Wheeler Geologic Area

We started with a 6-hour “geocaching drive” to the mines in Creede, a bit of off roading fun around the Rio Grande River, and a night of camping with the cows at Hanson’s Sawmill at the end of Pool Table Road.

On Day 2 we awoke to some bulls guarding the ahem -facilities- and some Grey Jays begging for fritos at the camp. After our eggs and bacon we packed up and began the very very long hike to Wheeler. Around 5pm, we found ourselves approximately 11,400 feet in elevation at the top of the 3rd or 4th mountain being beaten down by ice cold rain and hail with blinding lightening and deafening thunder. So we stopped and setup camp about 1.5 miles from our destination. Using the MRE cooking bags, we created a steam tent for warmth.

On Day 3, we completed the short hike to Wheeler (without our packs) and I enjoyed turning 40 as I hiked around 30 million old ash hoodoos. Once we completed exploring the Wheeler Geologic Area I enjoyed turning 999 years old (at least that’s what it felt like) as we hiked back to the original camp area at Hanson’s Sawmill. We were exhausted by this point! Once we got back, we loaded up the truck and drove to Gunnison for a hot shower and warm bed at a local hotel (hey! I’m 40 now… I deserve a hotel! lol).

On Day 4, we checked out the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and did some “Spirit Caching” (geocaching around historic cemeteries) on our trip home — this of course after accidentally doing a little more 4-wheeling (my poor truck…)– All in All a trip we’ll remember for years. It was tough… but we’re all proud we made it and it was certainly worth it!

As always… click the picture above to see the entire photo album