Joan and I did another quick overnighter into our summer haunt of the San Juan mountains.
A place away from the desert heat with astounding views and wildflowers, where we can nooks and crannies away from the more popular areas.
We started our weekend with a Friday night camp using our smaller camp kit to make a quick meal, enjoy some cold drinks, and wind down our work week in a way we never fail to find enjoyable.
Some mushrooms, fresh basil, ground pork/beef, some leftover tomato sauce, and spaghetti with some freshly grated pecorino romano cheese made for a tasty Friday meal, if I do say so. PCO Joan.
The following morning, we made our way up the trail and enjoyed views of the familiar from a different perspective.
We soon left the trail, went cross country, and made our way to a jeep track.
From that road, we followed an old and fading two-crack to make our way to an obscure summit with some of the most striking views I’ve seen in the San Juans.
The summit itself may not reach the lofty heights of the nearby 13k and 14k foot mountains, but the summit takes in a striking 360-degree expanse that takes in this part of the world in a memorable way.
After a night in a peaceful campsite, we hiked out and followed the jeep track along the ridge and back through the meadow.
We joined the single track again and admired the views as we returned to the trailhead.
Another weekend in our favorite mountain range, with fall not far off.
So beautiful and peaceful! Love the open expanses and views unlike many places in the northeast. I’m envious!
Thank you!
In the second photo a very prominent chimney, or spire, appears on the horizon, and shows up in subsequent pics…hard to get lost with such a landmark! Name? I love trundling through such open parks, and I bet the elk do too this time of year; see any?
That’s Lizard Head Peak, I believe. Saw some elk indeed.
Looking lean, Paul. Good for you, but Nonna would like a word!
Ha! Try to feed me manicotti, no doubt!
How far did you hike into the area you showed? It was hard to tell with Lizard Head Peak in the distance and then quite a lot closer.
Don’t remember tbh