Monday, June 25, 2018
Our adventure today is driving to the being-revived ghost town of St Elmo. This post is a little longer because of so many beautiful sights and interesting things to see.
Above and below are peaks in the Sawatch Range that defines the Continental Divide. Fifteen of the peaks in the upper Arkansas River Valley are "fourteens" boasting summits reaching over 14,000 ft. This valley was initially developed to meet the needs of area miners. Cattle ranching and farming was started in 1863.
Above is Mt Princeton Hot Springs & Spa Resort. It is best in the winter when all the pools are open. Below is a public pool just across the street from the resort. This was our view as we came down into the area.
Above and below you can see avalanche areas.
We are taking CO County 162 to St Elmo. The road follows Chalk Creek.
We have arrived in St Elmo. While the town is technically a ghost town, it does have a small population. There is a general store and you can stay the night in an authentic cabin for $79/night or less than $500/week. The next 12 pictures are of the town. Some are being lived in, while others are being restored and still others just left as is.
The town has a truly amazing setting!
This is one end of Tincup Pass that goes between St Elmo and Tincup. This moderate-rated pass is at an elevation of 12,154 ft and is the highest pass in Colorado. Snow is frequently present until early July. After reviewing the drive, there are places where Tic felt we might need a spotter to direct the driver. Since I can't drive, we decided not to drive this route. My broken foot has stopped many activities for us.
Bummer!
We did take a Jeep road back for a little ways. It was interesting and beautiful.
This is the newly restored entrance to Iron City Cemetery. Reviews say there is a lot of history on the headstones. If I could walk, I would have wandered thru the cemetery.
More neat views along the Jeep road.
As we got towards the small township of Alpine, we saw Alpine lake. Unfortunately the lake is private.
Tic even got pictures of wild roses growing along side the creek for me.
The mountains along here a rugged to say the least.
We came along a pullout with a sign Cascade Falls. This is still on Chalk Creek. The following 5 pictures are different views of Cascade Falls Tic took.
Just after we left the falls there was a small area to watch wildlife.
Our timing was great as this small herd of mountain goats (sheep) crossed the road in front of us. It took me a minute to get the camera out and ready so all I got was their butts. Ha Ha
Above and below are sections of the Chalk Cliffs in this area.
The last thing on our way home was this little schoolhouse. It is Maxwell Park School formerly Mt Princeton School. It was used from 1889 to 1933. Restoration began in 1989. It was not open for viewing.
WOW another day filled with so much of God's glorious wonders!
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