Monday, July 14th, STONY PASS

Charles & Jane, Dale & Betty, Jack & DJ, Jim and I packed lunches and headed to Stony Pass this morning.  Appropriately named, it is very rocky.  The Utes used this trail for centuries.  In the 1800s, it was heavily used as a stage coach route and major supply route for the miners working in this area. It was classified as a state highway in the early 1900s, eventually completely abandoned and then reopened in the the 1950s by the forest service as a 4WD recreational route.

The route follows the headwaters of the Rio Grande River.  Ledge roads, mine debris, alpine valleys, fishing streams, pine forests, wildflower fields, and water crossings can all be found along this route. Staying on the route will eventually bring you out on the highway between Creede and Lake City. We have done this only once.  It was a loooong day and very difficult trail.  We usually turn around after driving thru the Rio Grande River.  The high elevation is about 12,600 feet.

There is also a side-trail to the Buffalo Boy Tramhouse.  Jim & I headed home while the others went on up to view that site today.

First, here are a few pictures from last night. 

 Right after dusk, the sky took on an eerie light and made for some interesting pictures:

On the trail to Stony Pass:

Other than Picas and marmots, this deer was the only critter sighting today:

 

Picture thru my window as we drive thru Pole Creek which feeds the Rio Grande:

Jane took pictures of us crossing:

 Dale, Betty, Jack & DJ follow:

 Charles & Jane bring up the rear:

Normally, we would cross the Rio Grande here and either turn around or head on to Kite Lake.

Jim, Charles & Jane made the corporate decision that it was too deep right now. 

Too much snow melt!

Back thru Pole Creek, headed home:

J

 Wildflower field still not at its peak, but here are a few pictures

of individual flowers that Jane took: