Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · RMNP

Advice: American Basin

Discussion

10 replies
Posted by Brian Schrayer on June 21, 2011 at 8:46 PM
I am planning a trip to the San Juans in late July. One of the locations that I am considering is American Basin. I plan on driving from Lake City to American Basin and not continuing over Cinnamon Pass. I drive an '08 Subaru Outback. Based on what I have read from guidebooks as well as other posts in this forum I don't think I should have a problem in my Outback but I wanted to ask the experts before I try.

Thank you for your help,

Brian Schrayer
Posted by Sarah Marino on June 21, 2011 at 8:56 PM
Hi Brian,

I think you can get nearly all the way in your Subaru. The last 1/2 mile to the Handies Peak trailhead was pretty rough last year (past the last stream crossing). If I were driving my Subaru, I probably would have stopped at one of the lower campsites and walked the rest of the way into the upper part of the basin.
Posted by Brian Schrayer on June 21, 2011 at 9:06 PM
Thanks for your reply, Sarah. That confirms what I have read elsewhere--I am just looking for reassurance before I attempt it.

Also, I enjoy your photos from this location--my favorite is the "Storm Clearing, American Basin" shot.
Posted by Jody Grigg on June 21, 2011 at 9:24 PM
Its been a while since I have been up there but I agree with Sarah you might have to park down by the stream crossing and walk up.
Posted by Brian Schrayer on June 21, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Thanks, Jody. I appreciate your reply.
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 22, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Man, I can't believe how wimpy you guys are being. Surely if I can drive this low-rider over Cinnamon Pass, your Subaru will have no problems. I took this AFTER driving all the way to the end of the A Basin road, then went over the pass, then over Engineer Pass, down Poughkeepsie Gulch, over Black Bear Pass, and then dined on an appetizer of fresh mussels I caught myself in a small creek above town, before dining on steaks from a grizzly bear I killed earlier in the day with my bare hands. And this is not photoshopped! :biggrin:
Posted by Jared Atencio on June 22, 2011 at 11:37 AM
You're one sick dude Todd :biggrin: BUT, this is freakin' hilarious...

Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on June 22, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Todd, that is all impressive, but the real question is.....Where the hell are the flames on your car man?!?!? :biggrin:
Posted by Brian Schrayer on June 22, 2011 at 7:30 PM
Wow, Todd. You've been busy. But I think you forgot to mention the time you took this ride over the infamous pucker point. :biggrin:

Posted by Sarah Marino on June 22, 2011 at 8:40 PM
Todd, that is quite funny. :smile:
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 23, 2011 at 9:51 AM
Koveh, the flames are under the hood. I didn't notice the engine fire til I got back to the car after my bear steak dinner. Lit the whole freakin' mountainside on fire, had to dowse it by redirecting the San Miguel River, again with my bare hands.