Highway of Legends, Ludlow Memorial and Mining District

[ttora4runner]

Since coming to Colorado a couple of years ago I would always pass the sign for the 'Highway of Legends' in southern Colorado while traveling elsewhere. Well, the beginning of last week I had to itch to get out of town and after doing some research I decided to head out and finally drive the road.

Passing though Cuchara (a little resort type town)


The slopes of the on and off again Cuchara Valley Ski Resort


John Farley Vista Point/Overlook.


The view from the overlook.


Before leaving on trip I had looked at the alternate route to take back down to highway along Cordova(Apishapa) Pass but I had the feeling that the route would still be block with snow which I did find when I reached the overlook. Had I been with a group I may have been encouraged to do some snow bashing since warmer weather has been a good chunk of the snow but being by myself I didn't proceed.

Further on down the road is North Lake SWA.


Took a short little hike and grab a photo of Mt. Maxwell, I believe.


Passing though Stonewall.


The adobe bridge house.


For some reason I really like this barn.




One of the many old churches along the way.






I didn't venture inside since it was fill with pigeon poop and those bloody rats with wings scared the crap out of me when I did attempt to go in.

 

[ttora4runner]

After leaving Trinidad, Colorado I had planned to make the short drive out to Apishapa Canyon area but at the last moment I had changed my plans and took a detour out to the Ludlow Memorial. Again, this was one of those signs/areas that I'd past many of times but never took the time to make the trip.




After reading the history on the events that unfolded in the area I head out to the remains of the Ludlow station then back to some of the old mining areas ultimately winding back at the memorial.

Remains of the Ludlow station.




Continuing down the road.


I'm sure what the name is of this mine remains.






I believe this is the remains of Berwind mine.






I believe this house is part of the Bear Canyon Mine.






I'm normally pretty weary of venturing off the path but this little house just called to me so I made a quick little jog to check it out (I didn't see any private property or no trespassing signs, in the area).

Somewhere along the way on CR51.1.


A couple of old houses along the way back to memorial.




I made one more stop at the memorial to grab a photo of it before the star of the drive back home. Looking back taking this little detour I believe was more enjoyable than making the drive out east to the remote area of Apishapa Canyon. Once the weather warms up some more and snow melts I plan on making a return trip and driving Cordova Pass road.

There a couple of embedded hyperlinks which will take you to a couple of site on the history of the areas I visited.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Very cool. I've passed through that area dozens of times over the past 30 years or so and always wanted to stop in and see it but I was always on my way to somewhere else.
.
My dad was a historian for the Park Service, he did some work on the Ludlow Massacre. A fascinating and tragic part of history that often gets forgotten.
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Thanks for the report and the pics. I know it wasn't much "off roading" but sometimes these off-the-beaten-path trip reports are more interesting.

 

[mph]

wow...looks like a great area to explore...thanks for the post

 

[ttora4runner]

Very cool. I've passed through that area dozens of times over the past 30 years or so and always wanted to stop in and see it but I was always on my way to somewhere else.
.
My dad was a historian for the Park Service, he did some work on the Ludlow Massacre. A fascinating and tragic part of history that often gets forgotten.
.
Thanks for the report and the pics. I know it wasn't much "off roading" but sometimes these off-the-beaten-path trip reports are more interesting.

That's has been my excuse but I just finally did it and ya there wasn't as much dirt time as I wanted but not all adventures involve dirt.

I'm hoping to make it back to that area and do some more exploring.

 

[4x4x4doors]

Thanks for sharing.

(I'm always a little ambivalent about posting on someone's trip report when I don't add much other than a note to let the OP know I looked and appreciated it because someone is going see that something new got posted and then will find out it was just me with a verbose "thumbs up".)

The vehicle and equipment can be simple or extravagant – they, too, are simply means to an end.