The family and I are headed off to the San Juans in a few days and we'll be there for 10 days. We plan to visit the usual locations, i.e. American Basin, Porphyry Basin, Yankee Boy Basin, etc., but I'd also like to see some areas that don't receive so much traffic. Any suggestions? We'll have a 4 wheel drive capable of getting us just about anywhere and, of course, our own two feet to get us the rest of the way.
You might consider taking a spin up beautiful LaPlata Canyon a few miles west of Durango to the end of the road, which is where it meets the Colorado Trail. You can take an easy kid friendly hike westerly to Indian Trail Ridge, which has bountiful wildflowers.
There are quite a few nice waterfalls along the way up the road, and you can enjoy a fine meal at the Kennebec Café right at the junction of the highway and the Canyon road (County Rd. 124).
I second (or third) John's recommendation. Ate at the Kennebec Cafe last year and the food was awesome! The flowers on ITR were pretty good too. ITR is more likely a sunrise location. Allow an 1.5 to 2 hrs for the hike and predawn photo setup. Early morning up to a couple hours after sunrise is pretty darn good too.
I would add the "Pass Trail" near the summit of Coal Bank Pass as a recommendation. It is not frequently photographed and I feel it gets left out of the "must do" photo lists of the San Juans a lot. Unique views of Engineer Mountain just at treeline too. A little bit of a hike, but easy to do before sunrise. No 4x4 driving required. More info: A Trail Not To Pass Up
Excellent advice from Josh. I'd plumb forgotten about that meadow near Coal Bank Pass near Engineer Mtn.
That really is an 'off the beaten path' location even though it's right next to the highway. Josh's great shot has inspired me to revisit the area this year.
Discussion
6 repliesAll suggestions are much appreciated!
Those are the normal places that I am aware of. Have a great trip with your family, you should have a wonderful time.
There are quite a few nice waterfalls along the way up the road, and you can enjoy a fine meal at the Kennebec Café right at the junction of the highway and the Canyon road (County Rd. 124).
I would add the "Pass Trail" near the summit of Coal Bank Pass as a recommendation. It is not frequently photographed and I feel it gets left out of the "must do" photo lists of the San Juans a lot. Unique views of Engineer Mountain just at treeline too. A little bit of a hike, but easy to do before sunrise. No 4x4 driving required. More info:
A Trail Not To Pass Up
That really is an 'off the beaten path' location even though it's right next to the highway. Josh's great shot has inspired me to revisit the area this year.