weminuche wilderness

“i am planning a week long trek in early july, and was wondering if anyone has any advice about the area, and also, though i have no problem with going solo, if anyone else would be interested in getting together on it. Currently i am thinking of accessing the wilderness by train out of durango to elk park and hiking around via elk creek trail, CDT, vallecito trail, johnson creek trail, and back to durango by train from needleton trailhead, but i am open to change.”

“we went end from the North at 30 Mile camp ground, followed Squaw creek up into the mountains .It was the year Backpacker did a several page spread on the Weminuche.I've always wanted to go back ,but I've got a couple of long trips already planned.
Have a great trip ,you should be fine solo .your route is well traveled”

“In early July you might have significant snow drifts in some areas - others will be dry by then. Just keep that in mind for your planning. It'll be soft and rotten snow by then - and likely hip deep in the drifts. no fun trying to travel in that mess.”

“The Weminuche is on my life list. It is supposed to be one of the best hikes in the world.

Unfortunately I cannot go this year, nor can I add anything useful for your trip. I have done a number of solo hikes and always find them fun when I can't find a good partner(s) to share with. It sure beats not going.

My hope is that some of you folks will enjoy the Weminuche so much that you'll want to go back and have a better understanding of trail logistics when you do.


Roam, I'll get out there over the next few years, I hope. That hope is based on my belief that capitalism hasn't yet collapsed and the stock market will improve.”

“i hear ya arc.... i think your right. I heard a guy on the radio say, a few weeks ago, that stocks are the only thing it seems that people don't like to buy when they're on sale.

The "W" is on my short list too - i've not made it over there as yet - but hope to later this summer for at least a weekend type trip.”

“I never did make it to the Weminuche in 16 summers of trips to CO. Always meant to - had the maps.

psunami - early July will be great. If you are lucky there will still be pretty snowfields and it won't rain every day (but it prolly will rain every day). The route you've chosen is extremely popular so don't sweat going solo. This should be a great trip. Breathtakingly gorgeous.

Arc - put it on the trips page. Lots of us need more world-class CO backpacking.”

“That's a great thought, toejam. There's nothing like actually putting something in writing to form a commitment.

Unfortunately, this year, I'm heading to Laconia for Bikeweek in June (Radagast - for all you old timers who remember Radagast- is meeting me for the second week of the trip). I've got a Florida bike tour planned with some friends from up north in November.

Next year? Heck, I've been working on designing and building my dream house over the next few years. As of now, I can't make any commitments that would mean anything. And I hate to make commitments unless I'm going to stick to them.

My body hasn't completely fallen apart yet and I hope it doesn't over the next few years. I'll start sending out some trip feelers when I'm ready to commit. And I'll keep my eyes open for trips there.

I've already got A Backpacking Guide to the Weminuche Wilderness and maps. I've been drooling about that place for years.”

“It would be a great 2010 trip. Would only take a week away from your dream house.”

“It would be a great 2010 trip. Would only take a week away from your dream house.”

“now i'm even more pumped on it, if thats possible. i was hoping the flu scare would drive down airline prices, but i am set on this anyway. i've been in the area, have some friends in ouray, and have done some skiing in teluride and 4x4ing in the mountains there, but am really looking forward to a whole week of roaming on foot!”

“Juts memember to RUN LIKE A CRAZY THEENG when you walk on a tranetrak to get to the nother side of the Aminals River so you will not get rund over by the trane BWT.

And do not let no marmrats chude up yer boots and pakpak!

And pee on the roks so the billy gotes will not tare up the dert with ther feenger nales.
last edited: 5/04/09 9:52:59 AM”

“It would be a great 2010 trip. Would only take a week away from your dream house.”
toejam
11:42:02 AM
5/02/09

yes it would!”

“OK, OK, you guys are right.

It probably wouldn't put a huge dent in my plans (depending on that darn stock market).

What I'd have to resist is making plans for a couple of big bike trips that year. But wait... I've got a motorcycle trailer...and I can bring my dog to the Weminuche. He'd love it.


You've got me, toejam. There are no rationalizations or denials that immediately come to mind. I'm in for a shot at 2010.


Before I post that baby, can I get some input from you folks?

I've always thought about doing it in August/early September when the weather's warm and the bugs aren't as bad as in the Spring. But people have been telling me for years that Florida is just filthy with bugs. I had a conversation with a buddy of mine who was in NY State this past weekend. I was sitting out on my back porch (in my skivvies) while he was telling me how the black flies up there were so bad they couldn't spend time outdoors.

What date range do you local Colorado guys think is best?”

“I've seen the worst of the skeeters to be in the first half of July. IT really depends on when the melt finishes - the first few weeks after the melt is when everything is wet and the bugs hatch. After that's over with though, it's not bad at all. August is primo time. Sept - might snow on ya, but not enuff to shut you down at all.”

“So how does some time in the middle of August 2010 sound?”

“I'd say that sounds pretty good. I've got a guidebook to CO Wilderness. I'll scan the relevant pages and email them to you arc - and anyone else that would like to see.

just let me know - send an email to me at pharris937 at msn dot com”