Red Mountain Pass (elevation 11,018 ft) is a mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of western Colorado. The name is derived from the iron oxide laden rock that forms their slopes. The pass is traversed by the Million Dollar Highway, U.S. Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton, which is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. It is known for being treacherous in the wintertime due to the steep 8% grade and switchbacks on the north side facing Ouray, though the entire road is paved. In addition, there are very few guardrails on this side and passing is difficult, if not impossible. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Mountain_Pass

"With both gold and silver having been discovered in the area, man really left his mark on this view of Red Mountain. Back in the 1870s, mines were common in southwest Colorado with lots of activity. As one of the larger mines in the San Juan Mountains, the Idarado Mine contains almost 100 miles of underground tunnels. Miners would enter here at the Treasury Tunnel and ride underground trams to their work stations. In its time, the mine produced 4 million ounces of gold, 21 million ounces of silver, and 12 million tons of lead, zinc, and copper – making a significant contribution to the industrial revolution." - http://www.coloradocaptures.com/2010/01/miners-mark-on-red-mountain-red-mountain-pass/

There was some road re-construction where a landslide wiped out one lane.

Closer view of the landslide. Closer view of the landslide. Nature is so incredibly powerful. Not that I want the road to collapse, but wouldn't it be an awesome thing to witness?!?!

This photo and the next one go together.

Thirsty?? This is the stream at Ironton Park directly behind the sign in the above photo. I guess the name "Ironton" says it all. But for a better explanation, I dug up the following:

"This phenomenon is known as acid mine drainage, and occurs when rainwater or snowmelt comes into contact with metal-rich rocks, such as the rock that composes the tailings piles that surround all of the old mines. The water leaches metals, most commonly iron, out of the rock and into to the water. The iron then oxidizes resulting in the highly acidic, bright orange water that flows throughout the region." - http://zschierlphotography.com/tag/ironton/

Looking south over Ouray, Colorado. The main drag at the far end of town in this photo is the only way out of town that is not up.

Looking west over Ouray, Colorado

The Best Western where I spent the night.

As I approached the parking area at Box Canyon Falls in Ouray, I saw this sign. I figured it was just something silly someone posted, but then I saw the next sign.... ->

Sorry about the terrible reflection on the glass. I was starting to wonder what the deal was with all the chimpunk love, and then as I took a few steps down the trail towards the falls, it became clear.... ->

They were everywhere around a feeder. The squirrel by the pole even showed up for some munchies. There were lots more that you can't see in the photo. Cute little guys!!!

Box Canyon Falls.

Box Canyon Falls.

Box Canyon Falls.