TR: A Few San Juan Passes and a 14er

[Kya]

The family and I loaded up the truck and headed south to the San Juans for a couple of days. Our goal was to drive a few mountain passes, camp and hike two 14ers. We left Eagle heading west to Glenwood Springs then south for Kebler Pass.

Then Ohio Pass.

After passing through Gunnison and finally reaching Lake City, we started the climb up Cinnamon Pass.

We spent the night at the Redcloud and Sunshine Trailhead. I had some weird ghost dreams that night.

We got up at the crack of butt to attempt both peaks. The trail follows the creek for a few miles then BAM! You're above treeline.

Redcloud summit to the left.

My daughter's 4th 14er this summer!

The 1.5 mile treverse to Sunshine Peak. My daughter and I made it to the bottom of the saddle, but then she pooped out knowing that she would still have to hike back to the summit of Redcloud AGAIN just to hike out.

My wife continued on for the summit of Sunshine. She had to peak all to herself.

The wildflowers were amazing in this high basin.

We spent one more night at our campsite.

At about 3 am I stepped outside to pee and check out the stars. One of our dogs wanted out had a secret date or something. Next thing I know I'm pulling all of these quills from her face and mouth. OUCH!

 

[Kya]

continued.....

Finished off Cinnamon Pass the next day.

Beautiful!

Not a bad place to have house, 4x4 required!

Animas Forks, where mountain passes and wildlife converge.

After a short break and burgers and beers in Silverton, we headed to Ophir Pass.

The town of Ophir.

Looking back at Ophir Pass.

Creek crossing and about as "flexy" as my truck can get, ha ha!

We decided to camp and fish at Alta Lakes for a night.

 

[Kya]

continued....

Just another amazing Colorado camping spot.

We finished off with another night in Telluride.

Then took the pavement back to Eagle via I-70. An awesome trip with the family. The most dangerous part was on route 50 near Delta, when a U-Haul towing a car tried to pass us on the highway and ran us off the road, into the emergency lane. Goes to show, always stick to the dirt when possible!

 

[KC Cruiser]

Great report! We just got back last week from Durango & Telluride, great weather and a lot of fun. My daughter now 5 caught her first Rainbow trout (13") right where your daughter is standing on the dam last year, very beautiful up there.

 

[trailsurfer]

Awesome Pictures! I am lucky enough to live in the middle of all of that beauty.

But, I have still not seen a Moose yet. They are just starting to make a come back down here in SW Colorado.

 

[DNTL740]

Great Pictures

what an awesome adventure, and camping trip!!

 

[MossMan]

Amazing!:Wow1::bike_rider:

 

[scarysharkface]

Beautiful!

 

[colodak]

awsome

 

[roverrocks]

Absolutely gorgeous pictures!! The San Juans are such a treasure.

 

[JCMatthews]

Great pictures and I love your camping kit. I love that you guys are out hiking as well. Just an all around awesome trip.

 

[BIGGUY]

Looks like a great family trip in a beautiful place.

 

[Kya]

Thanks everybody! But this I had to quote....

... My daughter now 5 caught her first Rainbow trout (13") right where your daughter is standing on the dam last year, very beautiful up there.

Everybody, and I mean everybody, was pulling fish out of that lake. We did not catch one! I take full responsibility because I have never really been into fishing and clearly I don't know how to catch fish. My daughter loves it so we are going to keep at it.


We just thought this was Hillarious!

 

[Bushmaster6]

I miss Colorado

I miss Colorado
I miss Colorado
I miss Colorado...




all I can hope is that big Army sends me back there

:elkgrin:

 

[Adventure Jeep]

Great pictures and looks like a great time. We have started hiking a lot more in the San Juans and like it as much or more than Jeeping.