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Post by trinity on Jul 27, 2019 12:07:22 GMT -8
I have a trip coming up the week of August 19th, my current plan is to hike the Elk Creek/Valle Victoria loop in the South San Juan Wilderness. I'll have 4 nights, which should give me time to be leisurely and do lots of fishing. I am debating what to bring for shelter. I might bring my Gatewood Cape, but was wondering how bad the mosquitoes will be. Also considering a hammock setup, but am wondering if the beetle kill is so bad that I'll have trouble finding a safe place to hang. Anyone have any opinions? Also, does anyone know of any camping spots they recommend? Looking for nice campsites, but my priority is good fishing. I'll probably spend at least one night at the second meadow, which is supposed to be good. Has anyone fished any of the lakes? Lots to choose from, Dipping, Trail, Victoria, Alverjones. I'd appreciate any info at all on this area. I've done a fair amount of car camping, hiking, and fishing along the Conejos, but have never backpacked in this area.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,958 
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Post by Westy on Jul 27, 2019 17:12:22 GMT -8
Gold PanI'd give this business a call. Heavy snow lingering unusually late has probably pushed out the start of mosquito season thus extending it. Would recommend a Just In Case broad brim hat with insect net, long sleeve shirt and pants with DEET 100.
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Post by trinity on Jul 31, 2019 12:15:52 GMT -8
Thanks, Westy . Sounds like good advice. |
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Post by cweston on Aug 9, 2019 8:42:25 GMT -8
FYI, I car-camped further north in CO, in the Gores, July 21-29. The mosquitos there were a minor nuisance, but no big deal. I would say that the peak season had passed.
I don't know about the South San Juans, but in the CO Sangres, at about the same latitude, the usual peak is about the third week of June. If the South San Juans are on a remotely similar schedule, I'd be surprised if they hadn't waned a decent bit by August 19, even given the late schedule this year.
They were pretty bad, but not miserable, in the Winds last week. I'm guessing they had already peaked. My son, who attracts bugs more than I do, wore a headnet pretty consistently in camps below 11,000. I wore mine occasionally. At no point did either of us feel the need to be in the tent for the sole purpose of preserving sanity. I did get swarmed pretty badly at one point waiting for his dwaddly self to get organized after a creek crossing.
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Post by trinity on Aug 10, 2019 12:57:49 GMT -8
Thanks, that's helpful. I'll be eyeing the weather over the next week to determine which shelter to take.
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Post by topshot on Sept 4, 2019 10:29:31 GMT -8
How was your trip? I'm considering this loop next week though may be too long for the time we have since my wife will move quite slowly.
Also considering the Venable-Comanche loop though it isn't as conveniently located for us.
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Post by trinity on Sept 4, 2019 16:42:42 GMT -8
topshot , it was a nice trip, but tougher than I expected. Challenges came primarily from poorly maintained trails, which were often difficult to follow, lots of boggy areas resulting in continually wet feet and huge blisters, and widespread beetle kill. But there were some beautiful areas, excellent fishing, and lots of solitude. If you take the Valle Victoria trail, I recommend taking either GPS or 7.5 minute quads, or both. You can read my TR here. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
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Post by topshot on Sept 4, 2019 17:40:14 GMT -8
Thanks. This one is off the list!  My son (then almost 9) and I did a loop north of there to Conejes Peak 4 years ago that was pretty decent. There were 2 places with some downed trees coming down the Roaring Fork Trail, but I don't recall anything else bad. I expect the beetle kill is worse now and I have no idea on the fishing along those trails. |
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Post by trinity on Sept 5, 2019 13:49:21 GMT -8
This one is off the list!  Probably a good decision, IMHO. I remember watching the video of you and your son, looked like a great trip. If I had my last trip to do again, I'd probably continue along the CDT to Blue Lake and exit down the South Fork Trail, instead of the Valle Victoria Trail, then just hitch a ride back to Elk Creek. |
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My son (then almost 9) and I did a loop north of there to 