We are older and not climbers, but we do enjoy photographing beautiful mountain scenery. Can fellow travelers please advise where in the Salida/Buena Vista area we might safely drive in to get some beautiful photos of some of the Fourteeners? We don't enjoy driving on roads with drop-offs, etc.. We do enjoy looking at and photographing mountains from below, as well as short walks on easy paths for mountain viewing. Specifics for accessing suggested locations will help. Perhaps there are web sites that give such suggestions? We will be traveling in late June. Thanks.

I'm dismayed there have been no replies for this. I realize that Route 24 is the scenic route for viewing the Collegiate Peaks and other fourteen thousand footers, and that is the route we will drive. I was hoping that locals or previous travelers can please suggest some pullouts or short access roads that will allow for good photographs of these beautiful mountains. We've always received such good advice on Fodor's forums in the past. Thanks!

On another thread I mentioned the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs resort in Nathrop, near Buena Vista. Even if you don't stay there it is a very scenic spot with good views of the mountains.

are those Fourteeners really that great when you start out from five ??

Ummm, yeah they are!! LOL

Thank you, VT and Gretchen. I am open to all positive input and advice.

The entire drive from Salida up to Leadville and beyond is full of 14'ers of the Sawatch Range. First the Collegiate Peaks, then La Plata, Mounts Elbert and Massive, the two highest in Colorado.

Check out this page:
https://www.summitpost.org/colorado-14ers/170916

Look at the "Getting There" section on each peak and it will have driving instructions to the trailhead(s). Sometimes the best views are from farther away, but the drive in should have places to pull over and stop for photos.

If you continue farther north to Copper Mountain you'll start getting views of the west side of the Tenmile which includes one 14er, but several even more impressive 13'ers. Go into Mayflower Gulch, just north of Copper for good views of these rugged mountains.

Finally drive up Independence Pass for yet more views, especially a great view of La Plata Peak, and possibly the distant Maroon Bells.

meggies -

Sorry it took so long for someone to reply. We live in the area and one of my favorite drives is right along 285 between Buena Vista and Salida as mentioned above. All you need do is turn off the highway onto any side road and head west.





You might enjoy the drive into Chalk Creek Canyon - take 285 south of Buena Vista and turn right onto the road that leads Mt Princeton Hot Springs (Nathrop) and then just keep on driving west. The road ends in the ghost town of St Elmo.



Or you might want to take drive to Cottonwood Pass (Continental Divide) :



Details here:

https://www.buenavistacolorado.org/scenic-drives/

Fourteen is much more awe inspiring... from zero.

Northwestmale - that's how I feel about Switzerland.

I agree the Cascades and Swiss Alps are more impressive looking than most Colorado 14'ers. Rather than just elevation difference, I think that has to do more with the presence of large active glaciers, year round snow, and generally steeper, more rugged terrain.

But the OP should have a good time in Colorado, as shown by mel's photos.

Well, for usn's who don't have mountains in our vistas they are ALL plenty gorgeous.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. We have traveled in the Swiss Alps, and among the Cascades in WA, and many times throughout Colorado, and I agree, the view is much better from zero elevation. However, Colorado never disappoints for mountain views without having to cross the pond, and after traveling in 46 states, we find ourselves returning often to Colorado. Thanks for the suggestions for the better views! We do love good views that don't involve high, scary, narrow roads.