Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Colorado
Before I got to Denver I had planned to go south to Colorado Springs and west to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. But I heard a report which said there were wildfires in that direction and the roads might be blocked. No thanks. So I went west first, to Grand Junction and spent the night. I had dinner at Moma Longo's out on North Street, and was it good! Besides the food, the attractive young waitress had on a very short skirt, which did this old man's heart good.
The next day I drove southeast to Delta, east and then south to US 50, then west and north back to Grand Junction. That's the northern route to BCGNP.
This is a nice drive, through lots of mountains. At some point you take the North Rim Road, which goes right up to the rim of the canyon, and that's where the real scenery is. This is from the same viewpoint as the photo above, only this one is zoomed in. You can see the formation called "Kneeling Camel" in both shots.
Another shot on the same road. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a new national park, although it was a National Monument for many years. It is developed mainly for hikers and rafters, not so much just for sightseeing. But what you can see from the road is spectacular indeed.
This next shot is from the highest point on the road from Delta to US 50, with Curecanti National Recreation Area below.
Instead of going back to Moma Longo's for dinner, I ate at the farthest west restaurant in Grand Junction, at the West Gate Inn. I forget the name of the restaurant, but it had stained glass windows and panels all over the place. The food was all right too, and the waitress, but it was the stained glass which really impressed me. I didn't have my camera with me, so no photos.
Photos and text
©D.L. Mark 2002
Home Page
