EDIT: Because US 160 is closed going over La Veta Pass in the direction in which we would need to go, we are not going to Hermit Pass this weekend, which sucks because it would have been fun to meet some of you there. I hope you all have a good weekend.
In the meantime, we'll head somewhere in the San Juans, just not sure where yet.
Brian,
The fire at La Veta/Westcliff is burning approximately 100 miles SE of Hermit. Should be fine at Hermit for photography/camping unless another fire breaks out. Also, depending on winds, the smoke and particulates may enhace the sunrises and sunsets. If I can manage a quick schedule change I may try to join you and Adam. If so, I will be coming down from the Denver area.
FYI, my cell is: 303 591-2232.
Jim
Posted by Jim Talaric on June 22, 2006 at 10:06 AM
Brian,
After looking closer at the fire vs Hermit area I just realized there are 2 Hermit areas! The one I assumed you were looking at is about 15 miles W of Creede. It just dawned on me that you are talking about the Hermit in the Sangres "DUH" (I should have had my first cup of coffee before looking at the map).
Anyway, the Hermit Pass area in the Sangres is about 30 - 40 miles N of the fire area. Still should be OK to go. Just read that they are expecting some cooler, moister air to move in which will aid the firefighters.
Hold everything. I just read that the road we New Mexicans need to take to get there (over La Veta Pass) is closed due to the fire. If that's the case, we may head to the San Juans rather than driving all the way out to Raton/Walsenburg. I'll post an update later.
Posted by Adam Schallau on June 22, 2006 at 11:10 AM
Posted by Jesse Speer on June 22, 2006 at 11:21 AM
Very cool! I had planned to visit Hermit Pass Sat/Sun with a buddy. In fact, if you guys make it up and want to grab the campsite right above the alpine tarns, we'd love to join you for Saturday camping (just one more tent). That was our plan. We'll probably be there sometime after noon. It would be great to hook up with you guys. (Yellow Wrangler and black Xterra is what we'll be driving.)
My wife called the Ranger District to Hermit Pass and they confirmed that the road to Hermit Pass is open all the way to the top, but they indicated that the road is much rougher this year than in years past because of the drought and how dry it is. When asked if a Subaru Forester could make it, she paused, then said "It depends on how much you value your car". Frankly, that's got me a bit concerned about the road conditions with my car.
I just read that the road we New Mexicans need to take to get there (over La Veta Pass) is closed due to the fire.
Route 160 is closed between La Veta and Ft. Garland right now, but Rte 285 from Sante Fe through Taos will put you on the west side of Ft Garland. For the east side of the Sangres, you could catch Hwy 69 at Walsenburg.
Of course, with this fire at nearly 12,000 acres and only 30% contained, it might be good to avoid the entire area for a while. http://www.nifc.gov/fireinfo/nfn.html
Discussion
8 repliesIn the meantime, we'll head somewhere in the San Juans, just not sure where yet.
The fire at La Veta/Westcliff is burning approximately 100 miles SE of Hermit. Should be fine at Hermit for photography/camping unless another fire breaks out. Also, depending on winds, the smoke and particulates may enhace the sunrises and sunsets. If I can manage a quick schedule change I may try to join you and Adam. If so, I will be coming down from the Denver area.
FYI, my cell is: 303 591-2232.
Jim
After looking closer at the fire vs Hermit area I just realized there are 2 Hermit areas! The one I assumed you were looking at is about 15 miles W of Creede. It just dawned on me that you are talking about the Hermit in the Sangres "DUH" (I should have had my first cup of coffee before looking at the map).
Anyway, the Hermit Pass area in the Sangres is about 30 - 40 miles N of the fire area. Still should be OK to go. Just read that they are expecting some cooler, moister air to move in which will aid the firefighters.
Jim
Hold everything. I just read that the road we New Mexicans need to take to get there (over La Veta Pass) is closed due to the fire. If that's the case, we may head to the San Juans rather than driving all the way out to Raton/Walsenburg. I'll post an update later.
I guess this is the fire you are referring to? Mato Vega Fire Report
The camp site (thanks again Brent!!):
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=13&n=4216625&e=443946&size=l&datum=nad83
Looking forward to some fiery alpenglow!
Route 160 is closed between La Veta and Ft. Garland right now, but Rte 285 from Sante Fe through Taos will put you on the west side of Ft Garland. For the east side of the Sangres, you could catch Hwy 69 at Walsenburg.
Of course, with this fire at nearly 12,000 acres and only 30% contained, it might be good to avoid the entire area for a while. http://www.nifc.gov/fireinfo/nfn.html