trip dates:

friday, july 11th through sunday, july 20th

Join the Austin Sierra Club for our annual trip to the Colorado mountains.

Welcome to one of my favorite trips! Eight days in the high country of Colorado; wildflowers, cool mountain air, and the smells of conifer forests. Most of our days will be spent hiking in the wilderness areas near Ouray and Telluride, namely Mt Sneffels, Uncompaghre (Big Blue), and Lizard Head. Dayhikes are short (3 to 15 miles round trip) but steep (700 to 3,950 feet of elevation gain). It's best to keep a slow to moderate pace and stop to see the wildflowers and spectacular views. Sometimes it will require about an hour van ride to reach a trailhead (usually in ascending a steep road), but the scenery is always great.
In addition to hiking, you will also have the chance to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, an awesome deep, dark gorge. The area also offers horseback riding, mountain biking, and whitewater river rafting. Since these activities are not covered by Sierra Club insurance, it will be necessary to arrange these activities on your own. Most people will take a day or two off from hiking to visit Ouray, soak in the hot springs (Buy a season pass for $60/ 20 swims and share the pass.), have a beer and nachos on the deck of the Pinon, and just relax; its a high mountain town with Victorian architecture and interesting shopping.

trip logistics

AUSTIN SIERRA CLUB TRIP

TO THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS IN COLORADO

Dates: Friday, July 11th through Sunday, July 20th

Cost: For Sierra Club members, the cost is $425, for non-members it's $450 (or you may join for $25). All checks should be made out to the Austin Sierra Club.

Non-member? Not a problem. If you would prefer to JOIN THE SIERRA CLUB, you will be eligible for the member rates on this and all subsequent trips for as long as you are a member. In addition to the trip discount, you will get both the local newsletter, the Austin Sierran as well as the National magazine (The Sierran) and the satisfaction of doing something good for the earth. JOIN NOW.

San Juan Mountains Trip leaders:

• Tony Fuentes,
• John Yarber,

Meet your trip leaders: Qualifications and Experience

calculating cost

Trip cost: $425 (members) $450 (non-members)

You must submit a $100 deposit per person to reserve a space on this trip. Deposits can be mailed immediately and will be accepted until the trip is filled. Deposits received after the trip has filled will be held uncashed and the sender will be placed on a waiting list against the likelihood of a cancellation.

The remainder of the trip fee will be due in full no later than July 5th.

Participants who must cancel prior to June 10th will receive a full refund of any monies received as long as their place on the trip can be filled from the waiting list. Cancellations after June 10th will be subject to charges based on any trip costs incurred on behalf of the individual up to that point with any remaining money returned to the participant who must cancel.

Trip cost covers:

• All park entrance and camping fees
• All meals in camp
• Transportation by van from Austin and back
• Transportation by van from campsites to trailheads
• Donation to Austin Sierra Club (remainder of funds after all expenses have been deducted)

Cost DOES NOT cover:

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
• Hot Springs entrance fees
• Showers and/or laundry at campgrounds (if a fee is charged)
• Restaurant expenses (any meals on the road - probably no more than 3 meals)

RESERVATION: Payment of the trip deposit establishes your reservation. The trip is limited to 18 participants.

Mail your DEPOSIT ($100) and/or trip fee, made out to THE AUSTIN SIERRA CLUB, to Tony Fuentes.

Please Contact Tony Fuentes, to make your reservation and ask any questions and to get his mailing address.

meals..

Breakfast and dinner in camp are group meals. Please sign up for five kitchen crew assignments, which involve cooking or washing dishes. Lunches are individually prepared from the group food supply. Breakfast is served at 7 am and dinner is at 6 pm.

The Austin Sierra Club has a well-deserved reputation for good meals in the field. Trip leaders plan the menu, purchase the food and supervise the preparation of all meals in camp from written menus that include preparation instructions. Participants help with the preparation and cooking and with the equipment clean-up afterward. In this way, we can keep trip costs down, provide nutritious meals and provide a group experience that makes sure no one is a stranger by the end of the trip. Since in-camp meals are prepared by the group, please be prepared to sign up for kitchen crew assignments. Bag lunches are individually prepared from the group food supply at breakfast time.

The Club provides all the eating utensils, plates and drinking implements you will need. Participants need only bring their own water containers for hikes. Hikers need to plan on bringing adequate water supplies (at least two liters for a half-day hike, more if you drink more. Drinking water is available at all of our campsites, but with few exceptions, none is available on the trails or at the trailheads.) We also provide propane cooking stoves, tubs for clean up, recycle facilities and hotel sanitation chemicals for utensil sterilization. Participants will be asked to sign up for at least five KP assignments (Breakfast, Lunch prep or Dinner) and can normally choose between preparation, cooking or cleanup. We do not use disposable utensils, so all equipment is washed and sterilized after each meal.

Please make sure your trip leaders know of important food allergies or dietary restrictions. We frequently accommodate vegetarians or even vegan diets and our menus are designed to allow for these restrictions. Just let us know.

hike options..

HIKES in the OURAY AREA
Portland Trail (easy) - A 3.5 mile trail which winds through an aspen forest above Ouray and offers views of the mountains to the south and west.. The elevation gain is only 700 feet with a few ups and downs.

Upper Cascade (moderate) - An additional 2.8 miles (round trip) and 800 feet elevation gain takes you to the top of a waterfall and cliffs high above Ouray. The views are great and you'll find an old mine just past the waterfall. We usually combine this trail with the Portland trail for a 6.3 mile dayhike which offers a lot of good views.

Bear Creek (moderate to difficult) - It's 8.4 miles roundtrip and 2600 feet of elevation gain to the Yellow Jacket mine on this National Recreation trail. This steep trail was literally carved out of rock by the miners and offers spectacular, changing views of the valleys, mountains, and even the Grand Mesa which is 70 miles away. The first 1,000 feet ascends steeply through switchbacks of slate and quartzite. Volcanic intrusions called dikes may be seen in many places along the trail. After about an hour the trail follows the Bear Creek Gorge near blue spruce and Ponderosa pine trees. The trail soon crosses a narrow wooden bridge and continues on a steep mountain slope with an extreme drop off. Shortly before reaching the Grizzly Bear Mine, we have a small stream crossing, aspen groves and open meadows. Highly recommended.

Cutler Creek (easy) - This is a hike through an aspen, blue spruce, and pine conifer forest; most of the trail is near the creek which, all totaled, should make for a great spring hike. The trail begins at 8,500 feet and reaches a high point at 10,900. We will probably do 4 to 5 miles of this trail.

Mt Baldy (moderate) - This trail offers a lot of everything, forests, streams, mountain top views,
and meadows. The trail begins at 8,500 and only reaches 10,600 feet at the top but it still offers excellent views of the Sneffels and Cimarron mountain ranges. This will be about 7.6 miles, roundtrip.

Weehawken (moderate) – The first mile climbs through aspen forests and open meadows. The views of Mt Hayden are beautiful. The narrow trail takes you up and down into the Weehawken valley, with views of waterfalls, alpine meadows, tall flowers, and canyon walls of grey volcanic rock, contoured, convoluted and eroded by the incredible forces of nature. The trail is 6.2 miles, round-trip, and gains 1500 feet.

Oak Creek (moderate) - This hike actually starts in Ouray. The trail passes through a spruce forest, over Oak Creek, and offers great views and several small waterfalls. It's a 3.4 mile round trip and 1200 feet of elevation gain to the creek; it's 6.2 miles and 2500 feet to the ridge at the top. Like most trails in the area, it is rather steep overall but it still makes a great hike.

UNCOMPAGHRE (BIG BLUE) WILDERNESS
West Fork Cimarron River (easy to moderate) - This is a high mountain wilderness with crisp, fresh air, excellent views, and fields of wildflowers surrounded by jagged peaks. The trail begins at 10,000 feet and winds through the woods close to the Cimarron River with little elevation gain in the first few miles. Dayhikers can go as far as they like, although the scenery gets better about four miles into the trail. A twelve mile round trip hike will take us to a mountain pass at 12,600 feet with spectacular views of Uncompaghre, Matterhorn, and Wetterhorn peaks.

East Fork Cimarron River (easy) - This trail also begins at 10,000 feet and runs through the woods and near a stream. The East Fork is good for fly fishing (dinner?) and there is a large herd of Elk in the wilderness area. This trail is easier than the Middle Fork and more rewarding in the first few miles; it passes through forests and follows a stream for most of the way. We can stop at the stream crossing or continue on towards Mt Uncompaghre, stopping at any point.

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST
Ice Lakes (moderate to difficult) - This is one of my all time favorites. It's 1,600 feet up and 4.5 miles round trip to the Lower Ice Lakes. This trail passes through a forest and right by a roaring waterfall on its way to the alpine wildflowers which are so abundant at the lower lakes basin. An additional 800 feet of elevation gain and 2.5 miles RT will take you through more varieties of wildflowers, past another waterfall, and into the snowfields of the Upper Ice Lakes at 12,400 feet. This trail involves some stream crossings so try to have waterproof boots and perhaps a hiking stick.

Spud Lake (easy) - A trip to a pretty little lake which was formed by beaver dams. It's only a two mile round trip with 500 feet of elevation gain. If you can be patient and quiet, you have a good chance of observing some wildlife. Take a walk around the lake and enjoy it. Since this is south of Silverton, this hike will have to be done on Friday.

MT SNEFFELS WILDERNESS
Blue Lakes Pass (moderate to difficult) - The distance and elevation gain for this hike and for the Mt Sneffels hike will depend on how far up the road we can make it in the vans unless we can find a ride in a four-wheel drive vehicle. We usually reach about 10,200 feet and 2.5 miles back from this trailhead. Our destination is the pass at 13,000 feet and 4 miles roundtrip from the trailhead. So, this will probably be a 9 mile hike with 2,800 feet in elevation gain. I actually like starting the hike from below the trailhead because we get to spend more time in Yankee Boy Basin for a close up view. The Basin area is frequently photographed for calendars and postcards because it's very scenic. Anyone reaching the pass will find a dramatic close up view of glacier carved rock and a narrow pass with high winds.

Mt. Sneffels (difficult) - This is certainly the most difficult hike of the trip since it will probably be 3,950 feet elevation gain and 9 miles (roundtrip) in distance. First, a word of warning, people are killed here almost every year! Hikers have been struck by lightning or fallen to their deaths! This is considered one of the easier fourteeners because, with four wheel drive, the elevation gain is only 1,750 feet; but without it, it's a difficult hike. Gloves are essential because this involves ascending a steep field of talus for about 800 feet to the saddle. Beyond that, it gets steeper! Anyone reaching the top will have a truly dramatic view, standing on a narrow peak above all the nearby peaks with views far into the distance of our camp, the Lizard Head peaks, and many more peaks to the south. You'll wonder how you ever got up there and how you'll ever get down!

Blaine Basin (moderate) - The first three miles cross a few streams through a spruce forest with a gentle elevation gain before the trail opens up to reveal the north face of Mt. Sneffels, moraines carved by glaciers, and a huge waterfall. It's 6.4 miles roundtrip and 1,700 feet to the Basin itself.

LIZARD HEAD WILDERNESS
Lizard Head Trail (moderate) - This trail winds through some of the most beautiful and rugged country in Colorado. We plan to go about 11 miles with 1,800 feet in elevation gain. Travel through aspen groves, thick conifer forests where mushroom, moss and lichens grow profusely. Even the base of this hike at over 10,000 feet offers great views with fields of wildflowers only a short hike away and beautiful Trout Lake in the background. Non-hikers will find wildlife and a great spot for a picnic in the forest. We’ll need to leave camp very early to finish the hike before the afternoon thunderstorms.

WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS
Continental Divide (moderate) – A six-mile hike up to the continental divide, starting from just east of Silverton.

PROPOSED HIKE SCHEDULE (Subject to change as the group desires.)

Sunday-

• Portland Mine (easy)
• Upper Cascade/Portland (moderate)
• Cutler Creek (easy)
• Mt Baldy (moderate)

• West Fork Cimarron River (moderate)
• Bear Creek (moderate to difficult)
• Weehawken (moderate)
• Blaine Basin (moderate to difficult)

• Ice Lakes (moderate to difficult)

Wednesday-

• Lizard Head (moderate) – Must leave camp by 7:30 am
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument (easy)
• East Fork Cimarron River (easy to moderate)

Thursday-

• Blue Lakes Pass (moderate)
• Mt. Sneffels (difficult)

• Continental Divide (moderate)

equipment

[Plates, cooking gear and eating utensils as well as food will be provided by the Club for all meals in camp. You do not need to bring your own cooking/eating gear.]

Altitude sickness is characterized by intense headaches, weakness, and an aching all over feeling. The best remedy is to descend to a lower elevation and drink plenty of water. Our trip is planned to allow us all to adjust to the altitude slowly. Please try to get plenty of rest (pack your gear two nights before the trip) and drink plenty of water both before and during the hikes. We haven’t had much of a problem with altitude sickness and I'd like to keep it that way.

Hiking up 2,000 feet a day is considered a moderate hike in Colorado but probably not so moderate in Texas. You’ll have some sore muscles but that's a good reason to visit the local hot springs each night. A little pre-trip conditioning is helpful (hiking, running, stair climbing); after all, you would probably regret not making it up to Mt Sneffels when you see the pictures at the post trip party.

It's a good idea to keep sunscreen and any other lotions in zip lock bags as they can ooze out due to the altitude changes.

weather

Expect cool nights (lows in the 50's to 60's) and warm days (highs in the 70's to upper 80's) in camp. The weather will largely depend on our elevation; at 12,000 feet, the sunlight is intense and the weather changes rapidly. It's usually windy with cold breezes but the intense sunlight helps moderate the effects. Most importantly, be prepared for sudden rainfall and occasional light hail. These storms are usually short (with heavy thunder and lightning) but please be prepared so you won't risk hypothermia. If a storm should suddenly appear, we'll quickly move to the forest below tree line.
It's somewhat difficult to adjust for the rapid changes in the weather. I've found that I prefer to wear shorts, a long sleeve t-shirt, a nylon windbreaker, and waterproof boots. I keep a light sweater, nylon pants, sunscreen, rain gear, and 2-3 quarts of water in my daypack at all times. But some people elect to change clothes frequently. Just have your rain gear handy,

Here are links to current weather conditions in areas nearby:

(use the BACK button on your browser to return to this page after viewing the weather)

Weather in OURAY, CO (South of Ridgeway)

Weather in UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST

Weather in MONTROSE, CO (North of Ridgeway)

Check the weather and the forecast regularly beginning about a week before the trip and keep checking for unusual weather trends in the predictions. BE PREPARED.

map

important pre-trip meeting..

We will meet at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria at Central Market (north central - 40th and Lamar). It's a good way to meet the people you'll be spending 8 days and a couple of thousand miles with! We have several things to discuss at this meeting such as arranging a convenient departure point; we usually meet at someone's house at 6:30 to load up the vans but we have sometimes left cars in 24-hour grocery store parking lots. We can also arrange tent sharing and carpooling and our driver teams. I'll also need to know your health insurance company and a contact person. If you are unable to attend, please contact Tony Fuentes at or John Yarber at 891-9643 or .

MEETING PLACE FOR DEPARTURE
This will be arranged at the pre-trip meeting. Please try to arrive by 6:30 so we can load up the vans and leave by 7:00 pm (night van). You may wish to have someone drop you off and pick you up on Sunday afternoon, July 20th, or you may arrange a carpool to the meeting site. Try to eat dinner beforehand or bring something with you. Some vans may leave early Saturday morning and camp overnight.