rock, and the afore
mentioned lakes. If one wanted to venture farther, Ouray was
just an hour and a half away with its hot springs and pools in
which to soak, fun shops full of touristy Colorado souvenirs and
tiny local cafes to enjoy a leisure outdoor lunch along with the
magnificent view. Gold-panning in the area is a fun activity and
supplies can be had in the town of Ouray. Silverton and Durango
just on over the mountain offer the famous Durango & Silverton
Narrow Gauge Train and Museum. To the east, Gunnison is a
charming college/mountain town full of spirit and mountain
views, Jeeps and summer activities. Along the way passing the
Black Canyon and Blue Mesa Reservoir will warrant a stop. Boat
rentals, fishing and camping are available along this
twenty-mile-long body of water located in the Curecanti National
Recreation Area.
One of my favorite aspects of
“travel living” in Colorado is the rustic feel and décor of the
mountain homes, cabins and lodges. The raw wooden beams and
logs, furniture crafted from regional woods, western heritage
and Native American-themed paintings by local artisans, stone
fireplaces, woven blankets and rugs, all create a unique and
down-to-earth atmosphere built around the natural lifestyle so
seductive in this land.
Fall ushers in the turning of
the aspens but much of this big Cimarron area is impassible
after October with some facilities closing in September. However
for winter enjoyment nearby Silverton and Durango are superb.
Purgatory Durango Mountain Resort is top-notch and family
oriented. In winter, though roads are kept open, expect high
drifts and more snow than you can imagine.
My transient time in Colorado
became a part of who I am and returning year after year to this
most beloved area became some of my most treasured memories of
“travel living”.
Photos by Brent Hall
