Independence Pass & Buena Vista, CO (7/17 & 7/18/2018)

After Aspen, I returned to Buena Vista over Independence Pass once again.  On this trip, I was able to get a few photos I missed on the first time over.  For example, a stop at Devil's Punch Bowl, where locals and tourists alike enjoy a swim in the chilly waters of the Roaring Fork River as it tumbles down the mountain.

 

 Smaller streams come from the top of the mountain to join the river.

More of the wildflowers along the roadside.

Another of the ponds at the summit.

Notice the dents in the guard rail.  I would not want to be the driver who put them there.

Back in Buena Vista, we had nice color in the sunset, which reflected in the river among some small rapids.

Sunrise the next morning was also nice.

 East of Buena Vista, across the river, granite formations are precursors of the larger mountains that follow.  Many boulders have broken off and rolled to the bottom, even into the river.  This area is a great place for rock climbing and bouldering.

Many kayaks can be seen along the river bank, waiting to be put in.

 When the railroad came to town, tracks were laid above the river at its then current level.  It was necessary to tunnel through rock to complete the tracks.  Seven tunnels were made near Buena Vista, but only four are still there.  The others either collapsed or were blasted away.  Tracks are now thirty feet lower, closer to the river's current level.

I saw lots of birds along this road, but only this Western Tanager was willing to pose for me.

By the way, I made a short video of the trip over Independence Pass.  You can view it at Independence Pass