Up and Over Imogene Pass...

Jellystone RV Park of the Black Canyon
Montrose, CO
July 28, 2014

The Imogene Pass road was built in 1880 for access to Ouray from the Tomboy Mine. Tomboy Mine was situated high above Telluride.  

We began the trail on Camp Bird Road (see the Yankee Boy Basin post). There are signs for a left turn for Imogene about 6.8 miles into Camp Bird Road. We were glad this SUV was first at the Imogene  Creek crossing.  

Sue and Paul (who we met last year in Moab )  (www.youngerday.blogspot.com) have a brand new home here in Montrose. They suggested this trail...a winner in our book! 

We led, Paul and Sue followed and Ronnie and Carol brought up the rear.

Our trusty Guide book states...

Moderate. Do not take this trip lightly. The road is rocky, steep, and narrow in places and passing can be dangerous. Stock SUVs should have low-range gearing, 4-wheel drive, high clearance, and skid plates.

On our first stop I noticed this patch of snow...new growth peeking thru the very wet ground.




The higher we climbed the more the flowers flourished...

 I think I made a mistake in identifying this white flower. On the Ophir Pass we saw them growing tall among the aspens. I called it Queen Anne's Lace. I bought a book (Wild About Wildflowers by Katherine Darrow) today in Ouray and now I think they are Cow Parsley which can grow to 6 feet tall. Both plants are in the Parsley family.  

  A quote from Edna St. Vincent Millay..."I will be the gladdest thing under the sun! I will touch a hundred flowers and not pick one." I think I was the gladdest thing!

Near and above the treeline we saw clumps of tundra paintbrush...a first for me.

And here we are...Imogene Pass at 13,114 feet. Imogene Pass is the highest pass road in the San Juan Mountains. It is also the second highest pass road in the U.S.

 I think this is a weather station at the pass.








Did I mention spectacular views?

 A look at Telluride...

 These tiny yellow flowers were enjoying the day...

They were no more that 5 inches tall.

Alpine Buttercups...common above the treeline. They are usually pollinated by flies which are more cold-hardy than bees.

Carol caught me stomping thru the snow...

We had gone a little over 5 miles (just on Imogene pass) to reach the top.

The ride down took us past mountains of snow...

...thru more meadows of wildflowers...

...around and past Tomboy Ghost Town...

...in the rain and clouds...

 ...thru Social Tunnel...

...close to the wet aspen leaves...

 ...and right into Telluride.

This was the last ride for us this trip to Montrose...each ride a little higher in elevation and a little more difficult. All three rides were spectacular in their own way. I have never seen meadows and fields of wildflowers like the ones I saw on these rides. This is a perfect time of year to visit...even with the rains and storms we enjoyed every afternoon. Returning to the Montrose-Ouray area is definitely something we want to do...maybe we will see what its like in the fall.

Until next time...

happy trails!

 

Up next...a hike on Pass Creek Trail...

  

Yankee Boy Basin

Jellystone Park of the Black Canyon
Montrose, CO
July 25, 2014

Yankee Boy Basin is an alpine basin located in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Access to the basin is by a dirt road 4X4 trail.

This trail is rated moderate. Most of the road is easy just like Ophir. It's the last mile that gives the trail the moderate status...it is  rocky, steep and narrow. This is a 9.3 mile trail one way.

  

A narrow spot under a rock overhang...

We started out on Camp Bird Road...0.4 miles (going south on Hwy 550) from the Beaumont Hotel on Main Street in Ouray.

Camp Bird Mine today....

The famous Camp Bird Mine...a highly productive gold and silver mine was discovered in 1896 by Thomas Walsh.
He sold his mine in 1902 for $5.2 million.



Another interesting tid-bit...Camp Bird Mine was named after the "Camp Birds" probably Rocky Jays that ate the miner's lunch.

Another highlight of this trail is Twin Falls...two beautiful waterfalls along Sneffels Creek. We did park and I enjoyed myself... trapsing thru the narrow trails lined with wildflowers, flowing water and climbing the rocks.

 

Twin Falls from the trail...

Narrow walking path lined with wildflowers...

Rosy paintbrush...common in moist meadows 10,000 to 12,000 feet



What a hoot to play on the rocks...and yes, the water is freezing!



Tall Bluebells...about as tall as my waist...

with soft, hairless leaves glistening with dew.

 After the falls, the trail continues for about 2.2 miles where it ends at about 12,000 feet elevation. There is a small area for parking and turning around.

Last mile looks like this which is why it is rated moderate.

King's Crown...in the Stonecrop family...the roots of this plant are good for physical and mental fatigue. Might come in handy next time you are hiking at 12,000 feet!



 Yankee Boy Basin is well know for its wildflowers. The week days are less congested than the week-ends. Best time of year is mid July thru September. A gate for the upper trail is closed until the snow melts in late June or early July. Many stock SUVs make it to the end of the trail.

Another must do trail if you are visiting in this area!

Until next time,

 happy trails!

 Up next: Imogene Pass...our highest climb to date!