2 day trip from durango area
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campberl
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2 day trip from durango area
I am looking for inside advice on hiking/climbing the best 13/14er near Durango. I have 2 extra days on my trip that my wife doesn't have tied up. I have been told to do the Windom Peak from the needleton TH, but I will have some inexperienced guys with me. 17 miles maybe long for them and with the train ride I don't know about fitting in 2 days. Please help me with this situation. Thank you for any input at all. I am looking for a TH that can be reached summited peak and full return following day.
Re: 2 day trip from durango area
There's some nice 13'ers nearby that are all accessible from the highway ... these would be dayhikes so you could camp nearby (and, thus eliminate the need for heavy packs for people not accustomed) ... Snowdon Peak ... The Twilights ... Grand Turk/Sultan ... Hayden Mountain South ... :D
As if none of us have ever come back with a cool, quasi-epic story instead of being victim to tragic rockfall, a fatal stumble, a heart attack, an embolism, a lightning strike, a bear attack, collapsing cornice, some psycho with an axe, a falling tree, carbon monoxide, even falling asleep at the wheel getting to a mountain. If you can't accept the fact that sometimes "s**t happens", then you live with the illusion that your epic genius and profound wilderness intelligence has put you in total and complete control of yourself, your partners, and the mountain. How mystified you'll be when "s**t happens" to you! - FM
Re: 2 day trip from durango area
You'll have to make a bit of a drive (Silverton area) but I say the hell with Windom and recommend you venture up into Ice Lake Basin for an ascent of Vermillion (Top 100 peak). Vermillion is about 12 miles and 4100 from the lower TH. I've been told parking at the upper TH will shave a mile or so and at least 500 feet. There are several interesting high 13ers in that area.
You could easily pack in, camp at one of the lakes, summit the next day and pack out.
You could easily pack in, camp at one of the lakes, summit the next day and pack out.
The look in his eyes when it hit - Kid, it was tasty... - William Seward Burroughs
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MtHurd
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Re: 2 day trip from durango area
Since you are going with inexperienced people, Snowdon probably won't be a good idea (bushwhacking and some exposed 3rd class). Vermillion might be a little much too (long hike in and some scrambling). Windom is not a day hike, unless you are in great shape and want to do a 36 mile round trip.
My suggestion would be Grand Turk, plus if you feel strong you can go on an climb a second summit, Sultan Mountain which is right next to it. The trailhead is at Little Molas Lake, just off the highway. The views of the Needles from the summit are amazing.
Sultan from Gran Turk.
My suggestion would be Grand Turk, plus if you feel strong you can go on an climb a second summit, Sultan Mountain which is right next to it. The trailhead is at Little Molas Lake, just off the highway. The views of the Needles from the summit are amazing.
Sultan from Gran Turk.
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ChrisFol
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Re: 2 day trip from durango area
FWIW-- I am setting off from Denver to Durango tomorrow (12th August) morning and returning Sunday 15th and thus I am planning two days on the mountains.
- Friday I will be heading to Grand Turk and weather permitting, on to Sultan Mountain.
- Saturday I am considering either Snowdon and South Snowdon or Hesperus and maybe Lavender.
If you or anyone else is interested in joining me then let me know.
- Friday I will be heading to Grand Turk and weather permitting, on to Sultan Mountain.
- Saturday I am considering either Snowdon and South Snowdon or Hesperus and maybe Lavender.
If you or anyone else is interested in joining me then let me know.
-Chris
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campberl
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Re: 2 day trip from durango area
Thank you for the help.
