Eagle to Glenwood Springs

A 10am departure for a really enjoyable day today following the Eagle River running into the Colorado River and then into Glenwood Canyon arriving in Glenwood Springs at 2pm. 

We had a short mostly downhill ride today so we were lazy this morning, not leaving until 10am.  Ang had a waffle for breakfast which ended up giving her the sugar shakes so we stopped for some protein to balance things out. 

The clear blue Eagle River winding to the west. Lots of fisherman evident yesterday and today. 

 

Off and on bike paths and mostly quiet US 6 today. 

We saw almost a dozen of these signs along the bike path that paralleled US 6.  Anybody know why the DOT would have these signs facing the bike path??

The Eagle meets the muddy Colorado just west of Dotzero.  


Now we begin our drop into beautiful and majestic Glenwood Canyon. 

The canyon becomes  narrower....

and deeper. 

For about the next 7 or 8 miles there's a constant battle between the Colorado River, the Canyon, Interstate 70, the Union Pacific Railway and the bike path for space. 

The westbound I-70 spends most of its time above the eastbound lanes. 

The Union Pacific coal train oming through for its share of the crowded space. 

Riding under both east and westbound lanes...

before they run completely out of room and head into the tunnel. 

Taking a lunch break at the Hanging Lake trailhead. 

Ranger Andy says 1,200 people per day hike the rugged 1.2 mile trail up to Hanging Lake.  We thought about hiking it today but I'm not a big fan of crowds.  Maybe we'll make the hike tomorrow early in the morning on our way back east. 

Since the first time Angela and I drove along this beautiful stretch of highway over 12 years ago we've always noticed bikers and hikers along the few patches of highway where you can catch a quick glimpse of them.  Today we wondered over and over again why it took us so long to have this wonderful day in the Canyon. 

Kayakers loading into the Colorado at the hydro dam. 

I liked the juxtaposition of this clear running side creek just before it merges with the red and muddy Colorado River. 

I've lived in Colorado for almost 13 years and never knew this was the Pearl Harbor Memorial highway. Shame on me!

The Canyon now begins to open up allowing more space for the crowded right-of-way a few miles before we get to Glenwood Springs. 

Cage Match as we cross north across I-70...

just before we enter Glenwood Springs. 

Laundry day at the Rodeway Motel. Not a bad spot to watch your clothes dry. 

On our walk to dinner we get a great view to the southeast of what I believe to be Snowmass near Aspen. 

Fajitas and margaritas outdoors on a nice summer evening. Ahhhh. 

A nice view from the bridge over the Colorado River and downtown Glenwood Springs. That's the Amtrak Station just above Angela's head. Maybe we could catch a train back over Vail Pass? 

I've always wanted to bath and play around in the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.  We thought about splashing around and relaxing before for dinner tonight but they wanted $28 each for an all day pass, nothing less and no coupons. No matter how comfortable we have become financially a life time of frugal habits are hard to break. Maybe next time?