Thursday, September 29, 2011

BRECKENRIDGE 4 WHEELERS RALLY PART 3 EMPIRE RESERVOIR AND WESTON PASS

Our run Sept. 23 took highways to Leadville, then up California Gulch to Empire Reservoir nearly at timber line. Next we dropped back into the Arkansas River valley to catch the Weston Pass road back toward Fairplay, and after gong over Hoosier Pass, retuning to the RV park at Breckenridge.

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Empire Reservoir, probably developed for a water source for mining or milling activities.

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What a view these beavers have!

 

Great shots of changing fall colors. The orangish color is particularly impressive.

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From the high ridge along which we drove we had great views of the Arkansas River valley, Leadville and Turquoise Lake .

 

 

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From high above timberline, the Weston Pass road winds in the distance.  

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Our lunch stop on the way down from the ridge to the Arkansas Valley.

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The aspens here are behind those shown above.

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The Weston Pass road was popular for wagons to use to reach Leadville as (at 11,921 ft.) it was lower than other nearby passes and easier to go over. Parts were toll roads for years. I drove up the west side nearly to the top in 2 wheel high range and shifted into 4 low range near the top for going over rocks and for deceleration going down the east side.

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