We’ll Pass, Thank You

/ ridingwithgary

Today is a four Pass-a-Palooza™ day!

We begin by riding 30 miles from Walden to Cameron Pass (10,276 feet), named after actress Cameron Diaz.

Cameron Diaz. Why not name a pass after her?

Yes, that was clickbait. But you didn’t even need to click. I embedded the photo for your viewing pleasure. You’re welcome.

Cameron Pass was actually named after Robert Cameron, founder of the Fort Collins Agricultural Colony. He’s somewhat less visually interesting than Ms. Diaz, and doesn’t rate a photo in today’s post.

By whatever name origin, Cameron Pass earned Honorable Mention on my all-time best rides list.

The Cache La Powder Scenic Byway.

Our gradual descent on the Cache La Poudre Scenic Byway follows the Cache La Poudre River. At Stove Prairie Landing, we turn south, then ride through Big Thompson Canyon on our way to Estes Park.

To get to Estes Park, and eventually Rocky Mountain National Park, we enjoy Big Thompson Canyon.

Soon, we arrive in Rocky Mountain National Park, get out our timed entry passes ($2 on recreation.gov), and head for three more Pass-a-Paloozas™: Trail Ridge Road (12,183 feet), Milner Pass (10,759 feet), and Iceberg Pass (11,827 feet). Included, at no extra charge, is a crossing of the Continental Divide, at Milner Pass. Trail Ridge Road is Number Seven on my all-time Top Ten list.

It’s all downhill from there, and our day ends in Winter Park, which sits at 9,000 feet.

To view today’s route, click here. 

And now, a few pics from today’s ride.

Ruby was looking good this morning in front of the Antlers Inn, ready to go.
At the Glen Echo Resort on the Cache La Poudre River. Best way to avoid rain: put on your rain gear.
The resort touted its ice cream. At 10 am, I took a hard pass.
Hydration in Estes Park. Flavor: Tiger’s Blood. Lotsa sugar!
At the Alpine Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park, Walter Jr had shopping on his mind. It’s the highest visitor center in the national park system.
He enjoyed hanging out with some of the yet-to-be adopted critters.
He checked out the oxygen, but didn’t need the boost.
The T-shirts were a little big, and a lot expensive.
Walter Jr took a liking to this hat. The little fella looks good in pink.
The earrings brought out his inner feminine side.
After his shopping spree, Walter Jr was ready for some fresh air.
He found some tourists to hike with.
My little buddy really enjoys being one with nature.
The skies were darkening, so we headed down the mountain toward today’s destination: Winter Park.
Dinner at the Smoke House in Winter Park. Walter Jr capped off his day with some tasty ribs.

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