Back into the San Juans

[IntrepidXJ]

Well, it's just about that time of the year again. It's the part of the year that I start transitioning away from the deserts of Southern Utah and start to concentrate on the mountains of Colorado. The last time I was up in the San Juans was when I went snowshoeing (http://www.myxj.net/blog/2644) back in January. I had heard that some of the passes around the San Juan Triangle have been starting to open, so on Saturday we decided to head on down there and see just what the conditions were. We found that the snow has been melting fast this year, and there were a lot more trails open than I had anticipated.

On our way to Silverton, we took the scenic side trip through the Red Mountain Mining District.

Red Mountain Creek
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175067-2/IMG_1277.jpg

Yankee Girl
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Longfellow Mine
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175104-2/IMG_1364.jpg

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175107-2/IMG_1366.jpg

[IntrepidXJ]

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After we finished up the short side trip at Red Mountain Pass, we made a quick stop in Silverton for fuel before heading to Animas Forks.

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[IntrepidXJ]

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175012-2/IMG_1467.jpg

After spending some time photographing Animas Forks we headed up over Cinnamon Pass and into American Basin.

At the pass
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175015-2/IMG_1475.jpg

I hiked up into American Basin a little ways.
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175018-2/IMG_1488.jpg

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175027-2/IMG_1506.jpg

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Headed back over Cinnamon Pass
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[IntrepidXJ]

We started to head up Picayune Gulch, but were stopped by a washed out road/bridge.
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175042-2/IMG_1571.jpg

So we turned around and headed back towards Silverton.

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175048-2/IMG_1575.jpg

Small waterfall along the Animas River.
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175051-2/IMG_1589.jpg

Following the lower road along the Animas River
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175054-2/IMG_1594.jpg

After a bite to eat in Silverton we started on our way back home, but not before stopping at Cascade Falls in Ouray.

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/175057-2/IMG_1604.jpg

If you look closely in the following picture, you can see me standing in the lower right corner for scale. I got soaked :)
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It was perfect weather for a day trip, and I know we'll be heading back a number of times this summer and fall.

[denaliguide]

great shots. haven't thought of that area in years. i used to get out there all the time in college. i can remember climbing cascade falls in the winter of 79.

[tmartenst]

My favorite part of Colorado for sure. The snow is way less than I would think at this time.

[Scott P]

The San Juans are my favorite mountain range in Colorado.:2thumbs:



The snow is way less than I would think at this time.


So true. I tried to drive that road in early July once and it blocked by snowdrifts.

[IntrepidXJ]

The San Juans are my favorite mountain range in Colorado.:2thumbs:


Mine, too :2thumbs:

[Mooseman70]

Nice photos! I really enjoy seeing old ghost towns combined with rugged mountains. Great TR!

[offpiste]

:2thumbs: