In this episode we're camping and traveling in Colorado's San Isabel National Forest. San Isabel National Forest is located in southcentral Colorado.

Spanish Peaks
On the way to camp, we get to see the Spanish Peaks with their commanding presence in the landscape. The Spanish Peaks were created differently than the uplifted faultblock mountains of the Sangre de Cristo range to the west. The Spanish Peaks are igneous rock which was made when large masses of magma intruded through layers of sedimentary rock and was later exposed by erosion. Three great dikes were made during the same period of volcanic activity that created the Spanish Peaks. These vertical granite formations radiate outward from the Spanish Peaks. West Spanish Peak is the higher of the two at 13,631 feet (4,155 meters).

Purgatoire Campground
Elevation: 9,500 feet (2,896 meters). In Isabel National Forest of Colorado. It's a primitive campground with two loops and 23 campsites. There are 13 RV sites and ten tent sites. There are three vault toilets in the campground. Each campsite has a table and fire ring or grill. The fee at the time of our stay is $21 per night. We're in site number 17. The nighttime low during our stay in late August was 40 F (4.4 C).

We experienced one of the most captivating sunsets I have ever seen. At times the clouds looked like they were dancing flames. The next morning we explore the area a bit and spend time around the lovely North Fork Purgatoire River. For potable water, there is a well with a hand pump. We topoff our water supply before leaving the campground.

Cordova Pass Road
Our travels take us on Cordova Pass Road, which was completed in 1934. Along the way is John B. Farley Memorial Wildflower Overlook. In 1974, the San Isabel National Forest dedicated the overlook in memory of Dr. Farley and his contribution to the area. Cordova Pass: elevation 11,248 feet (3,428 meters).

Apishapa Arch
Remember the volcanic dikes we mentioned earlier? Well, Cordova Pass Road tunnels through one of the dikes, and the passage is called Apishapa Arch. Apishapa Arch was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

INFORMATION LINKS
Pergatoire Campground, on Recreation.gov: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/ca...
Pergatoire Campground, on USDA Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fs...
Spanish Peaks Wilderness: https://wilderness.net/visitwilderne...
West Spanish Peak: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_...
The Great Dikes: https://spanishpeakscountry.com/theg...

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