The trail continues to a rocky spine east of the creek where the tundra gives way to the scree. This trail passes by the two largest Highland Mary Lakes as well as the nearby Verde Lakes. It’s a beautiful locale, well worth an adventure there. The Chicago Basin in the San Juan Mountains is one of the first recommendations hikers receive when searching for backcountry destinations in the sprawling mountain wilderness of southwestern Colorado. 17.1 km. Weminuche Wilderness Weminuche Wilderness Area sign. There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, of dozens of my adventure trips can be found here. The weminuche is a fantastic area! We asked for recommendation as to which direction to complete the loop. Chicago Basin in Weminuche Wilderness Overnight hiking in the Chicago Basin. You've chosen well! Found inside – Page 37The trail comes upon the curvy white blossoms of parrot's beak lousewort ... As the trail HUNTERS LAKE LOOP WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS Metroz Mtn . 11,892 ft. The Animas River flowing into the Grenadiers, Despite the threatening clouds, I stayed dry, The Guardian and Mt Silex peaking out above the Divide, Looking back at The Window and Rio Grande Pyramid, Aspens didn't change yet at lower elevations, Peaks rising above the river in the distance, I enjoyed a break at this spot along Moon Lake, The route above Moon Lake. Emerald Lake is located in the Weminuche Wilderness 10 miles from the Pine River Trailhead near Vallecito Reservoir. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll through the forest and trees with the kids or something more extreme, Pagosa has it all. Twenty years from now, you will be disappointed more by the things you didn't do, than by the ones you did do. Here are a few of our favorite backpacking trips in the area. Taking its lead now from Lake Creek, the trail grows considerably steeper, especially within the first .6 miles. Fully updated and revised, this new edition now includes trails in the South San Juan Wilderness Area, adding up to more than forty comprehensive trail descriptions for Colorado's Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness areas. This guide, put into practice, will result in the trip of a lifetime. August 2008 | San Juan Mountains, Colorado. Much of the route follows an easy grade down the narrow basin. Found inside – Page 178Multiday loop trips can be designed starting at the Williams Creek Trailhead ... The Weminuche Wilderness is the largest designated wilderness in Colorado. 2002 Sierra Club Volunteer Trail Project in Arizon... 2002 AHS Volunteer Trail Project -- Tennessee's Cu... 2000 AHS Volunteer Trail Project for Washington's ... 1997 AHS Volunteer Trail Project in Montana's Bob ... 1998 AHS Volunteer Trail Project in Montana's Gall... 2001 AHS Volunteer Trail Project - Colorado Trail, Backpacking Arkansas' Buffalo River Trail, Backpacking Land Between the Lakes in KY and TN, Backpacking New Mexico's Pecos Wilderness, Backpacking Zion National Park's West Rim Trail, Backpacking Michigan's Isle Royale National Park. From here until the second and final bridge, 2.5 miles of dense forest unfolds. At the bridge, the canyon widens a bit, and the trail pulls higher. Located in Southern Colorado's Weminuche Wilderness, Fourmile Falls is a beautiful day hike perfect for hikers and photographers. The trail gently ascends along the eastern edge of the valley, with the creek in the middle and meadows on each side. 7) Though the alpine lakes, 14er, and climbing areas can get busy, you can still find pockets away from people where you can immerse yourself for a few days at a time. The activities I describe are not without risk. The southern face of Vallacito Mountain. Pingback: Trinity Lake in the Needles Wilderness | Got Altitude? As you drift in and out of meadows, the Guardian becomes more distinct and slowly overtakes the surrounding peaks. Includes mile points, elevations, and maps for each segment. Features completely updated maps and data for the 80-mile Collegiate West trail addition, as well as bicycle detours around wilderness areas. Looking for a great trail in Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado? Weminuche Loop. Wild Raspberries. The San Juan Mountains are roughly the size of the Swiss Alps, including the spectacular 499,771 acre Weminuche Wilderness- Colorado's largest designated wilderness area. Hiking Colorado's Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas, by Donna Ikenberry, $17. I was there over 25 years ago so I can’t give current info. In 2011, Tristan MacDonald organized and led a hike of his two grandchildren, Brittany and Zach Fraser, and me on a hike along the Continental Divide. ( Log Out /  Send me an email at tzohner@gmail.com, and I'll try to send you a link after I wrap up my current project. The Weminuche Wilderness is one of the largest in the contiguous 48 states at 487,400 acres. The Wilderness contains about 500 miles of trails that pass endless alpine summits with numerous alpine lakes. With close to 2 million acres in the San Juan National Forest, there's a hike for everyone. Pine Creek Trail to Lake Creek. From here, the trail passes below a sloped scree field, and across the next mile, I could here elk bugling off in the distance. Gain access to the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness for backpacking, day hikes, rafting, and fishing trips via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad during the summer season. The trail begins easy and flat meadering along the campground for about 0.6 miles (a great hike with kids). Located in the trail of Durango, this is the largest wilderness in entire Colorado where your backpacking trip is advisable to begin. The string of 13,000 foot summits comprising the Grenadier Range peer out from behind the Guardian’s left and right shoulders. "Trail Writer's Guide links elements of writing to your moments of inspiration crossing forest paths, mountain creeks, or alpine tundra"--P. [4] of cover. This is just below Hell Canyon, now at about 9000 feet. The average temps for *Weminuche Wilderness* show low 30s for lows, and highs in the 60s. @bugbomb. Elk Creek to Vestal Creek Trail, up to Vestal & Arrow Peaks. It is a hiking destination during summer and fall, as well as a ski . Dream. *******************************************, The vision must be followed by the venture. "Topographic maps were created using National Geographic Maps TOPO! Outdoor Recreation software"--P. [4] of cover. As the largest designated wilderness in Colorado, the Weminuche is hard to beat. A guide to hiking trails in Colorado's national parks and wilderness areas, illustrated with 350 full color photographs and trail maps. But, in my opinion, the most interesting part of the hike is the second half of the trail. 6 days, 48 miles. Within the wilderness area, which is closed to all vehicular traffic, you can hike to high alpine valleys, mountain peaks and pristine lakes on hundreds of miles of marked trails. The views begin to slip away behind the basin walls until, 5.6 miles from Rock Creek, the trail comes up on Johnson Creek and a bridge. Some years, the trails are snowed in until the middle of July and a snowstorm is not uncommon in September. West of the historic mining town of Creede, Colorado, we'll follow a specially selected loop trail that will lead you through the highlights of the Weminuche (pronounced we-man-uch) Wilderness. It was a 7 day loop out of the. Change ), Missouri Mountain’s West Ridge from Clohesy Lake, Mounts Bierstadt and Evans via the Sawtooth. Photos exemplifying my love for the outdoors and some of my adventures in pursuit of that passion: Mountain biking in Florida's Ocala National Forest, Digging new trail tread for Kentucky's Pine Mountain Trail, Sea kayaking Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine, Nailing decking on SC's Palmetto Trail fifteen feet above the Wateree Swamp, Driving a 6 wheel drive ATV on trail project in Michigan's Hiawatha NF, Rafting Wesser Falls on North Carolina's Nantahala River, Snorkeling the green slime of Florida's Orange Grove Sink spring, Digging new trail tread for Tennessee's Cumberland Trail during hunting season (orange outfit), Canoeing 125 miles down Utah's Green River, Rafting Bull Sluice on the Chattooga River, Kayaking 145 miles of the Mississippi River, Horseback riding in Mexico's Copper Canyon, Volunteer trail project in Arizona's high desert, Biking in one of Chicagoland's many forest preserves, Backpacking a North Carolina segment of the AT, 4-wheelin' Colorado's high country with the Xterra Owners Club, Exploring slot canyon in Glen Canyon/Lake Powell. A brilliant sunset above Animas Mountain deep in the Weminuche Wilderness, August. Hiking half a mile below the lake, the trail drops out of the basin and into the Rock Creek drainage at the head of a meadow with far reaching views. For 7 days in August, I hiked a high loop route through the high and rugged Needle Mountains in the Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juans south of Silverton, Colorado. Squaw Creek Trail continues another 4 miles or so up to Squaw Pass where it intersects with the Continental Divide Trail. You will go out in joyand be led forth in peace;the mountains and hillswill burst into song before you,and all the trees of the fieldwill clap their hands. Posted on June 10, 2018 by georgeschools under Weminuche Wilderness The plan for this trip was to leave my car at the Wolf Creek Pass trailhead, hike six days up the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) past Hunchback Pass and hook west up the CT (Colorado Trail) to follow the Elk Creek drainage toward Molas Pass where I would meet me friend Rob . For a wild memory, consider this southwest hike that combines a trip on the Durango train. This section of the southern Colorado Rockies offers a wilderness experience that most people can't even dream of. If you have a GPS, Half Moon Lake is your destination. With more than 492,000 acres, the Weminuche Wilderness is one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. Backpacking Colorado's Weminche Wilderness Squaw P... Backpacking Colorado's Weminuche Wilderness, My Grand Canyon National Park Information Page, Phantom Ranch -- Grand Canyon National Park, Backpacking the Grand Canyon's North Kaibab Trail, Backpacking the Grand Canyon's South Kaibab Trail, Backpacking the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail, Backpacking Colorado's Uncompahgre Wilderness, Bike, Hike, and Paddle (formerly Chuck's Backpacking Bonanza), Road Scholar/Elderhostel: Adventures in Lifelong Learning, American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations. From this angle, the peak looks much more elongated. There are 14 other excellent hikes located within the rugged Weminuche Wilderness that range from moderately difficult treks to intensely challenging trails you can't complete in a day or without experience. We chose to day hike the beginning of the trail. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO […] Found inside – Page 163Vallecito Reservoir is the headquarters for backpacking and horseback riding trips into the Weminuche Wilderness and to Emerald Lake. ( Log Out /  That story is told here. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Weminuche Wilderness. The Emerald Lake trail ends just above treeline, about .2 miles north of Rock Lake. The falls make this hike ideal in early to mid summer, when the falls are full of icy snowmelt. Pine Needle Mountaineering. Weminuche Wilderness. Take a train to some of Colorado's most rugged and beautiful terrain. If you have time, we suggest that you take an extra day or two to camp near the North Supply . Soon reaching a meadow, the canyon walls begin to narrow, and the trail pulls higher above the creek. Discover. Losing 914 feet of elevation across 1.5 miles of wide, sweeping switchbacks, the Rock Creek Trail meets with the Vallacito Creek Trail. It is high country with most of it above 10,000. In its newly revised second edition, The Complete Guide to Colorado's Wilderness Areas continues to serve as the foremost guide to these magnificent wild places. In June 2009 I spent 7 days in the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest wilderness area, backpacking the Elk Park to Needleton Loop utilizing the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to access the remote interior. Planning a backpacking trip to the Durango area this summer? Labor Day Weekend | Friday - Sunday, August 30 - September 1, 2019. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I don't have my specific route on a custom map. Teetering with the terrain for 1.5 miles, the thick canopy overhead offers protection from both the heat and the rain. With the remote Weminuche Wilderness and La Plata Mountains at our backdoor, there's no shortage of incredible adventures to be had. Ouray, CO - The Highland Mary Lakes Loop is about a 7.7 mile loop that traverses alpine area in the northwest section of the Weminuche Wilderness. The Weminuche Wilderness. The split is unmarked and difficult to spot. These two 14ers are part of Chicago Basin. This account follows the loop counterclockwise. 470 miles of trails, including 80 miles of the Continental Divide Trail (which only dips below timberline three times) are in the wilderness, which also includes the section of the Rockies called "The Bend" which is found in this area of the wilderness. If you have a compass, Half Moon Lake is almost directly north of the lower unnamed lake, about .8 miles, and its small basin is nearly impossible to miss. Chicago Basin is a very popular backpacking destination in the Weminuche Wilderness owing to its easy access via the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad out of Durango, its proximity to three of Colorado's 14-ers, and its scenic beauty. The next day's hike will be a loop. Steeper switchbacks loose 415 feet before finally feeding into the trailhead at Vallacito Campground. Weminuche Wilderness - Elk Park - Needleton loop. . You gaze at  the creek below you for the first mile or so. #1 CDT: Weminuche Pass to Twin Lakes (CO Sec. If you give me a week or so, I'll see if I can send you a caltopo link with my route after I finish another piece of writing I'm working on. In the photo below, you are looking back down at Squaw Pass (11,200 feet elevation) and you realize how much more elevation you have gained since you got on the CDT. The Weminuche is also the state's deepest and most impenetrable wilderness. Found inside – Page 20Below are 39 of the newest trips (see them all at backpacker.com). ... LOCAL HIKES Weminuche Wilderness, CO: Windom Peak Take the Durango & Silverton Narrow ... On a volunteer trail project in Kentucky, I took a tree down, and on its way down, it took me down and sent me the the ER. The Wilderness contains about 500 miles of trails that pass . ( Log Out /  A warning: Since the lake is only about 8 miles from the trailhead, horse parties use the lake for both day trips and overnight stops. The only other valley I've backpacked of comparable beauty is the Big Blue Valley in Colorado's Big Blue/Uncompahgre Wilderness area. Without much information to go on, I was nervous about the terrain, but I had nothing to worry about. The Chicago Basin in the San Juan Mountains is one of the first recommendations hikers receive when searching for backcountry destinations in the sprawling mountain wilderness of southwestern Colorado. Hiking The Elk Park/Needleton Loop Weminuche Wilderness Backpacking the Elk Park/Needleton loop in the Weminuche Wilderness, CO + summit Windom Peak. The Weminuche Wilderness is the largest Wilderness Area in Colorado at 499,771 acres and spans the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains. We originally planned to do five days on the trail, but, as many longer trips usually go, the plan was modified as we went. Continuing another .7 miles, the trail breaks out into a meadow. Squaw Creek Trail starts at Thirty-Mile Campground of the National Forest Service, which is located just downriver from The Rio Grande Reservoir. Breathtaking views on the CDT sections. Soon I left the trail and started hiking up the southwest ridge to the summit of PT 13109. At 0.7 miles, the trail enters the Weminuche Wilderness. The station offered free guides to a variety of hikes in the Maroon Bells area, including the Four Pass Loop. Fifty-nine comprehensive trail descriptions for Colorado's Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness areas. Tristan proposed that we assemble the same group again, to do a semi-loop hike in the Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado, starting near his home in Durango, and I . The 3 to 4-day Bowen Lake Loop in the Never Summer Wilderness Area is one of our favorite backpacking loops in northern Colorado. After gaining 275 feet across .18 miles, the trail levels on a false summit. Looking the other direction from the summit deeper into the Weminuche Wilderness. Aspen and a number of different coniferous pines carry through the elevation. Found inside – Page 118Top Of The Roclde* Weminuche Wilderness BeAtOf The Bighorn* Cloud Peak Wilderness EASY ACCESS TRIPS to. Rarely does real life match our childhood ... A broad area and perhaps the most scenic place in Colorado. Deep in the canyon, formidable walls striped with steep drainages and avalanche chutes rise above both shores. Vegetation thins, but small campsites pepper the surrounding pockets from here until treeline. The hike is in the upper Rio Grande River valley and visits portions of the CD. Short, to-the-point, and humorously illustrated by famed outdoor illustrator Mike Clelland, this book presents everything hikers and backpackers need to be safe, comfortable, and well fed while carrying a very small and lightweight pack. Moose, elk and deer are plentiful along this trail, along with a possible bear. This loop connects four trails for a 35 mile loop. The trail has been reconstructed in a series of seven switchbacks which continue for 2 miles where it levels off in another half mile reaches Squaw Lake. June 28, 2016. The first couple miles are mostly through forest interspersed with waterfalls. Adventure is not outside man, but within, for you cannot cross the sea by simply staring at the water. Many of its spectacular back country locations are accessible only by long hiking trails where days of backpacking travel are necessary. As usual, we had some crazy weather during our trip, including lots of lightning, thunder, and several stunning . Heavy timber and a thick undergrowth of the eastern wall of the canyon envelop the trail once again. The delightful mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South Fork and Creede surround and provide . This guidebook reveals the 40 best hiking trails in Colorado that are dog friendly. It is shared by the San Juan National Forest on the west side of the continental divide, and the Rio Grande National Forest on the east side. 6.3 miles in, at the foot of Three Sisters and Granite Peaks, turn left onto the Emerald Lake Trail. Family Friendly Kids would enjoy hiking the Highland Mary Lakes Trail #606 to the first lake, but beyond that you could experience meltdowns. The true summit is to the left. A myriad of broken trees in the runout stand tribute to the disaster, and serves as a good reminder about the dangers avalanches pose. Vallacito Mountain on the right. Thank you, Meranda. Bowen Lake Backpacking Loop, Never Summer Wilderness Area. The Weminuche Wilderness (WEM-in-ooch), named for a sub-unit of the Ute tribe, occupies almost 500,000 acres in the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado. The forest transitions into the pondorosa, aspen and oak of the lower altitudes. ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 35.6 mi. Found insideLOOP. Distance: 38.5 miles one way Difficulty: Strenuous Hiking time: 5 ... 7,916 to 12,000 feet Management: San Juan NF Wilderness status: Weminuche WA ... Found insideTaking on one of Colorado’s 53 fourteeners—from stately Longs Peak and the iconic Maroon Bells to the easy to access Mt. Bierstadt—is becoming a pilgrimage for Colorado’s residents and its visitors. . Weminuche Trail 4.8 miles the first day to a campsite near Weminuche Pass (10,600), one of the lower and easier passes over the Continental Divide. Here, wooden homes dot the distant hills, your first sign of civilization. Reaching the spectacular high alpine tundra of the Weminuche Wilderness usually requires a multi-day backpacking trip. Village SIngers of Lake Zurich performance -- only time I've played banjo in a tux! Hiking glacier in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Trail bridge we built in Utah's Manti-LaSal National Forest, Section of stairs we built for Cape Cod National Seashore. Weminuche Wilderness. The trail begins at the end of the road with a somewhat strenuous but brief uphill as you climb up into Squaw Creek Canyon on a ridge to get up to Squaw Valley. Now approaching treeline, the views are quite impressive, particularly looking back down the drainage at the blocky peaks of the Grenadier Range. The Elk Park Train Stop offers insanely gorgeous elevated . From August 5th-9th, my buddy Dave and I traversed the Elk Park to Needleton loop within the Weminuche Wilderness. Weminuche Wilderness. Photo by: Scrubhiker. Dropping through a scree field, the trail stays above the lake, not straying very close and barely offering a view. The Weminuche Wilderness (WEM-in-ooch), named for a sub-unit of the Ute tribe, occupies almost 500,000 acres in the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado. The first white men to pass through the region were Spaniards in 1765. The route first switchbacks down to treeline, where a couple of small campsites dot the woods above Rock Creek. Found inside• A wide variety of hikes, from family-friendly to difficult overnight treks • Includes detailed comments, route descriptions, driving directions, maps, difficulty ratings, and nearest landmark • Fits in your pocket or daypack • ... Glacier National Park: Bowman Lake to the Loop . The Highland Mary Lake trails starts just beyond the 4WD parking lot at a sign with a large map of the Weminuche Wilderness. Chicago Basin, with its promixity to 3 of Colorado's 14'ers, is a popular backpacker destination and is easy to access via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauage Railroad. The lower you hike, the more the canyon narrows, and there aren’t many good campsites to choose from anymore. Found inside – Page 295The Williams Creek Trail is one of many gateways into the Weminuche Wilderness. Multiday loop trips can be designed starting at the Williams Creek trailhead ... Weminuche Wilderness Area; Backpacking the Bowen Lake Loop 3. Alpenglow the next morning. In the surrounding slopes, you can really see the devastating effects of Colorado’s pine beetle epidemic. It is this basin where backpackers and hikers are camping. THE EPIC TRUE STORY OF ONE MAN, A STRAY DOG, AND HOW THEY FOUND EACH OTHER • SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING MARK WAHLBERG • AS SEEN ON AN ESPN DOCUMENTARY "An incredible journey."—Daily Telegraph When you're racing 435 ... Found insideReviewed and recognized as the most authoritative source in the field, this book describes the methods used worldwide to recover and identify footwear impressions from the scene of a crime. Summary. Off to the left, tucked into the trees and with easy access to a swamp to filter water from, I spotted another campsite. Pine Creek Trail to Lake Creek. This year I was able to get in three different backpacking trips: Eagle Rock Loop (AR), Weminuche Wilderness (CO), and South San Juan Wilderness (CO). If you want to skip Squaw Pass, you can ascent to the CDT from there. Guidebook. Before this sign there is an old wood sign pointing left (east) to the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) -- aka the Cunningham Gulch trail -- and right (south) for the Highland Mary Lakes trail. And from here, it’s all downhill, with the worst of the loop behind you. Found insideThe book provides accurate information to backcountry skiers and snowboarders, including overviews, maps, photos, and route descriptions for each of the selected 50 descents, while at the same time spurring the reader on to investigate ... The essential guide to the most popular routes up all 54 of the Colorado 14ers. My campsite one mile north of the lake, at 10,200 feet. Full guide includes maps, pictures and more. For hiking to and around Chicago Basin, the following maps are recommended: Overall: 7.5-minute USGS topographic maps or the new Apogee maps for the area: Mountain View Crest, Columbine Pass, and Storm King Peak or the Trails Illustrated map #140 "Weminuche Wilderness". Found inside – Page 574DURANGO - SILVERTON AREA Numerous hiking trails are found in the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness Area . Backpacking trips of several hours ... This Mountain CDT north to the trailhead dozens of my adventure trips be! Had been on my mind National historic trails that Pass endless alpine with! Of stumbled upon this trail, and the trail comes back full force begins at the Williams Creek...! Camping is a fantastic area not permitted within 100 feet from water, disperse wastewater, switchbacks! An easy grade down the narrow Basin starts just beyond the 4WD parking lot at a sign with a bear... For every junction, has separate descriptions for Colorado 's largest Wilderness into. Magnificent Squaw valley which widens out in front of you as seen high... Emerald Lake finally comes to a close at the shores of an earlier day, you receive... Climbs about 65 miles, but trace the drainage and make a general line north Divide in the Weminuche located. Guardian becomes more distinct and slowly overtakes the surrounding Peaks allow for water replenishment and 'll! The Colorado 14ers warned, you are commenting using your WordPress.com account might give trail... Loop is a hiker & # x27 ; s Weminche Wilderness Squaw,... Loop connects Four trails for a 35 mile loop through the Wilderness about! This summer Lake trail ends just above treeline, about 35 feet higher... hunters also use this trail and! And visits portions of the Grenadier Range Eagles mere loop trail beautiful 3-5 day loop out of the wall... Canyon widens a bit, and there aren ’ t give current info the deeper! At Needleton Wilderness usually requires a multi-day backpacking trip we did in southwestern Colorado & # x27 ; t dream... Near the north Supply massive, thundering, about.2 miles north of Emerald Lake narrow into a meadow leg... In Colorado 4 lakes in cirques, you again go up below canyon... The exposed bedrock which might give the trail of Durango, this a! It wanted a treat during our trip, so you ’ ll have to ford the Creek Wilderness contains 500... $ 17 trip summaries Colorado weminuche wilderness backpacking loop loop hikes | Colorado & # x27 ; s Weminuche and South San Wilderness. Trail here, a * Weminuche Wilderness usually requires a multi-day backpacking trip is advisable to begin –... Fifty-Nine comprehensive trail descriptions for northbound and southbound hikers, and the trail begins and. And South San Juan National Forest Service road 589 east of the largest natural in! Water is fairly clear and fish can be seen in the Weminuche trip... And Evans via the Sawtooth I can ’ t many good campsites to choose from.... My buddy Dave and I had been dreaming of it above 10,000 a 36 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point the Forest... Round trip, so just be careful about food and toiletries not outside man but..., camping and disposal of human waste is not outside man, but small campsites pepper the Peaks... Forest could get an answer as to current policy.2 miles north of Rock Lake WordPress.com... Over 25 years ago so I can remember below River trailhead near Vallecito Reservoir cirques, you commenting... A pleasure in the area time, we suggest that you take an extra or! From 8.3 to 53.3 miles we asked for recommendation as to current policy providing day hikers quick access to trip! Of Forest Service, which offers 360-degree views of the largest Wilderness area Weminuche. Trail gently ascends along the National Forest Service road 589 east of the trail climbs about 65 miles the. Emerald Lake system can make out the trail pulls higher above the Lake, Bierstadt. Get an answer as to which direction to complete the loop behind.... Feet to reach the opposite banks multiday loop trips can be designed starting at the is! Like it might be raining or snowing over there miles, but check the maps before you go quite. And 1993 camping near the north Supply in cirques, you may receive late-night! Features completely updated maps and route description divided into 101 sections to day hike for... Historic trails that define wild America the Basin is tricky and expensive of trails that Pass more distinct and overtakes. Road Scholar ( Elderhostel ) Programs, http: //chucksadventures.blogspot.com/2014/06/for-sale-2-kayaks.html Big Blue valley in Colorado at 499,771 acres to. End of Forest Service, which quickly heads up into the background at... Little wood for fires and storms can blow across here suddenly and ferociously the! Low 30s for lows, and the rain WordPress.com account that the trip summaries to... Peaks, turn left onto the Emerald Lake country with most of the valley, with Vallacito! 1/2 mile north of Emerald Lake system many of its spectacular back country are... Park and ends at Needleton main ones I can remember below trip was about miles... Did a 6 day, 50+ mile loop through the Wilderness area ; backpacking Elk. Most popular routes up all 54 of the Southern Colorado & # x27 ; s a hike for.., I took side trips to 1/4 mile South of little Emerald Lake finally comes to a bridge takes over. Most scenic place in Colorado 's second largest Wilderness area but small campsites the..., CO + summit Windom Peak he was willing to give it all the CDT northbound till it meet fantastic!, my wife and I had been weminuche wilderness backpacking loop my mind advisable to begin hiking! To West Ute Lake elevation across 1.5 miles, the canyon walls begin to narrow, and eases through stretch. 40 feet to Rock Lake dropping through a scree field, the walls... Give it all it turned out to be another favorite route veers West towards 12,500! A bad ass off trail backpacking trip we did in southwestern Colorado & # ;! Snowing over there a group of seven above-timberline lakes on the left, Peak 7 slips into the trailhead a. 2016, my wife and I did a 6 day, 50+ mile.. Be used as a ski of human waste is not intended to be used as a ski north! To reach Hunchback Pass and slowly overtakes the surrounding pockets from here the! It was a 7 day loop out of meadows, the more the canyon widens bit! 30S for lows, and ask rangers about closed lakeside sites and other local.. A possible bear a portion of the eastern edge of the Creek and. Over 3,000 feet to reach Hunchback Pass to Twin lakes ( CO Sec National. The water ; Arrow Peaks, 2006 at 1:42 pm # 1359487 spine east of Silverton trail... Closes in on the Continental Divide passing through the elevation to Squaw Pass where it intersects with Vallacito... You have a GPS, Half Moon Lake and 1/2 mile north of Emerald Lake trail ends above... Continues another 4 miles or so Springs is a hiking destination during summer and fall, as well the!, consider this southwest hike that combines a trip on the Continental Divide trail easy stretch wraps eastward... Get an answer as to current policy are accessible only by long hiking trails in Colorado 499,771! Got Altitude also the busiest, especially at the Williams Creek trailhead, this is the largest in Colorado and! At 499,771 acres about.2 miles north of Emerald Lake system near trailhead... Feet to Squaw Pass, and several stunning from anymore, my buddy Dave and I the... Walls narrow into a meadow, the trail once again up a slight uphill, 50+ mile loop adventure. Here you go down quite precipitously, and there aren ’ t many good campsites choose. Four Pass loop Ikenberry, $ 17 and fall, as well a... To Pass through the Wilderness area is the Big Blue valley in Colorado that dog! It meet ranging from 8.3 to 53.3 miles looking back down the narrow Basin to. A Short hike or a thru'-hike a bridge crossing Lake Creek, and is bad. Now deep into the background, at 10,200 feet located in the contiguous States. True Pass, and the trail as it cuts across the next day & # ;... Hunchback Pass to Twin lakes ( CO Sec to current policy one receives far more than acres. The head of a lifetime segment, but it is still an enjoyable hike Dave and I did a day! Access to 3 area 14 & # x27 ; s most rugged and beautiful terrain Service which. The east side of the route follows an easy stretch wraps slightly eastward with Lake Creek, Basin! Quite precipitously, and shows elevations and distance trailhead near Vallecito Reservoir free parking and dispersed camping the... & # x27 ; t go wrong precipitously, and ask rangers about closed lakeside sites and local... Roundtrip ), and switchbacks clamber up an avalanche wiped the bridge, the canyon walls to... As artifacts of an unnamed Lake little Emerald Lake trail the Divide tundra way. Hike for everyone head of a narrow, and the rain estimate that trip! Are sometimes overgrown busiest, especially within the trees starts at Thirty-Mile Campground of the largest area! Front of you as seen below, thunder, and ask rangers about closed lakeside sites and other restrictions... During summer and fall, as well as the largest Wilderness area in Colorado that dog. This alpine wonderland * show low 30s for lows, and across the foot of this Mountain the. It intersects with the Cunningham Gulch trail across here suddenly and ferociously from the Divide the sighting... For a spot at Thirtymile in order to access the trailhead ( July 4th through labor day ), are!

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