• Home
  • Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
  • Western Mountains
  • Canyons
  • Alaska, Canada, Hawaii
  • International
  • Other Travels
  • Browse
  • Search
  • Contact
  1. Western Mountains Outside the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

GeodeHill_V_MtnHike

Read More
  • IMG_6014.JPG

    IMG_6014.JPG

    After less than an hour's drive from the west side of Pagosa Springs, we arrived at the trailhead, at nearly 9650 feet elevation. Some scattered snow, but a pretty day in store. Susie and Sue wait patiently while Andy is out in front.

  • IMG_6657.JPG

    IMG_6657.JPG

    Clearly, not from an avalanche.

  • IMG_6659.JPG

    IMG_6659.JPG

    The other perspective.

  • IMG_6028.JPG

    IMG_6028.JPG

    Here is Susie looking thru a really twisted tree.

  • IMG_6029.JPG

    IMG_6029.JPG

    Arbor-glyphs, dating back over 80 years. Amazing.

  • IMG_6018.JPG

    IMG_6018.JPG

    Our first scenic stop is a grove of twisted aspen trees. And the color was pretty good too.

  • IMG_6033.JPG

    IMG_6033.JPG

    Squaretop mountain, to the north.

  • IMG_6668.JPG

    IMG_6668.JPG

    The route climbs fairly steeply, once it starts climbing, at nearly a thousand feet per mile. The snow was better than mud to hike on, for sure.

  • IMG_6034.JPG

    IMG_6034.JPG

    Still quite cool in the woods, but breaks made for good warming and scenery.

  • IMG_6040.JPG

    IMG_6040.JPG

    OK, finally, we are topped out. So what are Susie, Andy, and Sue looking at?

  • IMG_6676.JPG

    IMG_6676.JPG

    The mountain in the distance looks like the prow of a ship.

  • IMG_6674.JPG

    IMG_6674.JPG

    Of course, our "destination," Geode Hill, is still a mile or so away, but over rolling terrain.

  • IMG_6677.JPG

    IMG_6677.JPG

    Lunch.

  • IMG_6043.JPG

    IMG_6043.JPG

    OK, final climb up Geode Hill, so named because of tiny geodes one can sometimes find on the climb.

  • IMG_6680.JPG

    IMG_6680.JPG

    The view from the north side of the hill. Nice fall colors at lower elevations.

  • IMG_6051.JPG

    IMG_6051.JPG

    Andy striking a pose.

  • IMG_6687.JPG

    IMG_6687.JPG

    A last look at the sweep of mountain peaks to the north.

  • IMG_6054.JPG

    IMG_6054.JPG

    Back across the "rolling" terrain to where we start back down.

  • IMG_6688.JPG

    IMG_6688.JPG

    Just to show we really WERE in the South San Juan Wilderness Area, a place we had visited previously: http://www.twohikers.org/WesternMtns/SouthSanJuans03/Ssj03_intro.htm

  • IMG_6062.JPG

    IMG_6062.JPG

    Back down the flats, in the midst of great fall color.

  • IMG_6690.JPG

    IMG_6690.JPG

    Heading down, attempting to avoid the mud.

  • IMG_6038.JPG

    IMG_6038.JPG

    This. The view from the topping out point. I think the snow-capped peaks make things look better.

  • bear cub still.jpg

    bear cub still.jpg

    One shot from the previous day's hike, into the Weminuche Wilderness. We had been hiking and came across two cinnamon colored black bear cubs in a tree. One was curious enough to spend a lot of time watching us.

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2022 SmugMug, Inc.
    IMG_6680.JPG
    IMG_6051.JPG
    IMG_6687.JPG