03 October 2014

Stardate 2014.756

Looking  northwest across Henson Creek and Lake Fork Gunnison River from Slumgullion pass, San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

Durango to Gunny

We originally planned to swing back around through Durango and head east, laying over in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. En-route to Pagosa, it was apparent the leaves were still a week or two from peaking in this area.

Lower Wolf Creek Pass, San Juan Mountains, Colorado

We decided to head over Wolf Creek Pass to South Fork. From South Fork, we headed north.

Headwaters of the Rio Grande River, San Juan Mountains, Colorado

While heading up Spring Creek Pass, a good view of the headwaters of the Rio Grande River came into view.

Looking  west across the Lake Fork Gunnison River from Slumgullion pass, San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

From Spring Creek Pass, our route took us over Slumgullion Pass. The views from the north side of Slumgullion Pass are exquisite. To the west and southwest, the high peaks of the Weminuche Wilderness begin to rise.

Looking  west across the Lake Fork Gunnison River from Slumgullion pass, San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

Did you notice that the white stuff that decided to show up?

Looking  northwest across Henson Creek and Lake Fork Gunnison River from Slumgullion pass, San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

To the northwest rise several high peaks of the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Although their summits are in the clouds, one can still make out 14,015 foot Wetterhorn Peak (far left, rank 49) and 14,309 foot Uncompahgre Peak (center, rank 6). I’ve summited Uncompahgre several times. Wetterhorn will be my last 14er for a variety of reasons, if I ever finish them. I’m not far away.

Point 13,811, rank 99, San Juan Mountains Colorado

Slumgullion Pass deposited us in Lake City, site of Alferd Packer’s cannibalism back in the late 1880s. Lake City also is the staging area for accessing many of the higher peaks of the San Juan Mountains. We took a little ride up Henson Creek to check out the snow, as well as the leaves. The above peak is Point 13,811. It's altitude is its official name. It is the 99th tallest peak in Colorado. It also is a bicentennial peak, meaning it is one of the two-hundred highest peaks in the state.

Ohio Creek, West Elk Mountains, Colorado

From Lake City, we ventured north to one of our favorite towns – Gunnison. The following morning we headed up Ohio Creek looking for gold. We also found some stands that have not turned yet. Many leaves in this area have already fallen.

Pitkin town site, Quartz Creek, Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

Weather was developing yet again. So we decided to head back toward home. First we took one more detour to the old 1880s mining town of Pitkin.

Pitkin town site, Quartz Creek, Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

The Pikin area had some good spots of color

Pitkin town site, Quartz Creek, Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

But it won’t last for long. The ensuing weather will see to that.

Pitkin town site, Quartz Creek, Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

These little hamlets can be fun to visit. You may find some intriguing sites.

Pitkin town site, Quartz Creek, Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

The little town once was the largest in Colorado; now it’s one of the smallest.

Pitkin town site, Quartz Creek, Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

According to a born-and-raised local, Pitkin boasts a year-round population of about 60.

Look what just came around the corner!  Snow dusting the top of Monarch Ski Area, Sawatch Mountains, Colorado.

The skies opened up and we headed for home. It was snowing heavily on Monarch Pass, and the snow was starting to stick on the top of the ski area.

Adios

2 comments:

  1. Heaven. Pure and simple. Autumn doesn't get any better than this. At least in Colorado...

    Thank you for sharing this grand adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. All those place-names just add to the fascination and beauty. Another great post!

    ReplyDelete

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