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conejos river valley

We spent last weekend in the southern San Juan Mountains between Horca and Platoro, Colorado along the Conejos River in Rio Grande National Forest. It's a spot that we never would have thought to go until we read here that Highway 17 is a great spot for fall color. We were a little early for some areas of the valley and right on the mark for others. As a whole, I think the leaves will peak later this week. The drive up Forest Road 250 to Platoro and beyond was just so pretty. There's no question (in our opinion) that September is the best month in the mountains. The smell of fall hung in the air, the temps were cool and crisp, and it wasn't the least bit crowded, although I doubt this area ever gets that crowded. Real people live in this valley; we appreciate that multi-million dollar mansions have not taken over where ranches once thrived (for the most part). The little town of Platoro is about as close to an old-time authentic mountain town as it gets, or so it seems to me anyway. As far as I could tell there wasn't a single souvenir shop for 30 miles (maybe 50) in any direction. Gotta love that.

Since the Forest Service's campground hosts have left for the season, the campgrounds go back to being self-serve where you put your 10 bucks in an envelop and drop it in a metal box. Sort of a nostalgic thing that my brother Ben remembers from our camping trip years ago in Colorado, but hard to find these days. Michael spied the host's vacant spot with luxurious water, sewer and electricity hookups, but darn it! they lock it all up. Oh well. We have not once camped in the trailer with hookups of any kind.

Dad's dream job. Maybe Katie's too.

Near Stunner Pass, el. 10,541 feet.

Near the Trail Creek Primitive camping area above the Conejos River.

A lone cow eating dinner along the road.

September 18, 2007 by Lynn in colorado | | permalink