Durango to Silverton Railroad

The train stops in several scenic spots so you can photograph the train itself.
It is August 16th and the high today is only 50 degrees so I can’t help but think of Fall and my trip to Ouray two Septembers ago. I flew my parents out and my mother and I rode the Durango and Silverton Railroad one way to Silverton. This is another one of those quintessential Colorado experiences. Fall is a great time to ride the train because there are spots of showy aspens all along the route. Dress warmly though if you go this time of year. While the coaches are enclosed, the gondolas are open air and at times I was wearing three layers, gloves, and a warm hat. A thermos of hot chocolate will make the trip even better. Seats are assigned so you have to choose your car before hand.


Rocks along the Animas
The D&SNGRR, which stands for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, was completed in 1882 and was initially used to haul silver and gold out of the mountains. Narrow gauge rails, which are three feet apart, are easier to lay around tight mountain curves. You will see on the route that there are some tight curves indeed! Interestingly, standard rail gauge is 56.5 inches, which was the width of Roman chariots. Now that is a standard worth keeping. And I thought the English foot (12 inches) was a bad measurement!

We stayed in Durango the night before our trip and it poured like it is today, which is probably why I am reminiscing. Since the train departs at 8:15 AM, this was not a bad choice. We were fortunate to have my father pick us up in Silverton because at 18 mph, the train trip takes 3.5 hours. Going back would have been too tedious for me. There is a motor coach option at certain times of the year, however, and I would recommend that for the variety if nothing else.


It is hard to identify milestones along the route but you can google the animas river since it tracks this pretty well. At times the train is right along side the river bed and at other times it is high above with the Animas rushing through a sculpted gorge below.


My favorite photo from the trip. You can sense the change in the seasons between the snow, color, and low hanging clouds.
The D&SNGRR is a history lesson, a kitschy tourist trap, and a wonderful way to see some stunning Colorado scenery all rolled into one. For train buffs this is an absolute must. Everyone else should do it too. Just get your tickets well in advance. Prime time fills up quickly.

King's Crown

Mature King's Crown
King's crown has two scientific names, Rhodiola integrifolia and Sedum rosea. This benefits a plant that thrives in both moist meadows and dry open areas. This specimen was found near a stream along Mayflower Gulch.You can recognize it by its short, succulent leaves that grow upwards in a tight column. It grows in sub-alpine to alpine environments.


Young King's Crown. Note the succulent leaves.

Quandary Peak

Distance: 6.75 miles round trip
Elevation: 10,850-14,265 ft
Elevation Gain: 3,450 ft
Dogs: Off leash
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Date Hiked: 12 August 2008
Tags: #14er, #peak, #mountainpeak, #Breckenridge

Quandary Peak (14,265 ft) viewed from the East Ridge

Quandary Peak near Breckenridge, CO is technically one of the easier 14ers. There is no large talus dome at the top to navigate and minimal exposure. There are also large rock steps placed frequently along the route so that at times it may feel like Stairmaster instead of a mountain. There is, however, a lot of loose skree that will make coming down a chore. Quandary Peak is also known for its numerous false summits.

The lower part of the trail is in the trees.

The elevation gain on Quandary is nothing to laugh at, but given a nice day without pressure from the weather, anyone who has either exercised regularly or who is very determined can achieve the summit.

Quandary Peak look like a giant snowboard ramp. The route stays to the sides of this ramp or ridge rather than ascend directly up the middle of it. Because of this, the views are spectacular the entire way.

Northstar Mountain viewed from the left side of Quandary's ridge

The trail to the summit is low enough that it begins in the trees. It takes you to the right, northern side of the ridge (McCullough Gulch), but then quickly winds back towards the southern side (Monti Cristo Gulch) where it will stay for the rest of the journey.

Monte Cristo Gulch and Blue Lakes

Around 12,000 ft, Blue Lakes deep in Monte Cristo Gulch come into view. This gulch is bordered to the south by a jagged ridge line that joins North Star Mountain to the east and Wheeler Mountain to the west. The dam at the end of the Gulch is the starting point for the West Ridge route up Quandary. This route is much more exposed and should only be attempted by more experienced climbers. At the time of this posting, renowned chef from Missouri died on this route another climber nearly died after a horrible tumble down the Monte Cristo couloir.

Summit viewed from the left

Heading up to the ridge at 13,150 ft

Quandary Peak is unique in that you can see the summit and much of the route from a road that many people travel getting to and from Breckenridge. The sharp rise in the "ramp" is clearly visible and looks enormous.  From its base the summit is only one mile and 1,100 ft of elevation gain away. The trail in this area is still mostly skree but is occasionally dirt. It is here that the false summits begin.

On the East Ridge, a little farther up

On the narrow portion of the ridge

Each succeeding pile of scree blocks the upper portions of the ridge and gives the illusion that it will be the last. Alas, you will be able to see the last pile and the summit just off to the left so until you do, don’t be fooled.

First large scree pile on the upper 1,000 ft

The last false summit

There is no large boulder field at the top of Quandary Peak. The top can be strolled across with ease. The views to the west are by far the most dramatic. Mount of the Holy Cross and Notch Top Mountain can be clearly seen to the west. Closer in, just across the West Ridge is the Fletcher Mountain and the backside of Mayflower Gulch. To the north is the cone-shaped Crystal Peak. To the south is Mt. Democrat, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Bross, and can even see some of the trails that connect these three.

The summit is in sight.

The journey down from the summit can be an exercise in drudgery. Loose rock requires more concentration than you would image. A joyous strain may just fill your heart upon reaching terra firma.

View from the summit looking northwest towards Crystal Peak

View from the summit looking at a hiker coming up the West Ridge

Back down, looking at the green hills of Summit County

Hiking to the summit of Quandary Peak will give you a fantastic sense of accomplishment and a great calf workout. It is close to Denver however, so expect crowds.

The trailhead to Quandary Peak is accessible via a normal passenger car. From Breckenridge, drive 8 miles south on CO Highway 9. Turn right (west) on the 850 (Blue Lakes) Road. Drive a few hundred yards and turn right on the 851 (McCullough Gulch) Road. Drive 0.1 mile to the signed trailhead and small parking area.

Pawnee Pass

Distance: 9.1 miles RT
Elevation: 10,515 – 12,541 ft
Elevation gain: 2,130 ft cumulative


Looking down on Pawnee Lake from the west side of the pass
You won’t find Pawnee Pass in any local trail guide, which is a shame because it is a beautiful trail filled with lakes, scraggy peaks, and a glimpse down the steepest grade I have yet to see in Colorado. Its distance and location within the Indian Peak Wilderness Area make accessible to anyone with a moderate amount of fitness.


Long Lake
You can do Pawnee Pass from either side of course. This report features the trip from the east side, leaving from the Long Lake trailhead. For those familiar with that name, you know this trail is in the Brainard Lake National Recreation Area. Expect heavy use even during the week. We got a slightly late start and did not arrive until 8:30 and the parking lot was already full on a Tuesday. Because Long Lake is a mere 0.25 miles up a flat trail, this trailhead is filled with old timers, bless every one of them, who are out for jaunt in the great outdoors. We really did not expect that type of crowd during the week and were not happy when we had to park a quarter mile away at the nearest picnic area. Now, we are young whippersnappers, relatively speaking anyway, and can certainly walk the additional distance, I just knew when this hike was over, that additional quarter of a mile would feel like three. Fortunately, this prognostication was only partially true. It felt like half a mile.


Lake Isabelle
The first 1.2 miles of this hike border Long Lake. It is flat, well groomed but in the trees most of the time. There are only a few glimpses of the lake itself. Beyond the lake, the trail becomes rockier and begins to ascend in fits and starts as it heads towards Lake Isabelle. I realized upon reaching this lake that I had never been there, which considering its relatively short distance is amazing. At only 2 miles one way, Lake Isabelle is a gem that anyone can reach. I highly recommend the trip.


Trail heading up to the shelf
The trail to the pass breaks off shortly after reaching Lake Isabelle and begins to climb in earnest along an attractive creek. Through a series of gentle switchbacks it approaches a cleft in the rock that almost looked like a pass but is in fact a large, dramatic rock shelf. Upon reaching this shelf there are remarkable views into the gorge on the other side and Lake Isabelle behind. Intuitively, one would think that the trail would head up this gorge, but instead in winds its way up the large bulge of rock to the left of the shelf.


Looking into the gorge from the shelf
At the top of this bulge is an expansive flat area, which really does look like a pass. There are jagged peaks all around and it is hard not to stop, stare, and drool. This area, located at 12,000 ft is on one side of a large U-shaped bowl. The bowl is made up on the right by Shoshoni Peak (12,967 ft), Apache Peak (13,441 ft) straight ahead, and Navajo Peak (13,409 ft) off to the left. It was not until we dug out the trail map that we realized this was not the pass. It is so gorgeous, that we almost did not care.


Approaching the first flat area. The final ridge is off to the right.
Typically, we were worried about the building clouds and wondered how long it would take to reach the pass itself and whether we would have enough time. Some folks from Illinois met us in this area and said it was about another 45 minutes to the pass and so we decided to go for it.


On top of the rocky knoll looking down at Lake Isabelle
It is deceiving, but the trail to the pass crosses this broad expanse and then heads up the very steep right hand side of the U. The journey is not difficult by any means since it is graced with a series of rather frustrating switchbacks that seem to make the journey twice as long as needed. I confess that at this point I was feeling pressure by the weather and zoomed up this part of the trail faster than necessary.


Mt. Shoshoni
At the top is another broad expanse that is nestled between Shoshoni Peak and Pawnee Peak. It is only a short trip to the official sign that designates the pass. You will not want to stop here but head down the trail until it starts to descend the other side. This side of the pass looks like a 60-degree slope. I saw two backpackers and their dog descending the trail by scooting on their butts. That is steep folks. The left and right sides of this area is bordered by rock pinnacles that are dramatic in and of themselves, but combined with steep slope are truly breathtaking. At the bottom of this deep expanse is Pawnee Lake. We were almost there on our trip to Cascade Falls the month before, which was hard to imagine.


On the flat area at 12,000 ft looking at north to the final ridge
Pawee Peak (12,943 ft) is a short 0.5 miles away but alas at this point we decided the weather was getting too rough and we needed to descend. As it was we were hailed on when we returned to Lake Isabelle. I am bummed about missing that opportunity, but that is Colorado.


Looking back down the ridge with its many switchbacks
So erstwhile adventurers, put Pawnee Pass on your list. If the weather interferes, there are numerous milestones that are worthwhile destinations. That initial shelf, which is a short distance above Lake Isabelle, is going to be the destination of my next group alfresco dining. You could hold a graduation party up there and the views of Lake Isabelle are stunning. Nuf said…GO.


Looking north on Pawnee Pass. Pawnee Peak is just out of site to the right.


Looking southeast from the pass

Mayflower Gulch to Gold Hill

Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation: 10,996 ft -11,980 ft
Elevation gain: 1,040 ft
Date Hiked: 27 July, 2008
Bathroom at the Trailhead: No
Dogs: Off leash

The ruins of the Boston Mine stand out against the jagged contours of peaks surrounding Mayflower Gulch.

Mayflower Gulch near Copper Mountain is one of the most stunning hikes in Summit County and is one of my favorite spots to photograph wildflowers. We usually go up at least once every summer to check it out. It never seems to disappoint. 2008 was no exception. The fields were filled with many different species, the clouds were building, providing much needed shade to photograph the colorful ones, and the weather was sublime.

The trail to the back of Mayflower Gulch is a road that quickly disappears into the trees and heads steadily but not outrageously upwards.

Flowers grace the base of one of the cabins of the Boston Mine.

You get to the Mayflower Gulch trailhead by turning off of I-70 at the Copper Mountain and heading towards Leadville. There is a large parking lot on the left around 7 miles up the road. Because of the berm, you may not see it until you pass it. While packed in the winter, there is usually parking available in the summer.

There are many mining remnants in Mayflower Gulch

Looking down on the Boston Mine from part way up the road to Gold Hill.

The trail follows a rocky road (that you can drive if you want) for two miles. Occasional views and mining ruins along the way entertain the hiker but most likely you will be watching your footing and avoiding the streams that pour down during the melt off.

The cabins of the Boston Mine seen from the road to Gold Hill

The real fun begins when you exit the trees and enter into Mayflower Gulch's bowl. The picturesque jagged peaks and old cabins of the Boston Mine great the hiker at this point. I am often torn between lounging here to admire the view, continuing up the back bowl to the other ruins, or turning right and heading up the hill to Gold Hill. On this trip, we did it all until the threatening weather finally made us turn for home.

The further up Gold Hill you go, the farther back into the Gulch you can see.

In the summer, the slopes of Mayflower Gulch are verdant green and covered in wildflowers.

The route to the back bowl is quite obvious, simply follow the road.  From two thirds of the way to the end, there are several choices.  You can follow the road itself, bushwhack up the hill to the left, or climb the trail to the right that deadend into an old mine shaft.  All present stunning views back down the valley. Note the mileage listed on this post does not include the diversion to the back bowl. [Note: in 2010, the route to the mining ruin in the far back bowl was closed off for safety reasons].

View from Gold Hill looking south

View from Gold Hill looking southwest towards the Climax Mine retaining pond

Taking a right turn at the cabins and heading up the road to Gold Hill is also a fantastic way to explore the area. In the winter this is a bushwhack but in the summer you can follow a dirt road to the top. Most years there will be a slight scramble over the remaining snow cornice. 2008 was no exception.

View from Gold Hill looking southeast

Looking west across the broad ridge of Gold Hill

Many of the most beautiful wildflowers grow along the broad slope that borders the road to Gold Hill. I like to shove my telephoto lens into the grasses and play with bringing into focus various layers of the flowers. There are so many, it is hard to choose.

The mountain to the west

Once you get to the top of Gold Hill, you might just forget the flowers since the views from the ridge of Gold Hill are extraordinary. The green meadows to the south remind me of the Sound of Music. If you listen carefully, you can hear the opening strains of that musical and I swear Julie Andrews is about to come twirling out into the open.  You are going to want to linger here, so bring lunch and enjoy the phenomenal scenery.  Slightly southwest, you can see the giant retaining pond of the Climax Mine. While not a pretty wilderness sight, its colors do make a nice contrast to all verdant greens.

The mining ruin at the back bowl.  This area is now closed to the public.

White Crowned Sparrow (Zontrichia leucohyrus) nests in the central mountains of Colorado. It feeds on the ground scratching backwards with both feet simultaneously.

Some of you may have already seen my winter Mayflower Gulch post. Summer or winter, Mayflower Gulch is a destination not to be missed.  As a few parting shots I'll include a few obligatory flower pictures to get you motivated.

A close up of Indian Paintbrush

Purple Larkspur

Monkshood (Aconitum columbianum), Bistwort (Bistora bistortoides), unknown yellow aster, Aspen Daisy (Erigeron speciosus)

Dusky/Whipple Penstemon

There are over 250 species of Penstemons. They are all tubular flowers with a three-lobed lower lip. This species is usually dark purple but I have also seen it be white. It grows in open areas and tundra. This specimen was next to a rail bed in sandy soil but I have been seeing them all summer in open meadows.