Southwest Treasures Newsletter- Celebrating the diversity, magic, mystery, culture and history of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah!

October 1, 2024 This weeks post is about Enjoying Autumn

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Hello There Reader

The changing of the colors is upon us now. This is my favorite time of the year. Days are still warm but the evenings are cooling down which makes for easier sleeping weather. I hope wherever you are living, that you take time out of your busy schedule and enjoy nature in all its glory!

Never Put Off Till Tomorrow What You Can Do Today!

Yesterday was just the perfect day for an autumn hike in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness and the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. For those of you who don’t know where the Great Sand Dunes are, they are in Southern Central Colorado. About 34 miles from Alamosa.

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I chose Mosca Pass trail which is a 7-mile round trip hike up a forested canyon to Mosca pass. The trail head is not far from the Visitors Center and is well-marked. However, be prepared for a workout as it is mostly an uphill climb of 1,400 elevation gain. At the higher elevation the aspens were already in their glory.

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Mosca Pass Long Ago

In the 1870’s, traveling over Mosca Pass may have been slow, but it was a busy route. American Indians used this route long before it even became a toll road. By the 1890’s, tolls were 50 cents a head for livestock, $1.00 for a horse and rider and $2.00 for a team and wagon. The steepness of the road caused continuous wash outs and any attempts to maintain the pass were abandoned in 1911. Today, only 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended to explore this area.

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If you like what you are learning and reading about, please share with family and friends. Till next time!