I took 5 friends into the Weminuche Wilderness for the first time for 8 days covering the last few days of August, and the first week of September. This was supposed to occur in 2020, but you know what happened that year. Everything changed. The general idea in this trip was to get dropped off by the train at Elk Creek, which was the second trail stop for the train. Elk Creek sat at about 9000' of elevation, which was 1000' higher than the previous stop, Needleton. Our course of action was to hike Elk Creek (also known as The Colorado Trail at this point) up to the Continental Divide, and then down the Vallecito River until the Johnson Creek trail. Jump on the Johnson Creek and ascend up and over Columbine Pass and down into the Chicago Basin, where eventually we would arrive at Needleton, and catch the train back to Durango. 40 some miles over the course of 8 days, 7 nights with 3 day hikes built into the plan. That was the plan.
Day 1
Durango Silverton Train
Getting dropped off
Jim is taking the picture.
No shortage of water
This hike delivered early returns
An upper Elk Creek meadow
Even further up Elk Creek
Walt
Paul
Jim
Candy for the eyes
Dan
Late afternoon
The last of three, this one uncleared, land slides.
A Cold Bath
It was a tight camp
Walt needs a chair
Relaxing in camp
Dinner Prep
Always wanting to see what is next
A very tight camp
Day 2
A pretty early start, we had to gain the Continental Divide, and then again over Hunchback pass before descending and looking for a camp site somewhere along the upper Vallecito valley. We started the day at 10,600' and so it wasn't long before we were above the tree line. That meant spending most of the day above the tree line, and hence the opportunity for a lot of composite panoramas. So there are many on this day.
Yum
The higher you go the higher you get
Looking forward and backwards
11,000' the air is thinner
An early set of switchbacks looking back whence we had come.
An old miners cabin. We came in from the right, and that treeless ridge to the left is our destination for the morning.
Same overall site, from behind the ruins.
An old mine, and looking back.
On the infamous "You'll love the switchbacks" looking back.
It just keeps getting more awesome.
From the last switchback.
On top with Kevin
Let's take a break
Brotherly Love
Pacific Drainage on the left, Atlantic on the right
On the move again. Higher still.
Glad I elected not to camp on that lake.
Or this one, but it's a nice view.
Resting near the lake in the last image, and someone is replenishing their water.
All together?
Looking back as we ascend Hunchback Pass
The weather was dodgy at first, but then it cleared.
Image 1 with Walt on the left a near 360 of Hunchback Pass
And Walt just a wee bit off center.
And down the other side.
The beginnings of the Vallecito
Getting ready to drop some elevation.
A camp has been found
Day 3
We decide the evening prior not to day hike today, but instead to move down to the next site near the junction with Johnson Creek. The decision is to use two days to get over Columbine, instead of one.
Paul standing in the Vallecito just as it goes in for a deep drop
I re-did this one and it is so much better now.
The light is getting harsh, but some nice open views
They said "Don't drink the water in Rock Creek"
I reprocessed this image as well, and it is much nicer
Where is everyone?
We caught up
Does it get any nicer?
Walt and that damned cup.
The light is getting beautiful
What a camp site.
Relaxing.
Day 4
On this day we could get a late start and finish early. It would be a hard day, as our ascent was broken down into 3 main hurdles: 1 non-switchback section that seemed to grind on forever, and then 2 sets of 20+ switchbacks that got us into the upper Johnson Creek basin.
 Day 5
Up and over Columbine Pass. It was a rainy day today but I think it held off until we set up camp.
Jim and Dan ready to roll
Paul is almost set
It was overcast, but still able to get some big shots
Too bad I waited until after this trip to buy a new camera :(.
Still though the views were wonderful
Maybe not a great shot, because the focal point is between the flower (desired) and the backdrop.
Pure beauty
Always look behind you
Reached Columbine Lake
And it's starting to rain
Glad we had these tarps!
 Day 6
Walt says goodbye, and it's 14er day.
Day 7
Instead of another 14er, its down and out to a nice Animas river camp site.
Paul
Kevin
Dan
Last look back
The way out
As was usual Paul and I in the back
The river following us
Felt like a good place for a sweeping shot
The trail to Purgatory Flats
Day 8 - The Exit
The crew is ready
Glad the bridge is there!
A wider view
Hanging Out
On the train again.
Lunch in Silverton
One more train ride
Over the Animas again
One of those classic around the bend shots
Good Bye San Juans
