Teller County, CO - Roads Less Traveled

Skaguay Resevoir - American Eagle Overlook - Road 61 to Cripple Creek

September 2002 or 2003 - For those who live in Colorado Springs, a nice getaway from the city is a scenic drive in Teller County, on the west side of Pikes Peak. On a sunny and warm autumn day, I visited three places that may be lesser known in the area. Skaguay Resevoir From Victor, follow signs and travel east to Skaguay Reservoir.
I picked the right day to explore the mountains. The fall foliage was very pretty!
From Victor, it is a six mile drive with many views of mountain scenery.
At the reservoir.
Very pretty. Skaguay resevoir is located south of Pikes Peak. From here, if one traveled east through the mountains, one would wind up near the Fort Carson grounds and State Highway 115. In the second photo, I believe that is Almagre Mountain (not Pikes Peak), but I can not say for sure. Other reservoirs on my site: Eleven Mile Reservoir Antero Reservoir Taylor Park Reservoir Twin Lakes Reservoir
I met this friendly gentleman who told me all about the fishing opportunities here. He had caught three fish that day. He said the fly fishing is excellent downstream beyond the dam. He had caught three fish so far.
On the way back, more photos of beauitful foliage on Skaguay Road. Other fall foliage pages: Teller County 2001 Wilkerson Pass Colorful Autumn Leaves Colorado Fall Foliage 2010 Fall Colors
Another scenic view as I returned to Victor.

	American Eagle Overlook This is "must see" spot for those interesting in the mining of the area ... not to mention the spectacular mountain views at the top. To get there, travel east out of Victor, and follow the signs to the overlook.
	It's 2.5 miles going up! There are many remnants from past mining activity, but near the top you'll enter an active mining district. The middle photo is a dump truck in action!
	10,750 feet in elevation at the top. Wonderful mountain views!
	Looking west, you'll get a grand view of the Cripple Creek & Victor Mining operation. Pretty interesting!
	And way out there are Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
	To the southeast is the small unincorporated town of Goldfield.
	To the east is another active mining operation. It appears they are slowly blasting the mountain away. Almagre Mountain in the background.
	Last but not least, from the American Eagle Overlook, there are numerous views of Pikes Peak.
	Special thanks to my Honda CRX for making up there! ;)
	I did my best to zoom-in on the Sangre de Cristo Range with the sky.
	Two more semi-creative pictures.

Road 61 to Cripple Creek Now State Highway 67 between Divide and Cripple Creek is very scenic in itself, but if you are interested in taking a different route, I found Teller County Road 61 to be an interesting one. To take 61, travel south from Divide and turn off at the Rainbow Valley Ranch sign.
Much of the way, it is a quiet and reasonably graded dirt road.
Plenty of bright yellow foliage. :)
Even the ground was colorful!
The road switchbacks a few times adn gives a good view of the mountains near Wilkerson Pass (in the foreground) and the many lofty peaks near Fairplay, Alma and Breckenrige.
Another section of road provides great views of the Pikes Peak range.
According to my map, this mountain is named Trachyte Knob.
Eventually, the road reconnects with State Highway 67 near Cripple Creek. ColoradoGuy.com on Facebook