Colorado - Salida and Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Before leaving Salida we walked around town and along the river front next to the Arkansas River which is one of the most popular kayaking rivers in the US.     Then we drove over some very high mountain passes, one being Monarch Pass which is over 11,300 feet above sea level.  It was covered with snow and there was no where to pull over to get photos.  The vistas were wonderful and I hate I could not get photos to share this.     We passed by the Curecanti Recreational area which is a   series of lakes for miles along the road.  

Then we entered the valley that led us to one of the newest national parks, The Black Canyon of the Gunnison River near Montrose.   This canyon is made of PreCambrian era black rock which is over 600 million years old.   The great thing about Colorado is one gets to see the passage of time upon the earth.   It also gives me further proof that we are only here for a nanosecond in the grand scheme of the earth's life.  

In the extra is a street photo that I took in Salida.  "Free the Monkeys"!  Thanks to you Martindawe for giving me the idea of watching for signs and people together!      Also in the extras are my fellow photographers at the Arkansas River!