Poughkeepsie Gulch & The Red Mountains

[IntrepidXJ]

Saturday, September 6, 2008


We headed out on a day trip to the San Juan Mountains today so that I could finally check out Poughkeepsie Gulch and then explore some trails aroound the Red Mountains. We drove there, drove a few trails, and then drove home again on one tank of gas....so that wasn't too bad with the high gas prices :)

We started off by heading up Poughkeepsie Gulch from Mineral Creek.

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Then we stopped at Lake Como.

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After spending a little time at Lake Como, we took the short trip up to the top of California Pass.

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Then we headed back down and took the road up to Hurricane Pass.

Great views down on Lake Como

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Red Mountain #1 and Corkscrew Pass trail in the distance

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It just so happens that Corkscrew Pass was our next destination

Near the top of the pass with Red Mountain #2

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Old cabin and Red Mountain #2

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When we made it down to the bottom of Corkscrew Gulch, we took a right turn and headed up Brown Mountain

First we came across the Silver Mountain Mine

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Then, as we climbed higher onto the mountain and out of the trees, we were offered great views of the surrounding area.

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Looking across at Red Mountain #1

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Looking down on Ironton Park and the highway

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After heading back down to US 550, it was time to go finish a trail I started with Alex on the 4th of July weekend, when were were stopped by a snow drift.....US Basin & Browns Gulch

View into US Basin

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Looking across the valley at Black Bear Pass trail and the trail that goes up to Porphyry Basin (US 550 down below)

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The trail high above the highway

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Brooklyn Mine

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Finally, before heading home for the day, we headed up into Porphyry Basin. I wasn't sure what to expect with this trail, but it turned out being my favorite of the day :) The only issue I had was a flat tire (I'm pretty sure I was due for a flat with all the trails I run).

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Another great day in the San Juan Mountains.

[jbdavies]

I wish Utah had trails like this in the mountains. :( I'm jealous. Haha. Love your trip reports. It's making me want to move to Colorado... even more than I already do.

[IntrepidXJ]

It's making me want to move to Colorado... even more than I already do.

...but I spend more time in Utah than Colorado!

[jbdavies]

Haha. Really? Both are beautiful states. I Just wish I knew of some closer off road trails. I don't feel like driving down towards Moab.

[accadacca]

:popcorn: