San Juan Byway - Cortez- Dolores- Rico

From Cortez, a valley extends northeast toward the 14,000' peaks of the San Juan Mountains.  This scenic drive is only 60 miles, or so, each way and while not prime fall leaf weather, it is getting closer. Highlights were the Dolores historic Galloping Goose #5 (combo Buick engine, bus, rail car), the Dolores River, the forest, the pass, and Rico.  Rico was an 1880's mining camp; ore with 20% lead, 20% zinc, plus silver. Rather rustic today with maybe 100 people, at it's prime it hosted 5,000 miners, 23 saloons, 88 mines, and three blocks of bordellos.

Today, at 65F, it was about 10-15F cooler than Cortez. In the winter 14 feet of snow is common. Telluride is just on the other side of the pass.