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July 13th, 2008
Since we do not have 4WD, we decided to hike Uncompahgre the short way for us. We hiked from the Matterhorn TH (about 14 miles roundtrip), and got my Corolla within .6 mile of the actual TH. It was a chilly 38 degrees when we finally got started, but it was beautiful. Here is a look at the first views you get to see.
You will come to an intersection that looks like this:
Make sure you go to the right. It doesn't really look like the obvious way, but it is. You will soon start climbing up to the pass Roach talks about in his book. A picture of the amazing view of Uncompahgre from the top of the pass:
And a view of Wetterhorn and Matterhorn.
From this point, we stopped to question if we were going the right way several times. There are signs like this one a few times along the trail:
As long as you stay on Ridge Stock Driveway Trail No. 233, you are just fine. Lots of muddy sections on this part of the trail. After walking for what seems like forever and actually losing elevation, you are greeted by a pretty steep section.
The rest of the trail is easy to follow as it intersects with the main trail. A few summit shots.
We reserved a campsite at the Castle Lakes Campground & Cabins. It was a really nice campground....hot showers, bathrooms, chairs by the lake, quiet, etc... I would highly recommend it.
July 14th, 2008.
We headed over to hike Redcloud and Sunshine. A beautiful morning shot of Handies.
The avalanche damage was bazaar. I haven't seen anything like it. If you want to hike around the first big snow field, look up to your left. There is a trail up there that parallels the main trail. You will have to cross the second large snow field. I just followed the foot prints and was fine. A view of the creek with the trail on the left.
Wildflowers were out in full bloom.
The trail is very easy to follow, a little steep at times, but not too bad. Almost to the Redcloud summit.
Summit view of Wetterhorn, Matterhorn, and Uncompahgre.
A look over at Sunshine (looks SO far away)!!!
After 50 minutes we were standing on the summit of Sunshine.
A look back at Redcloud. "We have to hike all the way back there?"
We got back to Redcloud in 45 minutes, just as it started to hail. So much for relaxing on the summit! We kept a steady pace as we headed back down as we were unsure what the weather was going to do. In 6 hours and 45 minutes we were safely back to the car.
It was a wonderful, beautiful two days in the San Juans!!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
to Sunshine/Redcloud TH? I am debating doing Sunshine/Redcloud and or Handies in a few weeks. Like you, I will also be driving a Corolla and was wondering if there are any troublesome spots on the road. Love the pictures of the San Juans, I have never seen this range in person.
The road is okay. There are about a handful of spots that require some very careful driving. If you go slow, you will be just fine. I would not recommend taking your Corolla to the American Basin TH for Handies. I did that last summer....mistake!
Enjoy your trip to the San Juans. It‘s beautiful! I wish I could get down there more often.
We are heading up there this weekend. How was the trail--fairly clear of snow or patches? Are you a avid hiker or newer, how was the hike for you? Just curious..can‘t wait! Love the pictures!
did you consider returning via sundog? have you ever...?
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We kept a steady pace as we headed back down as we were unsure what the weather was going to do. In 6 hours and 45 minutes we were safely back to the car. 
