texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Dec 3, 2019 16:26:09 GMT -8
I'm in the very early planning stages for some CO hikes, and the Weminuche is one of the areas I've always wanted to check out, if only because I spent a lot of time in Ouray back in the day when my in-laws lived there. Must sees? Best lakes (not looking to fish)? Is it worth doing a section of the CDT? What questions should I be asking?
I like loops, okay with longish off-trail time, not much of a peak bagger, probably looking for about a week out there.
Thx.
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null
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Post by null on Dec 4, 2019 13:13:16 GMT -8
The Williams Creek Trailhead to Cimmarona Trailhead make a nice "almost loop". Alternatively, you could use the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad at Needleton to help in making a loop.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Dec 4, 2019 20:41:30 GMT -8
Thanks, null , I'll give those some thought. Looks like I'll need to find a few side trips for either of them, but that can be good. |
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null
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Post by null on Dec 5, 2019 1:26:35 GMT -8
There's an unexpected stone arch across the Cimmarona Trail maybe 3 miles in. The first time I was there, a violent thunderstorm hit just as we got there and we were able to take shelter under it.
I've always wanted to see Hossick Lake, but unfortunately have never made it there. Seems like a nice destination/diversion.
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null
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Post by null on Dec 5, 2019 4:25:32 GMT -8
Possible weeklong loop:
Williams Creek TH
Palisade Meadows
CDT (turn left)
Trout Lake
Red Lakes
Ruby Lake
Red Lakes
Trout Lake
CDT
Squaw Pass
Cimmarona Creek Trail
Cimmarona TH
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Dec 6, 2019 5:24:13 GMT -8
 The arch! |
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Dec 6, 2019 6:02:38 GMT -8
Blue Lakes (Mt. Sneffels) and Ice Lakes Basin are two must-sees. Wetterhorn basin is also spectacular.
It's really hard to go wrong in that area.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Dec 6, 2019 12:35:52 GMT -8
Thanks again, null , I'll do some more map thinking. And thanks for your input, walkswithblackflies . I've been to Yankee Boy Basin many times, but never over to Blue Lakes. But I'd probably want to stay away from the jeep trails as much as possible on this trip. Ice Lakes looks interesting, though. That might be a great day trip for acclimating myself before starting a longer trip. Looks like maybe 8 or 9 miles round trip? Or a little more if I were to head on up to Fuller Lake as well (looks easy enough per the map). Hmm. |
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Dec 9, 2019 5:15:36 GMT -8
texasbb - No jeep trail up to Blue Lakes. Only a hiking/horse trail, and I don't remember if the horse trail goes all the way up or veers off. Lots of hiking options above, as well. I went in late August / early September and had the entire place to myself. I spent 2.5 days at Ice Lakes Basin, and would have spent another if I had more time. There's the lower (main) basin, the upper (Fuller Lake) basin, and then the peaks themselves. Lots of nooks and crannies to explore. Possibly my favorite spot in Colorado.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Dec 9, 2019 11:47:32 GMT -8
Thanks, walkswithblackflies. I know the jeep road stops before the Blue Lakes Pass, but barely IIRC. Anyway, I'm glad to hear Ice Lakes is so nice. Maybe I'll make it an overnighter for acclimatization, although I hear it's crowded up there these days...wonder if that's just on the weekends. Right now I'm mapsurfing various loop options over in the Weminuche proper. |
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Dec 9, 2019 12:26:45 GMT -8
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Post by larrys on Dec 30, 2019 16:09:22 GMT -8
Taking the train to Elk Creek and hiking around to Valecito and up Johnson Creek to the Chicago Basin is a great hike. You can hike back down to Needleton to catch the train back to Durango. If you are into trying 14ers, Windom is a “walk up” - nothing technical. One of the issues with this trip is the effects of avalanches going up Elk Creek. Lots of downed timber. Colorado Trail hikers were able to get through by log hopping. Also there has been epic beetle kill in the Chicago Basin, so some of the usual camping spots are risky from trees falling.
My suggestion would be to do Ice Lakes Basin and Island Lake as a day hike. Then the next day do Columbine Lake. The starting areas a near Silverton and just epic day hikes. After using these hikes to acclimate, then I would suggest doing the Colorado Trail from Little Molas Lake (also near Silverton) to Durango. There is a 22 mile dry stretch after Straight Creek so allow for a 5 liter or more water carry. You have the option of continuing on to Durango or leaving a car at Kennebec Pass. If your car cannot make it up you can leave one further down the road and hike down to it. We did this trip this summer to Kennebec in four days and three nights. Simply one of the best hikes I have done hands down.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Dec 30, 2019 20:51:04 GMT -8
Thanks, larrys. So far I've scratched out two potential loops. The first uses the train like you suggested (I wasn't aware of all the dead trees). The second is to the east, starting/ending at Williams Creek/Cimarrona THs. I was confused for a while about your suggested dayhike to Columbine Lake till I realized there's another one besides the one beyond Chicago Basin. That CDT section looks intriguing, though 22 dry miles might be tough for me. I'm not sure how I'd arrange transportation, either. Maybe a bus if I went all the way to Durango? But if I stop at Kennebec Pass (my Chevy Colorado could probably make it), how would I hitch back to a bus? |
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Post by larrys on Dec 31, 2019 5:56:48 GMT -8
Sorry did not catch the loop preference. Yes there are two Columbine Lake, one by Columbine Pass and the other one nearer Silverton. Whatever you settle on doing, nothing will beat Ice Lakes Basin/Island Lake and Columbine Lake. Coming up to that altitude is never easy and two day hikes will really help you. Keep the CT trip in mind for the future if you can figure out the logistics.
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