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Travel into one of the most
spectacular areas of the Western United States, deep in the Weminuche
Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. This area was heavily glaciated and
the valleys are textbook geologic featuring meandering streams through
enormous valleys with hanging waterfalls on the valley walls, great
expanses of exposed granite and huge moraines. You camp in a beautiful
meadow on the glaciated canyon of the Florida River near the City
Reservoir, built in the late 1800's by the city of Durango to store water.
Today, it no longer is used by Durango, but instead provides some of the
best lake fishing in the San Juans. The fish are not big, but they are
lively! Less than a mile downstream, the canyon boxes off and is
impassable. You can feel the presence of bear and elk in the air as you
wander through this true wilderness.
The camps are full service with wall tents complete with cots and pads.
The cook tent has a woodstove with an oven where we bake biscuits and even
pies - food is as important as the wilderness experience and we consider
ourselves the finest in chefs.
 RTCO05 
Rates include 4 nights in deluxe tent
camp, all meals starting with lunch on day 1, 5 riding days
5 days/ 4 nights $ 1,250
2008 Dates:
06/23-06/27 07/21-07/25 08/04-08/08
08/18-08/22 09/01-09/05
Taxes: 3%
Gratuities: 10-15% suggested
Meeting: Durango morning of Day 1
Tack:
Western
Horses:
Quarter mix
Pace : Slow
mountain trails
Level:
Novice+
Min/Max Riders: 2-8
Notes: Sleeping bag
rental is $10 per day - all other camping equipment is provided.
Shorter
option:
Weminuche Getaway
3 riding days
3 days/ 2 nights $750
2 nights in deluxe tent camp, all meals and 3 riding days
2008 Dates:
07/14-07/16 07/28-07/30
08/11-08/13 08/25-08/27
2008 HT Special $ 650
06/09-06/11 06/16-06/18
ITINERARY
Day 1.
You will be picked up from your hotel at 8:00 am and taken to the
trailhead. After the pack load is set we'll mount our horses and head up
the mountain. Immediately you become surrounded by the dense forest of the
Weminuche Wilderness. We will take our time and wind up the trail crossing
some creeks along the way and even skirting fallen trees. We will stop
along the way for lunch along the trail in a spot where the views will
take your breath away! As we continue on this remote trail to camp, we end
the day descending down a traversing trail, crossing a river and ending up
at our fully provisioned camp in the wilderness. You will have a chance to
unload your personal gear and then join the group for some snacks before
dinner. After dinner we can relax around our own private campfire and then
head off to bed under a blanket of stars.
Days 2-4
Wake up each morning to the smell of freshly brewed cowboy coffee and
another fulfilling western breakfast. The next few days we will be no rush
to get started in the morning and there will be lots of options to choose
from. We may opt to take a full day ride deep into the mountains enjoying
waterfalls and wild flowers along the way or opt for just a half day ride
and enjoy the afternoon doing a different activity. The fishing is 'Brookie
Paradise' and only a five minute walk from camp in the waterfalls of the
Florida River. High mountain lakes await us in every direction, some with
15" trout lurking in them. Or you may want to try to climb Mount Sheridan
right behind camp for a spectacular 360 degree view including the 14,000
ft peaks Eolus, Windom and Sunlight peak. Keep your eyes open for large
birds of prey overhead or possibly elk or deer running through the woods.
After you have taken all the pictures you want, and spent the day enjoying
what seems to be your own private wilderness playground, we'll head back
to camp. Enjoy each others company while dinner is being prepared for you
and relax around camp taking in the views, smells and sounds of this
pristine wilderness. Each night offers a sky full of stars and coyotes
often howling in the background.
Day 5
After breakfast we take one last look at the glorious San Juan Mountain
range that surrounds us and pack up our gear so we can head back to
civilization. As you wind your way back to where the vehicle awaits there
are plenty of last minute opportunities for taking photos. We'll plan on
lunch on the trail along with way before we unload and pack up the animals
for the journey home. You will be brought back to your hotel in Durango,
arriving late afternoon. Please do not plan departures home tonight unless
your flight departs after 8:30 pm. The outfitter will be happy to pick you
up in the morning and take you back to the airport for your flight home. |
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Weminuche Wilderness
The Weminuche Wilderness Area is, without a doubt, one of the
most spectacular places on earth. It contains some of the most rugged and
majestic peaks in the continental United States. The Weminuche encompasses
nearly 460,000 acres. The average elevation is over 10,000 feet, with
snowy peaks topping 14,000 feet. Much of the area is above timberline. The
area is punctuated by clear mountain lakes, swift cold streams, alpine
meadows, high stands of spruce, and large areas of bare rock and rock
slides. Temperatures in the Weminuche range from 90°F to -30°F. Frost can
occur at any time. The Weminuche is rich with abundant wildlife and
good trout fishing.
As a designated Wilderness Area, motor vehicles, bicycles, snowmobiles,
chain saws, etc. are prohibited. Access is only on foot or on horseback.
What you are left with is an experience that you will not forget.
There are over 240 miles of trails in the Weminuche. They will provide you
with access to this nature’s wonderland.
A trip into the Weminuche Wilderness Area is one you won’t soon forget.
Wildflowers begin to paint nature’s canvas as soon as the snow melts, for
the growing season here is short. September finds the Wilderness Area
taking on another cloak of color as leaves perform their magic for us all.
This is the beginning of Colorfest and one of the most pleasant and
spectacular months for riding and hiking.
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