From Ouray we drove a beautiful route to Carbondale. This drive went up some of the steepest roads we have taken the motorhome on and at certain points our speed dropped under 30 mph.  Our campsite was right on the Roaring Fork river and only 30 miles to Aspen.  This is a great little town of under 10,000 people and they have great food and a wonderful dog park.  One of Rhonda’s friends from West Chicago, Collin, lives in the area and showed us around the area.  We went fishing up the Frying Pan river and also got a chance to spend some time driving around in the mountains.

We took a day trip up to Marble and Crystal, which require a 4X4 to access them.  While in Marble we went to Smooth Groovin BBQ and had one of the most amazing sandwiches, the Megatron.  If you are ever in Marble or Aspen you need to go here and get this sandwich.  We took another day and rented downhill mountain bikes and went on multiple runs at Snowmass in Aspen.  This was one of the most fun things we have done this summer, and it is very similar to skiing.   If you are somewhere that offers this activity you must do it. After riding we took a drive up to Independence pass, 12,095 feet, and enjoyed the mountains and forests.

After two weeks here we still feel like there is a lot more to do and we are going to have to come back.  The people and scenery are outstanding.

Please click on the photo below to start the slideshow which will also have captions describing them.

Munchen made some friends in Aspen

Frying Pan River

Asher loved to throw rocks…..

Trying to catch some brook trout. They were very elusive.

View of our campsite, with Mt. Sopris is seen in the background.

On our way to Collin’s we came across a mama bear and her cub.

Collin, Jolene and a not so happy Asher.

Beautiful drive on our way to Crystal. Only way to reach this area is with a 4X4.

On the gondola getting ready to go downhill mountain biking.

All suited up with our 5K bikes……..luckily we didn’t fall and break them.

This was one of the most fun things we have done on the trip. We can’t wait to do it again.

Nice view along the drive to Independence Pass.

12,095 feet up on the continental divide. Independence pass is a must do if you are in the area.

Still snow at 12,000 feet

View of the road heading down to Leadville