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Show tains, tumbling snow- fed streams, and forests of pine and aspen. The streams are among the best in the State for fishing. West of Independence Pass, State Highway 82 descends into the valley of the Roaring Fork River by easy grades. Aspen, an early mining town located in the valley of the Roaring Fork at an elevation of 7,850 feet, now attracts many visitors who take advantage of the 1,000 miles of trout streams and 25 lakes within a short radius. Dude ranches in the vicinity have access to trails that lead in all directions. In recent years, Aspen has become a popular winter sports center. Just west of Aspen a dirt road leads south along Maroon Creek to Maroon Lake, known for its magnificent mountain setting and excellent fishing. South of the Elk Mountains region is the town of Crested Butte, elevation 8,867 feet, from which State Highway 135 ascends to Kebler Pass directly north of West Elk Peak. A dirt road leads to Gothic, 9 miles north of Crested Butte, where the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory is located. Near Kebler Pass, at the foot of Ruby Peak, Lake Brennan rests in a pocket on the mountainside, surrounded by a luxuriant growth of alpine- type plants. Further north, Snowmass Mountain, Maroon Peak, and Castle Peak rise majestically to elevations above 14,000 feet. Beyond Kebler Pass, Route 135 crosses a high plateau covered by an abundant growth of flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. Dense stands of conifers alternate with aspen- fringed meadows to provide an expanse of charming mountain scenery. The high peaks nearby add to the superlative quality of the landscape. The recreational opportunities of this region seem almost unlimited. 3. The Park Range, located in the extreme northern section of Colorado, with its numerous high peaks and its wooded slopes, offers many possibilities for public enjoyment. Steamboat Springs, located at the foot of the range on the Yampa River, is a popular year- round recreation center. United States Highway 40 provides access to the region and State Highway 129 skirts the mountains on the west to lead to the Hahns Peak country, one of the excellent hunting and fishing areas in the State. 4. White River Plateau in the White River National Forest is one of the fine recreational areas in Colorado, ranging in altitude from 9,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. Shingle Peak and Sheep Mountain are more than 12,000 feet. The plateau has a delightful cool summer climate. Numerous lakes and streams in a forest setting provide good trout fishing and pleasant camp sites. Deer and elk are plentiful. Trappers Lake, the largest lake in the area, is a summer resort. The main approach by road is from Meeker, Colo., on the west. Other roads lead to the area from the Steamboat Springs region. Trails from Glenwood Springs climb up to the plateau. The central portion of the forest has been designated as the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. 5. The Gore Range south of the Park Range is bordered by State Highway No. 9 along the Blue River, a popular fishing stream. The high crags and deep woods make the Gore Range a valuable recreational area for Colorado. 6. The Grand Mesa, east of Grand Junction, Colo., is 900 square miles in extent and rises 5,000 feet above the surrounding country in splendid isolation. Hundreds of small lakes dot the mesa and many of them provide excellent fishing. State Highway 65 leads to the top of the mesa and provides many interesting views of mountain lakes, meadows spangled with wildflowers, aspen groves, and fir and spruce forests. Deer and small game abound in the area. Dams have been constructed at the outlets of most of the larger lakes to increase their storage capacities. Resorts and summer homes have become established on several of the more accessible lakes and Forest Service camp grounds are available. The Grand Mesa area is especially important in providing cool recreation grounds for persons living in the valleys of Delta and Mesa Counties. Colo. UTAH 1. Uinta Mountains. Though now known best by geologists, foresters, and a few fishermen, hunters, and stockmen, the fascinating scenery of the Uintas seems destined to receive much attention. Few areas of comparable size present such a diversified landscape- lofty, bright- colored canyon walls, and giant hogbacks along the borders; and beautiful lakes and streams in the forested uplands. The Granddaddy Lakes region of the Uinta Mountains, including to the westward the head- 206 |
