Exploring the Weminuche - Day 1 Bushwhacking and Blowdowns

My 19-year old daughter and I set out on a 3-day backpacking trip to explore the Weminuche Wilderness. Day 1, we started at the Vallecito Creek trailhead. Due to the recent heavy rainstorms, our creek crossing was impassable. We decided to bushwhack our way upstream to where the Johnson Creek trail intersects Vallecito Creek and there is a bridge crossing. That turned out to be an adventure in itself! Then we hiked up to Rock Creek navigating hundreds of blowdowns! It made for a challenging 16 mile day!
#weminuchewilderness #hiking #sanjuanmountains #colorado #adventure #coloradoadventure #coloradohiking

[@user-st4ne2nr9m]

Even if i wanted to still i cant ? … this is my backyard… beautiful work … Colorado is a Beautiful state ! Thanks

[@michellebentley7159]

I know not everyone can get out and personally experience some of these remote places, so I’m happy to share what I can. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Colorado is a beautiful state! Thanks for watching!😊

[@DJMoore-001]

Awesome. I bet there is some great Elk hunting up in there. Looks like a blast, And making memories with your daughter. Can't beat that.

[@michellebentley7159]

We saw signs of elk, but no elk this trip. We did see quite a few mule deer though.

[@DJMoore-001]

@@michellebentley7159 Nice, You have the perfect workout for the CDT.

[@gavintweedie9210]

What time of year was this? Just wondering about the creek height. I’m thinking it should be able to be crossed soon.

[@michellebentley7159]

This was early July, but I was able to cross the creek at that same place 2 weeks earlier in mid June. At that point, it was just barely doable. I’m 5’8” and the water was above my waist and flowing fast from snowmelt. This time, the water was at least 2 feet higher from recent heavy rain runoff. It really just depends on snow levels and rain.

[@gavintweedie9210]

@@michellebentley7159 Thanks. Looks like a great trip. I’ve been to those areas a few times and the solitude is awesome, I bet the river height kept the crowds down. That’s a lot of mileage for each day and some rough terrain/elevation.