Dock Ellis

A 200-mile ride through Colorado and Utah A 200-mile ride through Colorado and Utah Two old pals and I decided to ride from Colorado to Utah, using the San Juan Hut System, a string of portable "cabins" — each 20 feet square and towed into place. Situated from 12 to 36 miles apart along the circuit, each cabin is equipped with has 12 bunk beds, filling food, water, warm beers, and sleeping bags. Riders need carry only their clothes, personal necessities, and essential bike stuff.

The journey is exciting; the destination is chill I journeyed to Humahuaca, a village in the vast quebrada of the same name, mostly so I could reach my real objective: the otherworldly settlement of Iruya. Humahuaca is situated at an altitude of 1100 feet, much like its closest neighbors, Tilcara and Purmamarca. Tourists come here beacause of the sheer scale of the landscape: the giant salt flats to the west, the celebrated multicolored hills throughout this immense gorge.

Travel Story: Argentina’s Iguazu is a truly Big Water 275 cataracts, all individually named I find waterfalls to be incomparable displays of dynamic force and pure primal beauty. Sensory overload is often off the charts. The hydraulic fury is enough to mesmerize many into staring spellbound into the deluge for hours. Throw in those elusive negative ions — mainly found at falls and believed to elevate serotonin levels and boost your moody mojo — and what a package of plusses a killer cascade can be.