WEEK 5: San Juans, Part 1

Rugged, cold, high elevation, unstable snow, mined to death...all things I'd heard about the San Juans before. My 1 trip through on the highway a few years ago didn't do it justice.

I started this week out on the north end of the San Juans. I remember seeing a photo at least 10 years ago of Mt. Sneffels in one of those desk/office calendars. I never really knew where it was but I remembered the contrast of yellow leaves and snow set on an absolutely menacing mountain backdrop. I hoped to get a taste of that in real life.

I missed the clash of fall and winter on Sneffels, but was still pretty in awe.

Entering the Sneffels Wilderness on the way to the Blue Lakes.

Moody clouds encapsulating the peaks above lower Blue Lake.

Surreal setting at the upper Blue Lake.

Looking down on lower Blue Lake. What a zone!

On the way out, with a new respect for this range.

Telluride:

All I knew about Telluride was that my friend Brian Cone had a sticker of it on his ski helmet. And that it's a mineral that has some sort of use and value.

Brian gave me the beta on the "Wasatch Trail Loop" in Telluride as a must do backcountry loop. When you enter the "box" canyon the walls are so steep it makes you wonder how the hell you're going to ride a bike uphill. NEWS FLASH: you're going to do a lot of pushing.

Looking back at Telluride, on the way up to Bridal Veil falls and beyond.

Avalanche debris from a historic winter in CO.

Near the high point of the loop.

Descending through alpine tundra. So unreal!

Descending into Bear Creek with some serious exposure.

This wild trail hugs the cliffside with views across the canyon.

Terrifying descent winds right back up in town along the river to calm your nerves.

Rico Man Camp:

After 4 weeks of pretty much solo adventuring it was nice to spend some quality time with friends. I was an immediate "in" when the invite from Brian came across to basecamp out of his mom's cabin in Rico for a 4 day boys weekend. Knowing Brian had ridden a few of the classics in the area, I expected a mix of exploring and classic trails over the long weekend. And good food, company and beers.

Rico used to have 5,000 residents during its silver mining boom. Now about 250 full time residents make up the town. The bar and liquor store dominate the skyline.

I love my camper setup but it was nice to have a warm inviting place to hang out in the evenings.

Brian wants to ski that peak.

No, that option would be better, says Matt.

Descending the Grindstone into (yet another) drainage named Bear Creek.

Sam and Matt, dropping the hammer on the last switchback to Blackhawk Pass on the Colorado Trail. You can see Lizard Head Peak looking like a chimney in the distance.

Refueling at the Rico Chili Cookoff after a big ride. 12 variations each of green and red. I got thrifty and took some leftovers home.

After consecutive 35 mile days on the Colorado Trail, we decided to explore some backyard rogue trails. Can't show pics of the secret stash though :)

Maybe the trails are behind this sign.

Leaf peepin on the way south to check out the othet side of the San Juans for Part 2!