Gunnison, CO

Last Sunday we were at a church in Gunnison, CO.  I did not know that Gunnison is one of the coldest cities in the country!  Here’s why:

“Gunnison is located at the bottom of several valleys. Due to its location in the Rocky Mountains, cold air in all the valleys settles into Gunnison at night, making it one of the coldest places in winter in the United States, especially when snowpack is present.”

In fact, the record low is –60*, while the record high is only 98*.  (I could get used to that for a record high…but I’ll pass on the low temps!).  We drove from Grand Junction, CO to Gunnison and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery!

A snowy homestead!

I had to focus on taking pictures so I didn’t get sick on the curvy mountain roads!

We drove alongside the Blue Mesa Reservoir.  At the beginning it was not frozen.  And though the water was freezing cold, it was warmer than the air temp, causing a layer of steam to sit on top of the reservoir.  As we got further along, the lake had started to freeze.  This is the bridge crossing over to the other side of the reservoir.

My favorite shot – Blue Mesa Reservoir.  I could used to this view!

The reservoir, starting to freeze

    

When we arrived on Saturday it was eight below.  The hotel clerk said the day had started at 33 below!  When we got up on Sunday morning, the temp was –21*.  In fact, we could see our breath inside the hotel hallway!

We had a good time in Gunnison, but I don’t think I could handle living there year round!