A thread for backpackers

Here are some photos from a four-day trip in the South San Juan Wilderness spanning last weekend. This area is famous for being the location of the last grizzly bear sighting in Colorado, more than 30 years ago. Frankly, I don't miss them. The wilderness straddles the Continental Divide in very southern Colorado, almost to the New Mexico border. It is lacking the massive craggy peaks that one sees in parts of the Rockies, and instead one finds high meadows with alpine lakes, rocky ridges, and green valleys. Overall, it's quite high, and most of this trip was in the 11,000'-12,000' elevation range, alternating below and above timberline. The weather was mixed, and we had some hail and thunderstorms, but as usual I didn't capture any bad weather in my photos, since my phone stays sealed in a waterproof pocket in wet conditions.

After a long drive, we hiked in about 8 miles and dropped down into a valley with several lakes, and I found an interesting campsite at the base of a rockfall overlooking the Dipping Lakes.


The next day, Zelda and I hiked up out of the valley. This photo is where the trail is just emerging out of the timber.


Looking back down over the area where we camped the previous night. The conifers in this area, like much of the state, has been devastated by a bark beetle infestation over the last 20 years. In many areas, the majority of large pines are dead and starting to fall over in strong winds, with signs of new growth beginning in places. It can make it difficult to find safe campsites.


Typical views above timberline, with rolling terrain dotted by lakes and ponds. For mid-June, there is not much snow left. I was here last year several weeks later, on July 4th, and much of this area was impassable without skis or snowshoes.


Lovely campsite near Alverjones Lake. Unfortunately, we had terrible weather overnight with constant strong winds, thunderstorms, and hail. We didn't sleep well.


Elk mama and twin babies across the lake.


Typical high alpine tundra meadow. At left one can see blown-down dead pines with some new growth.


We walked on the Continental Divide Trail (which goes from Mexico to Canada) for part of the trip, and it is often marked by these large cairns. This one marked a trail junction.


I love these rocky areas above timberline when the weather is fine.


Overlooking Elk Creek valley, which is known for a series of beautiful meadows.


Nice sheltered campsite by Upper Dipping Lake for the last night.


Zelda was pooped.


A good look at the lake in the morning. Our campsite was at the far end of the lake on the left.

Flat Tops Wilderness last weekend for a couple of nights. Probably a couple of weeks too early, since there was still heavy snowpack that stopped me from getting some places. But I found other places to go, and the nice thing was that there was absolutely nobody else out there.

Crossing snow-fields on the way up to the plateau.


Classic Flat Tops alpine tundra. Some places were totally dry.


I'll bet that water is refreshing.


This is why I love this area.


Nice campsite, not a bug in sight. Another advantage of being out early in the season.


View from the tent.


The next day we made our way a short distance to a lake that I like to visit.


Surprise Lake.


Waterfront campsite.

I had to google Unaweep Canyon, but I see it's near Dominguez Canyon, which I know. That's a really special and beautiful area, and also the site of one of my worst backpacking fiascos. I had planned to go back there this Spring before the heat set in, but COVID spoiled those plans. Hopefully, my body will hold together another year and I will give it another try in April 2021.

The Sangre de Cristo mountains are spectacular, and they always kick my ass. I just remember how beautiful they are and forget how difficult the hiking is. Zelda and I spent a couple of nights there this past weekend and had a great trip. We started at a trailhead near the tiny town of Crestone, which is also one of the gateways to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. (Yes, there are sand dunes in Colorado.)

A long steep climb up through pine and then aspen forests.


Above timberline, we continue to climb.


Climbing to our destination for the night, Groundhog Basin.


First views into Groundhog Basin.


After nearly 3,500 feet of climbing, looking back at spectacular 13k' and 14k' peaks from our chosen campsite.


Camp for the night.


Views as the sun sets.


Morning view of the campsite in Groundhog Basin.


Another angle. Just an amazing spot.


Back on the trail, you can see the pass at the end of the valley ... that little patch of snow at the low point.


Getting closer.


Almost there.


Finally at the pass, looking back at the approach while cooling our heels.


Looking down into the next valley. Daunting, but gorgeous.


Our destination for the day is San Isabel Lake, on the shelf across the valley. But before going there, we'll have a peek over the next pass.


Time for a snack while enjoying the view into the next valley, known as Rito Alto.

Our campsite at San Isabel Lake was well-protected, which turned out to be fortunate because it was a windy night.


The hike out finished with nearly 4,000 feet of descent ... and sore feet/paws. Thanks to whoever put some real effort into this nice water crossing.

The whole S clan/pack spent a few days in the Uncompahgre Wilderness in SW Colorado over the 4th of July weekend. Except for some weather on the first day, it was a great trip, and nice to have some company for a change.

Storms were starting to come in at this point.


Wetterhorn Basin where we camped. Distinctive Coxcomb Peak across the valley.


Picturesque creek near our campsite.


Great sheltered campsite.


Quite a climb to Coxcomb Pass.


View down into the Middle Fork valley.


Opus chased something way down onto that snowfield.


Still a fair amount of snow in spots, but nothing we couldn't cross in our boots with a little care.


This boulder needed some perspective.


Matterhorn Peak on the left, Wetterhorn on the right.


Descent into East Fork basin with a view of the impressive Uncompahgre Peak (14.3k').


Inside our roomy 3-person tent.


The trail out of the East Fork valley was a little sketchy in spots.


Uncompahgre Peak again, just an amazing looking mountain, and readily climb-able from a different side.


Wetterhorn and Matterhorn from the other side. This is the side that people climb. Matterhorn on the right is pretty straightforward, with just a bit of scrambling at the top, but the Wetterhorn is a fairly challenging climb.

That Alaska scenery is so amazing to me, everything seems over-sized. And based on your photos it seems like there's a snack everywhere you look. 😀

Some highlights from an additional 4-5 trips that I did this summer in Colorado. This has been a memorable summer for me, with backpacking being the perfect "distancing" activity. I was blessed to stay healthy and visit some incredible places.

A remarkably well-furnished campsite along the Continental Divide Trail in the Weminuche Wilderness. 😀


"The Window" in the Weminuche, just off the Continental Divide Trail.


View of the Needle Range after climbing up to The Window.


Storms in the Weminuche.


"The Castles" in the West Elks Wilderness.


An incredible rockslide we had to navigate in the West Elks.


Poor Zelda.


Campsite with a view of East Beckwith Mountain in the West Elks.


View from our Seven Lakes campsite in the Mt Zirkel Wilderness.


Campsite along the Encampment River in Mt Zirkel.


Wildflowers growing two years after the Beaver Creek fire in the Mt Zirkel Wilderness.


View from the Colorado Trail in the Cataract Lake area.


Wildflowers and views in Rustler Gulch outside the Maroon Bells Wilderness (where's Waldo)?


Peaceful campsite near Turkey Creek Lake in the Weminuche Wilderness.


Approach to Palomino Mountain in the Weminuche.


Window Lake in the Weminuche.


Campsite by Window Lake, with the namesake window in the background.

Good job, a 14er is always a challenge. And great photo! We'd love to see more.

Meh, it's just G-Shock 5600 over and over again. 😁