On day 2, we woke up to a deserted Red Cliff. We headed to Leadville for breakfast, then eagerly set out for Glenwood Springs. Riding past Twin Lakes, we marveled at the Colorado Rockies. Soon, the road began to climb, and we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. The switchbacks up Independence Pass were a thrilling challenge, but the effort was worth it for the stunning views at the summit. From the top of the pass, the road descended into a lush forest of aspens. We passed through several towns before finally arriving in Glenwood Springs, the westernmost pivotal point of our ride loop.
Glenwood Springs, a vibrant city with a variety of things to offer visitors, was our perfect place to cool off on that particularly hot day. We went our separate ways for several hours to explore at our own pace. Some soaked in the world-famous hot springs, while others sought solace in the park or took a scenic gondola ride to the top of Iron Mountain. Later in the afternoon, we met up and continued our ride to Yampa.
