On top of the mountain with my favorite muscle cars

There is something about the new car smell surrounded by all of the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The pristine paint jobs are an odd contrast to the dusty back roads, in Tabernash, Colorado, but what a fun way to experience nearly forty 2016 and 2017 cars and trucks.

The Chevrolet Camaro SS and Ford Mustang GT seem to be the top of everyone’s list to drive. The sports cars are great for the back roads in the summer, winter could be a much tougher deal. There are lots of daily drivers to check out. Jeeps are perennial favorites in the mountains, as are the Subaru Outbacks and any type of Volkswagen.

Work vehicles are also important in mountain country, especially during the current building boom. The Ram 1500 Rebel and Ford F-150 got plenty of interest.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica was more fun to drive than I expected. It feels more like an SUV or sedan and less like a minivan, making you feel more comfortable on the mountain roads. The Rocky Mountain Driving Experience gives several dozen automotive writers the opportunity to drive the hottest vehicles both on and off-road, all at the same location.

There was plenty of time for luxury. The all-new Jaguar F-Pace seemed right at home near the BMW X5e. Most importantly, there was also plenty of fun. The VW Beetle Dune and Mini convertibles gave me the opportunity to hug the road and enjoy the beauty of the blue bird sky. I must say as a car lover, you wish days like this could last forever.