Ironton, CO

​August 4, 2022

I’m heading south on 550, considered the million dollar highway. I didn’t travel far from Ouray, but the roads were already challenging, windy, and yes there are drops straight down with no guard rails. There are signs all over saying alternate route advised. Using one of my apps I decided to check out one area near Ironton. I pulled in and more signs about needing four-wheel-drive heading straight up the mountain, but there was another road that I took that actually parallels the red mountain creek. This water here was a yellow ocher color while the rocks along side were bright shades of orange and rusty iron. It was stunning against the green trees with gray and brown bark. There were several pull out areas for potential camping, but I decided to continue as the dirt road was in pretty good condition. And there it was. A spot perfect for me, just wide enough even though I had to travel a bit further so I could turn around and back into the space. Right in between all the Aspen and smaller pine trees but it still gave me adequate shade. I decided to assemble my small tent as there was an open spot literally right next to me, and I wanted to claim it since it wasn’t really an extra space but you never know what people are thinking with pulling in right in front of you. it was the first time I put up this tent and it was actually very easy. I wish all the tents that I’ve ever owned were this simple. 


There isn’t any cell reception but I was able to walk about a quarter of a mile down where I could get out simple texts and spotty phone calls. I love hearing the rush of the waters as always, but this is also a haven for ATVs and dirt bikes. In between some of the noise from the 550 and an alternate Forest Road I could still hear plenty of that through the waters. Fortunately things quieted down in the evening. 

I am at 9800 foot elevation. I am back up there with my head in the clouds, and boy did it get chilly overnight, but I’m still quite comfortable inside the Sylver Gypsy.





























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