My friends and I need suggestions for weekend trips to the most scenic spots in southern Colorado (south of I-70). We live in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and would leave home on Friday afternoons, hike/backpack until Sunday afternoon, then return home by Sunday night. We have a very capable 1999 4Runner, so rough roads are not a problem. Both day hikes and overnight backpacking trips are fine.
We like to take photos with lakes, flowers, waterfalls and high mountain peaks (not really into wildlife). We will probably have 10-15 weekends available this summer/fall, so lots of suggestions will be appreciated.
Well, the Great Sand Dunes NP should be a must on your list. As well as the San Juan mountains for wildflowers and waterfalls. Check out the Colorado Hotspots link on the main CNP discussions home page.
In Colorado Springs, there is always the Garden of the Gods, and it is especially photogenic in the early morning (sunrise). In the southwest part of the state, a trip up US550 north from Durango has an almost limitless supply of places to shoot. The little town of Silverton is a great jumping-off place for a few passes, such as Cinnamon and Engineer Passes.
Momo, it would be a very tall order to list all the great places to shoot those subjects south of I-70. Thats a pretty big area chock full of photo ops? Can't you narrow it up a bit.
Momo, Highland Mary Lakes near Silverton offers a not too challenging backpack and a nice introduction to the San Juans type topography. Plenty of water falls, nice flowers, pretty lakes. If you want to jar your kidneys a bit driving you could continue up Stoney Pass for views of the Grenadiers. These are areas scenic enough to have been featured in some photo publications I've seen, as well.
I probably did not write my question very well. I was hoping for responses like the one of Roger Rouch (just above). I would like to hear what some favorite spots are (one per person is fine), so that we get ideas for weekend trips. We are actually going to Great Sand Dunes this weekend, and we went to Garden of the Gods a few weeks ago (that was awesome). We read trip reports about the Blue lakes near Mt Sneffels and Ice Lake basin (San Juans), and want to go to those two.
Momo,
You just mentioned the two I was gonna suggest. I've done Blue Lakes myself (lower lake only) as a backpack. Awesome!! I really wan to get back and see the upper lakes next time. As far as Ice Lakes, if you haven't already seen it, check out Jesse's great images and trip report: Jesse Speer- Ice Lakes
Not so much a backpack destination, but a good photography one is Porphyry Basin. I went there for the first time last summer and was blown away! Definitely a 4WD road, but not real bad. You access it from right near the top of Red Mountain Pass on Hwy 550, south of Ouray. Park at the end of the road, make a 5-7 minute climb up into the basin and shoot away! The basin would also be and easy and great place to pitch a tent. Trust me, you wouldn't feel like your vehicle was only 10 minutes away!
For another backpack option, one of my favorite spots is a place called Crater Lake in the South San Juans, south of the Wolf Creek Pass area. The trail head is just past Elwood Pass, which is accessed off of Park Creek Road, taken south from Hwy 160, about 6-7 miles west of South Fork. One of the cool things about the hike is that within about 45 minutes from the TH you top out on the Continental Divide, and then down the other side to the lake.
The best part however, is the lake itself!! Serious deep blue/green waters, surrounded on almost 3 sides by some jagged looking peaks, and fed by several Shangri-La like waterfalls! There are a number of great tent spots overlooking the lake too. Sadly I don't have any shots up on my site to show you right now, but will try to upload a couple tonight. I guess I should mention the main reason I love this place. You see, I got engaged there seven years ago. Was the perfect place and time!
Hope this helps a little. Looking forward to what suggestions others have!
Hey Brent, not taking into account the beautiful hike up to the CD and down, wouldn't Crater be easier to access from the Silver Falls-East Fork of the San Juan river side? I have not hiked either but have contemplated the approach from the north.
Brent, thank you very much for the info. Jesse Speer's report from Ice Iake basin is awesome. That is really great that you (?) proposed at Crater Lake. Must be very memorable! Thanks again for your time. The kind of information you guys provide is priceless.
You've received well over a couple years worth of great suggestions. I second Blue Lakes, Ice Lakes, Porphyry Basin, and almost anywhere in the highly underrated and under-visited South San Juan Wilderness (Plus, make sure you pick up Dave Peterson's Ghost Grizzlies to get a sense of the South San Juan before any trip. A very interesting read about Grizzlies, but also so much more about the land and history).
But honestly, may I humbly suggest that the best way to explore southern Colorado is to invest in a good gazetteer, some good topographic maps of the wilderness areas, and begin exploring the San Juans. They are a wonderful mystery ready for a bit of imagination and exploration. Like a sensual, voluptuous women, you will quickly fall in love with the mysteries hidden below the large peaks and in the deep valleys of the San Juans. And you will realize that anywhere in that huge range, with a bit of patience, imagination, and adventure, you'll find peace, beauty, a bit of magic. And then, when you reach that point, take a photograph or two, and if it captures even 1/10 of what you felt at the time you tripped the shutter and you'll have a real winner on your hands.
Yes, you should notice a bit of a spiritual quality to my post, and that is intentional. Because the San Juans to me are more than just a photography destination or trophy, but a temple to explore and embrace. I am not a great photographer, but with a little bit of the adventure spirit, the patience, the peace, the beauty, and the magic of the San Juans that I’ve previously described, I’ve been able to capture some wonderful photographs of that place. And you will as well.
Thanks Brian. Your post is definitely emotional. I am looking forward to visiting the San Juans. I guess I was thinking about visiting just the highlights of South Colorado this year (I am very hungry), then spend time in the coming years exploring more on my own. Thanks very much for your input.
Momo, I uploaded a few images from the Crater Lake area. The one above was taken from right at the spot we pitched our tent Not too bad, huh? I'll post links to a couple more shots.
At the Divide. This little tarn/pond sits right at the top of the Continental Divide, and varies from year to year. Been up there when it's totally dried up too. If nothing else, even this spot makes a great day hike destination. The trail heads down into the valley behind the pond. In the distance you can see the jagged peaks that are directly above Crater Lake.
Discussion
13 repliesWe like to take photos with lakes, flowers, waterfalls and high mountain peaks (not really into wildlife). We will probably have 10-15 weekends available this summer/fall, so lots of suggestions will be appreciated.
THANKS!
Ken
Like Bob F stated...San Juans ...limitless...
I work at LANL and now live in Pagosa Springs
Ken Einig
I probably did not write my question very well. I was hoping for responses like the one of Roger Rouch (just above). I would like to hear what some favorite spots are (one per person is fine), so that we get ideas for weekend trips. We are actually going to Great Sand Dunes this weekend, and we went to Garden of the Gods a few weeks ago (that was awesome). We read trip reports about the Blue lakes near Mt Sneffels and Ice Lake basin (San Juans), and want to go to those two.
Thanks again. Sorry about such a broad question.
You just mentioned the two I was gonna suggest. I've done Blue Lakes myself (lower lake only) as a backpack. Awesome!! I really wan to get back and see the upper lakes next time. As far as Ice Lakes, if you haven't already seen it, check out Jesse's great images and trip report: Jesse Speer- Ice Lakes
Not so much a backpack destination, but a good photography one is Porphyry Basin. I went there for the first time last summer and was blown away! Definitely a 4WD road, but not real bad. You access it from right near the top of Red Mountain Pass on Hwy 550, south of Ouray. Park at the end of the road, make a 5-7 minute climb up into the basin and shoot away! The basin would also be and easy and great place to pitch a tent. Trust me, you wouldn't feel like your vehicle was only 10 minutes away!
For another backpack option, one of my favorite spots is a place called Crater Lake in the South San Juans, south of the Wolf Creek Pass area. The trail head is just past Elwood Pass, which is accessed off of Park Creek Road, taken south from Hwy 160, about 6-7 miles west of South Fork. One of the cool things about the hike is that within about 45 minutes from the TH you top out on the Continental Divide, and then down the other side to the lake.
The best part however, is the lake itself!! Serious deep blue/green waters, surrounded on almost 3 sides by some jagged looking peaks, and fed by several Shangri-La like waterfalls! There are a number of great tent spots overlooking the lake too. Sadly I don't have any shots up on my site to show you right now, but will try to upload a couple tonight. I guess I should mention the main reason I love this place. You see, I got engaged there seven years ago. Was the perfect place and time!
Hope this helps a little. Looking forward to what suggestions others have!
You've received well over a couple years worth of great suggestions. I second Blue Lakes, Ice Lakes, Porphyry Basin, and almost anywhere in the highly underrated and under-visited South San Juan Wilderness (Plus, make sure you pick up Dave Peterson's Ghost Grizzlies to get a sense of the South San Juan before any trip. A very interesting read about Grizzlies, but also so much more about the land and history).
But honestly, may I humbly suggest that the best way to explore southern Colorado is to invest in a good gazetteer, some good topographic maps of the wilderness areas, and begin exploring the San Juans. They are a wonderful mystery ready for a bit of imagination and exploration. Like a sensual, voluptuous women, you will quickly fall in love with the mysteries hidden below the large peaks and in the deep valleys of the San Juans. And you will realize that anywhere in that huge range, with a bit of patience, imagination, and adventure, you'll find peace, beauty, a bit of magic. And then, when you reach that point, take a photograph or two, and if it captures even 1/10 of what you felt at the time you tripped the shutter and you'll have a real winner on your hands.
Yes, you should notice a bit of a spiritual quality to my post, and that is intentional. Because the San Juans to me are more than just a photography destination or trophy, but a temple to explore and embrace. I am not a great photographer, but with a little bit of the adventure spirit, the patience, the peace, the beauty, and the magic of the San Juans that I’ve previously described, I’ve been able to capture some wonderful photographs of that place. And you will as well.
Momo, I uploaded a few images from the Crater Lake area. The one above was taken from right at the spot we pitched our tent Not too bad, huh?
Another shot of the lake from near the outlet
From about 30 minutes into the hike. Crater Lake sits behind those peaks.
At the Divide. This little tarn/pond sits right at the top of the Continental Divide, and varies from year to year. Been up there when it's totally dried up too. If nothing else, even this spot makes a great day hike destination. The trail heads down into the valley behind the pond. In the distance you can see the jagged peaks that are directly above Crater Lake.
Enjoy!