Durango and the San Juan Mountains
We were able to get into another Airstream Rally in Durango which was held at Alpenrose RV Park just north of Durango. Durango is the southern gateway to the San Juan Mountains and a beautiful city. We explored the area around Durango but spent most of our time in the high mountains around Silverton and Ouray.
Ouray is considered the Switzerland of America for good reason. It is surrounded by peaks that rise up to 7000 feet from the town.
A friend of ours recommended the Old Horsethief trail which starts on the Northern edge of Durango. This trail is steep - rising 5000 feet in 5 miles.
Rich looking like he is tired.
Staci navigating some of the rocky sections of Horsethief.
The view of Ouray from a few thousand feet above.
Amazing wildflowers everywhere.
Looking out west toward the San Juan Mountains.
Having lunch on the top.
Driving the San Juan Byway, one of the most beautiful roads in Colorado.
We decided to hike Handies Mountain from Grouse Gulch and follow the a portion of the Hardrock course.
The trail going from Grouse Gulch to the pass.
The top of Handies - 14,048 Feet.
We met Scotty Mills (74) and Betsy Kalmayer (61) on top of Handies. The have run the Hardrock race more than a dozen times each and are doing it again this year.
Looking down at Sloan Lake.
Handies Peak from American Basin.
Colorado Columbines.
The flowers between Grouse Gulch and American Basin were amazing.
Kayaking on Lake Nighthorse.
Staci running the Animas River path.
The Animas river south of Durango.
Rafting the Animas river in Durango.
We found this amazing tiny house village along the Animas creek path south of Durango.
Fred’s little A-frame looks lonely outside of Silverton.
I’m sure this rock has been kissed more than most. All finishers of the Hardrock 100 Endurance run must kiss the rock.
Silverton in the morning.
Starting up the road at 11,300 feet.
Rich & Staci.
Mt. Sneffels - our destination.
Christina and Staci.
The saddle at 13,500 .
The final rock gully at 13,500 feet leading up to the notch.
Rich and Staci pondering the v-notch, which is the crux of the Sneffels climb. Left is an exposed 4th class move and right is lower 5th class, but not exposed.
Finally on the summit as the thunder and lightning started.
Staci and Fred heading down in a hailstorm.
All packed up and ready to leave. We were camped on Doug’s property. He has a nice lot in Silverton with an old mining cabin and two RV sites. Thanks Doug !
The 25 mile road from Silverton to Ouray is called the Million Dollar Highway (nobody agrees on where the name came from). It is also one of the most beautiful drives in the USA. The road is windy, narrow with many switchbacks and no guardrails making it an interesting drive - especially when pulling a trailer.
