18 August, Tuesday

We were now joined by Dave and Katie. Today we head to Animas Forks to take two of the most beautiful trails in the area. Starting on California Gulch we climbed to over 13,000 feet on shelf roads and amid the brilliant colors of the mountains. Lots of flowers in bloom, several Marmots scurring around. This was the first experience for Dave to drive in the mountains and he did very well. At the west base of California Gulch we started up another trail called Corkscrew. Again this took us to altitudes over 13,000 feet with views unbelievable. Not a cloud in the brilliant blue skies of Colorado presented us with scenes you would never belive unless present. Corkscrew gets it name from the descent on the western end of the trail. You must negotiate a series of tight turns as you descend the mountain.
Once back on the highway we headed back to Silverton in anticipation of our dinner at the Pickle Barrell, a well known establishment for prime rib and dessert.