Salida Sunset, Garden of the Gods Sunrise

Salida Sunset, Garden of the Gods Sunrise

August 16, 2026

Blazing orange sunset over the open grassland of South Park, seen from the highway

The back half of the Colorado leg was mountain towns and big skies. That evening near Salida, a sunset crossing South Park that stopped me on the shoulder. I thought it was beautiful, and wanted to get a photo. Heading to elevation to camp, then Garden of the Gods in the early morning.

Storm Light in the San Luis Valley

Storm clouds over the highway with the Sangre de Cristo range in the distance

Coming down off Wolf Creek Pass, and the storm clouds were building again. I’ve been pretty lucky on the drive, but I guess there have been some strong storm systems moving around the area.

Salida

Tree-lined street in Salida with the S mountain on the hillside behind town

Stopped in Salida for some food. I’ve never been there before, but I think I’d like to go back. Looked like a fun place.

People playing in the whitewater park on the Arkansas River in Salida

The whitewater park on the Arkansas runs right through downtown — people surfing and swimming in the middle of town on a Friday evening. Towns built around their river get it right.

South Park Sunset

Pushed on toward Colorado Springs after dinner and caught the sunset crossing South Park near Hartsel. Found dispersed camping near Woodland Park.

Garden of the Gods, Early

Balanced Rock at Garden of the Gods with an empty road, early morning

Up early and into Garden of the Gods after sunrise. Balanced Rock with nobody around, which I’m told doesn’t last past about 8am.

Sunrise over the valley at Garden of the Gods, red rock formations in the distance

A deer grazing in the tall grass among the scrub

Dirt trail with a wooden fence, mountains in the morning light

Walked a loop before the heat came up, just pulled off to stretch my legs a little. Heading into a long day of driving so wanted to take the opportunity.

The Long Right Turn East

The Forester parked at a rest area in Illinois, semis lined up behind

After Colorado Springs the trip stops being scenery and starts being miles. Into the plains and two days of I-70. One rest-area photo in Illinois where I camped overnight. Not very scenic, but it was about getting to my destination.