the wandering chick
...Highway 9

For being in central Colorado, surrounded by the great Rocky Mountains, Highway 9 is surprisingly level .... not surprisingis that it's so scenic.

As do all odd-numbered highways, Route 9 travels north-south. The southern part starts just north of Cañon City and makes its way through a few small towns such as Fairplay, Alma and the larger Breckenridge. The only break in the level road is Hoosier Pass just before entering Breckenridge.

The northern part from Dillon (which sits on Interstate 70) to Kremmling is mostly agriculture and farmland and the beautiful Green Mountain Reservoir. The highway is 150 miles long, and the elevation ranges from 6400 in Cañon City to 7300 in Kremmling. Hoosier Pass is at an elevation of 11,500.

Highway 9 north of Canon City
from Cañon City to Kremmling
Looking north at the junction of Colorado State Highways 50 and 9 north of Cañon City
Highway 9 south of Alma
Highway 9 between Canon City and Breckenridge
A thunderstorm from the west was a constant threat this day that I traveled between Cañon City and Breckenridge.
Highway 9 between Canon City and Breckenridge
Highway 9 between Canon City and Breckenridge
the town of Breckenridge
the town of Breckenridge
A residential home in Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a popular ski resort, but it's hopping in the summer time, too. Homes and boutiques such as the one below line the main street along with nicely-shaped brick structures.
spring flowers in the Alpine Garden
The town has a springl Alpine Garden next to the Blue River that flows through the heart of the downtown district.
The Blue River
The Blue River
Along the northern Highway 9
Along the northern Highway 9
Along the northern Highway 9
Along the northern Highway 9
Along the northern Highway 9
The Green Mountain Reservoir
Along the northern Highway 9
The remaining shots were taken along the northern portion of Highway 9, between Dillon and Kremmling. The rolling green pastures dotted with wooden fences and wildflowers kept my heart singing the whole distance.
Green Mountain Reservoir
Green Mountain Reservoir
The Green Mountain Reservoir is a popular fishing spot in Summit County. A dam at the north end of the lake was built between 1938 and 1942.
Green Mountain Reservoir
Green Mountain Reservoir
Above and Below: Standing at the foot of the dam looking southeast
Green Mountain Reservoir

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Along the southern Highway 9
scenic Highway 9 between Kremmling and Silverthorne

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The Blue River on Highway 9 just north of Silverthorne
Green Mtn Reservoir, near the dam
The Blue River on scenic Highway 9 between Kremmling and Silverthorne
all the colors of green
Green Mtn Reservoir
By crossing the dam at the north end, you can drive the west side of the reservoir on Forest Road 30, also called Heeney Road. The town of Heeney is on this side of the reservoir, propped up on the hillside overlooking the reservoir. Its population is way less than 100 people. It consists of a marina and both permanent and vacation homes sprawled about 10 miles along the length of the road.
a barn in Heeney
Heeney
lone tree on edge of cliff
old wagon in yard Henney
old wagons in residential yard, Henney
Green Mtn Reservoir
showing the water level of the reservoir
Green Mtn Reservoir
evidence of a small fire
Heeney Road
old bridge crossing the Blue River
On the Highway 9 side of the reservoir is the Blue River State Wildlife Viewing Area. It's a boardwalk that extends less than 1/2 mile along the river's edge. Because of the dense shrubery and trees, there's really no good view of the river...until you reach the end of the boardwalk,which is this bridge. So, I assume one who wants to view the wildlife must take his life in his hands and walk out onto this bridge. I decided to pass.
Spring Creek
A county road off Highway 9 near the reservoir leads to this, Spring Creek.
Looking west into the Arapaho National Forest from Highway 9