Life is short. Those who ride out … know. Some do
understand when I say my beloved Colorado. There are few places on earth that inspire me. Colorado is one of them.
As my efforts 
continue in trying to get some funding for my Cross Colorado Living Wage ride, I have discovered a hidden jewel in the Western Slope of Colorado. Talk about riding territory. Although now considered a prime Mountain Biking area, the real experience will only happen from the back of a Horse.
Although the Western Slope is not generally considered the High Country, i
t sill has the geography and weather of the …. region within it lies.
Former home of the Ute Indians, and their famous (among natives) mountain horses, the fore-runners of the
now ever present Mustangs of the Grand Valley. With the Grand Mesa at the eastern approach, and the Monument Mountain acting as the western border, the Valley is home to a variety of groves and orchards. Intersected by both the Colorado and the Gunnison Rivers, which meet in Grand Junction, which also serves as a massive Railroad Junction and Amtrack stop.
These photos taken from within the National Monument Park are one side of the valley. Within a few months we will ride to the top of the Grand Mesa, the largest flat top mountain in North America, which lies on the opposite eastern edge of the Grand Valley. The view from there is pretty good too.
