Independence Pass and Leadville

On our way to Manitou Springs we went over the breathtaking Independence Pass. We left with quite a bit of trepidation as there was a snow storm the night before and several cars had left the road. We were lucky the road was still open and we didn't have to go the long way around.  The sun was coming out, so that was reassuring.

A mining ghost town, accessible to explore when it is not covered in snow.

The trees look so lovely splattered in fresh snow.

The road was often narrow and steep with sharp hairpin bends. Very scary stuff, but so beautiful.

A massive snow bank on the side of the road.

At the very top of Independence Pass.

The top is on the Continental Divide, which runs down the USA. On one side the rivers flow east and the other side they flow west.

After a slow but beautiful drive and with a sigh of relief, we reached Lake Creek at the bottom of the Independence Pass.

Further along we passed Twin Lakes.

We took a slight detour to another boom and bust Victorian mining town, Leadville. It was once the site of the richest mines in the country. At an elevation of 12,152 feet, it is the highest town in the USA.

It has a mining museum, with an extensive collection of minerals and displays of mining equipment and techniques.

Model of a typical mine.

Some fluorescent stones.