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.







Then we stopped at Lake Como.





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



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

Great views down on Lake Como



Red Mountain #1 and Corkscrew Pass trail in the distance



It just so happens that Corkscrew Pass was our next destination

Near the top of the pass with Red Mountain #2



Old cabin and Red Mountain #2



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





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



Looking across at Red Mountain #1



Looking down on Ironton Park and the highway



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



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



The trail high above the highway



Brooklyn Mine



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).









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]