Rugged and Harsh Snow Covered Mountains of the San Juan Range in the Rocky Mountains
In this image I lensed while flying over these inhospitable wild lands during deep winter there are a number of iconic famous mountains from the Rockies. This would be an incredible difficult place to have my engine quit while flying through here!
These are rugged and harsh mountains within the San Juan Range in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
In the center of this image, though hard to see now all blanketed in think snow lies Banded Peak Mountain at 12,784 ft / 3897 m high. The Continental Divide goes straight up through the center of the image. Also in this image is a favorite climbing location known as Gramps Peak at 13300 ft / 4054 m.
The San Juan Range
From this Source I found the following interesting information about the San Juan Range:
This indomitably wild range is host to three counties' highpoints (Archuleta, Conejos, and Rio Grande), the "South San Juan Range" could be loosely defined as the portion of the San Juan Range south of Wolf Creek Pass, bounded by highways 160 and 285 down to New Mexico.
The range is in a remote and difficult to reach area and sees relatively few visitors. It is somewhat remote, although access is available via an abundant array of forest roads. Aside from county highpoint enthusiasts and not-too-common 13er peakbaggers, the area does not see too much overall hiking activity.
Indeed, the lack of 14ers or high 13ers often translates to solitude, and there is an unending supply of pristine wilderness to be explored. In this range there are 55 ranked peaks higher than 12,000', and 16 peaks with more than 1,000' of prominence. Many who visit for the three county highpoints (which can be accomplished in a single day) may choose not to return, but there are those who will not be able to resist the lure of the area.
Some of the most lush tundra in the state with huge expanses above treeline and incredible vistas of the Continental Divide make this a special place. There are many rugged and obscure high peaks at the southern and eastern end of the range, with at least one peak known to be technical (Squaretop Mountain - 11,766').
Three population centers provide entry to the South San Juans - Del Norte, South Fork, and Pagosa Springs, all reached via/located on highway 160. The Board of Geographic Names does not recognize the area as a separate range, although the area is largely designated a wilderness area bearing the name "South San Juan Wilderness", and is among the most rugged wilderness areas left in the state.
(Research Source)
The "range" could just be considered a southern cell of the San Juan Range. Railroad Pass is the true low-point between the core of the San Juan Range and the South San Juan Range, as opposed to a seemingly more obvious candidate, Wolf Creek Pass. Railroad Pass is the key saddle for Summit Peak, the highest peak in the South San Juans.
The Piñon Hills to the east of the contiguous peaks of the range have been intentionally omitted since hey can be considered a separate subrange. The Rio Grande River (and its South Fork) bound the range on the north and east side, and highway 160 parallels them. On the west side of the range begin the headwaters of the San Juan River, flowing to New Mexico and on to Utah.
Water seems abundant nearby from just about anywhere within the range, and it is host to a myriad of waterfalls, one of which is the destination of a short hike off highway 160 below Wolf Creek Pass on the Pagosa Srings side.
(Research Source)
No More Griz
The last grizzly bear sighting in Colorado was within the South San Juan wilderness in 1979 (killed during a dramatic attack involving self-defense with arrow in hand), and some speculate that grizzlies may still roam the area.
(Research Source)
This image is from my ongoing project in which I am trying to raise awareness of the 47% of the USA and 90% of Canada that remain unpopulated wilderness.
Where Eagles Fly - The American Wilderness Expedition is my personal mission to introduce people to these amazing locations that surround us.
If you like what you see here upvote then resteemit so that others may experience these wondrous places as well.
Yehaw!
Beautifull Photo 😊
Thanks so much!
Great post. And what is your airplane?
Thanks so much... I am flying a 1975 Bellanca 7KCAB specially modified for my exploration
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I did visit your blog Sarah, what beautiful clothing!