A Dinosaur Trail

**Warning - LOTS of photos**

When I researched this area to travel to, I came across an article about the Longest Continual Dinosaur track in Northern America. And I Wanted to see it!

Lucky for us, the VRBO We got was about 5 minutes from the trail head. Unlucky for us, we started at 7200 feet and went up 1900 Feet in elevation... in about 2 miles.

My legs have NEVER hurt so bad haha!! but!!

We walked a little north from our house, and right by the trail head is a Mining  place. Of course! There was a ton of Mining in the Ouray, and Silverton area. The town attributes Mining to making them a town. 

This is what the trail looked like - in the good places, there was not a lot of flat AT ALL.... I think we had about a 30 foot stretch that was completely flat - the rest was uphill.... The Whole way

WE hiked up the first leg, which wasn't very long at all - but I was sure we were near the end - and then we found the trail head sign. 

just a funny, at the first stop - was a lookout . It was gorgeous. There was a man there. I asked him if he had seen the tracks, and he said - No - he just about passed out 3 times on the way up to the lookout.

That did not bode well - haha! But at least he was smart enough to head back down

From the Lookout - you could see across the river to more Mining shacks. In the olden days they had a tram from these mines to the one at the  top of the post - and the tram just sent the ore down. 

You all.... those Miners... they had to be TOUGH - that was a crazy distance, and over a river, and WOW! How did they think to make that?

I was a wimp - it was a hard hike, so I made everyone stop to take photos - A lot of Photos.

I told them it was because I needed to remember the hike - but really - I needed to catch my breath

But!!! We made it to the tracks - it doesn't look like much until you get right on it.

See - another one of us!

Ouray is considered the Switzerland of Colorado - and the views did NOT disappoint!!

are you ready???? The DINOSAUR TRACKS!!! 

There are 134 prints ( I think) and we counted 104, the others were under snow - but WOW!!

Then!!! We had to come down.... oh boy - I have a toe nail that is turning blue from hitting my boot som much.   

We are Somewhat experienced hikers, and we do our research. We knew it wasn't an easy hike, but we really didn't believe it would be that hard. We started early, so we knew we could get down before dark.

 The hike is in a canyon - so dark starts about 3pm in this area. Which means the trail starts to ice up very early. 

On our way down, we ran into a group just starting up (it was 3pm) and we said - well - the trail is icing over now, and its slippery in spots. We didn't want to ruin their fun, but that was a lot late to get started.

and!! we still have about 1/2 mile to go to get down ( which means they had 2 miles left to get to the tops and 2 1/2 to get down)  We did let them know that.... just wanted them to be totally aware.

About the time we got to our cabin, we saw them walking by. I was glad - i would have worried about them for hours. They started the next day at 9am .... shew!!

We got all cleaned up, I had a little glass of wine, and then!! We headed to Brickhouse 737 in Ouray for dinner. I Wish I had taken a photo of the place - it was a cool  little restaurant - but the chef - oh man you all.... that Chef was AMAZING!!

I had a salmon dish that was fabulous. and!! They were so good with my allergies. They listened and made sure I was good. They had a GF chocolate cake.... I did take a photo of that!

Don't these look fabulous???? Totally worth the leg cramps !! haha

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