#011: Be Joyful

 Colorado Peaks, Canyons, and Campfire Feasts

Another day, another breathtaking stretch of Colorado wilderness. From sleepy towns to towering peaks and dramatic canyons, today was packed with history, adventure, and gourmet camping cuisine.

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Morning Coffee in Leadville

 

We started the day with coffee in the high-altitude charm of sleepy Leadville, Colorado. The morning air was cool, and the historic downtown made for the perfect caffeine stop before heading out.

  

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Through Cottonwood Pass to Oh Be Joyful Campground

From Leadville, we traveled over Cottonwood Pass heading towards our destination: Oh Be Joyful Campground near Crested Butte.

This stretch of water holds special meaning for Marc, who spent many college days kayaking its rapids. 

  

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Black Canyon of the Gunnison: National Park #2

Our second national park of the trip was Black Canyon of the Gunnison—a dramatic, narrow gorge with some of the oldest exposed rock in North America.

Photos can't quite capture the wildness of land.  

 

 

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Mining History on the Road to Silverton

From Montrose, we headed toward Silverton, home of the iconic Hardrock 100 ultramarathon.

We passed abandoned mines along the way—silent reminders of the mining boom that shaped this area in the late 1800s. It’s easy to imagine the tough lives of the prospectors who once scoured these mountains for silver and gold.

      

   

     

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4x4 to Ophir Pass: A View of a Legend

Next came one of the day’s most exciting routes: a narrow, gravel 4x4 road up to Ophir Pass.

 

At the top, we caught an epic view of Williams Peak—from the backside, but still recognizable. If you’re a Coors Beer fan, this iconic peak may look familiar... it’s the one featured on the label.

   

   

Camp for the Night: Molas Lake

We descended back down into Silverton and settled in for the night at Molas Lake Campground.

   

Gourmet Camp Cooking (Seriously)

Marc whipped up a gourmet camping meal that set the bar way too high for all future camp dinners.

   

 Between the food and the alpine lake views, this one may be impossible to top.

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A Day of Firsts

Today was full of firsts—first visit to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, first off-roading of the trip, and first attempt at fine dining by headlamp. We’re off to bed now, resting up for tomorrow’s next big adventure.