Alpine Loop Trip Report 2008

LABOR DAY WEEKEND TRIP REPORT *

We left Colorado Springs just after 8 A.M. Friday, traveled to Gunsmoke for a rest stop in Johnson Village, and continued on to Gunnison for lunch. After taking on fuel for our vehicles as well as our tummies, we headed for Lake City. There we regrouped, and began the Alpine Loop over Cinnamon Pass into Animas Forks Ghost Town.

We continued on to some trails that were new to many of us by going over California Gulch and Corkscrew Gulch to Hwy 550. It was then only a few miles into Ouray. Most of us had reservations and stayed at the KOA Campground. Before bedtime, we found a great place to eat dinner and to discuss plans for the next day.

The next morning 10 vehicles met at the trail head for Black Bear Pass. Others wanted to sleep in and some were coming in to Ouray later that morning. Black Bear Pass still has its intimidating places and the awesome views cannot be beaten. We took our time, took many pictures, helped each other, carefully negotiated the extremely tight switchbacks, spent a little time at Bridal Veil Falls, and ended up in Telluride for lunch. We went to the City Park, found picnic tables and restrooms nearby, and really enjoyed socializing together.

At that point the group broke up into many directions, with some heading back to the Springs, some back up to Bridal Veil Falls, and some going on slowly to Imogene Pass on the way back to Ouray.

After another good night's sleep many decided to take Engineer Pass and head on back to the Springs. A few stayed over and drove back home on Labor Day Monday, using their available time to the fullest. No big problems, lots of fun, great views, wonderful pictures (some posted here on the web site), and the best of fellowship: this was the consensus of all who went on this trip.

Denny Hage