Southwest Colorado off roading and fishing trip (picture heavy)

This was an amazing trip. I started the journey in Arlington on the morning of the 29th and hit the road towards Creede, CO. My family rented a few cabins for the week so this was my basecamp for the week.
We arrived right at dark on Friday but took our time getting up there.

The drive getting out of Texas is pretty boring as you can see from the pics below. We did get to see this crop duster and snapped a few pics.




Finally a mountian in the distance right after crossing into New Mexico.


Some scenary along the way and finally reaching Colorado.






A few shots as the sun goes down just before getting to Creede.







Go up and went fishing the first morning and had a pretty good morning. On the way to the lake we saw a small heard of Big Horn Sheep.




My buddy with the first fish of the trip.

Me with a nice rainbow.


We had some time to kill so we went exploring a few roads and trails in the area. Noting too hard but this was one of the stepest climbs I have ever done.






I was meeting Steven(ItalynStyilon) in Silverton about 8:30 the next morning. The first trail on the agenda starts with Rio Grande Road from Highway 149 that turns into Cunningham Gulch/Stoney Pass. This is a long trail and the trail guide book said about 3 1/2 hours. I think it took closer to 4 hours. We camped along the trail so we would be closer to Silverton and could make it in time. This did not happen. The trail took longer than expected and I sliced my fingers pretty bad while breaking down camp. This was a great trail. A lot of varied terrain from creek crossings, step climbs, loose rock climbs, and shelf roads.
Camping spot for the night.




Cool picture playing with the tripod and different camera settings.

Saw some wildlife along the way and some great views along the way.



Random shots from the trail.






The views from the top were awesome.




Once we arrived in Silverton(1 1/2 hours late) I meet up with Steven. The plan for the rest of the day was Ophir Pass, Imogene Pass, Yankee Boy and head back east by Cinnamon Pass into Lake City. From here we would take 149 south back into Creede.
I used this book to research trails and plan the routes. I would recommend this book to anyone going to the area. It is cheaper on Amazon.
http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9781930193079

Ophir Pass






Imogene Pass









Top of Imogene








Once we finished we took Yankee Boy into Ouray to eat. The plan was to make it back to Creede but we were chasing day light. I only took 2 pics from Cinnamon Pass since we were pressed for time.

 

A few days after doing 150 miles of trails it was time for more fishing. We decided to hike up to Jumper Lake with the hopes of catching a cut throat trout. This will be my 3rd time to this lake after an elusive cut throat but no luck this time. I did manage to catch 20+ brooke trout. The hike is almost 3 miles and straight up. You gain a little over 1000 feet elevation when you get there.
We came across this huge beast in a willow meadow below the lake dam. He was a giant and at least 6' tall at the shoulder, guessing about 1500 pounds. He was about 25 yards from us and after I moved to get a better angle he sqared up on me and took an agressive stance. I almost had to change my pants but he started to walk away. Seeing this pretty much made the trip.













Finally made it to the lake

We noticed this cross on top of this peak.

The cross is at the top of the tallest peak in the middle.

This little guy was not bashfull and came right up to us for a snack.

 

Nice. I love that part of the state.

Great shots of the moose... that thing would have royally f'd you up!

 

Looks like a good time. Thanks for sharing.

 

Awesome pictures. Thanks for sharing them. Made my day.

 

Nice pictures! You were really close to Animas Forks. I love that place! Fun to go exploring around there. It's a ghost town for those that don't know.

 

We drove through Animas Forks on our way to Cinnamon pass. No pics since we were trying to get over to Lake City by dark and were behind schedule.

 

Going to Cinammon Pass in a couple of weeks and can't wait

 

What cabins did you rent?

 

Texas is the best state in the US and i see you and I are from there. But after living in Colorado for a year and vacationing there often, Texas has some work cut out for it. Colorado is AWESOME!

Looks like a great trip!

 

This is one of the cabins. The other one my brother rented has sold and from what I heard is no longer being rented.
http://mobile.vrbo.com/78420#_propertyDetails_0