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  1. #1
    Registered User
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    03-31-2016
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    Mount Dora, FL
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    Default Overnighter suggestions near Durango

    My GF and I are going to be in Durango the week before Easter; April 13 - 20. Although she has declined my offers to bring her on a week-long AT trip, she said she would like to do an overnight hike while we're in CO. Something short, like a 5-6 mile hike, camp, then 5-6 mile return.

    Any suggestions as to where we could go for such a hike?

    ...and when I say "near" Durango, I'm thinking within a couple hours drive, give or take.

    Last year we did the Glacier Lakes day hike near Silverton. Gorgeous...but if the hiking for the overnighter I'm requesting is a strenuous as that hike, a bit shorter than 5-6 miles would be okay. I want her to enjoy this, not have her hate me for trying to kill her.

    Thanks,
    Dave

  2. #2
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    02-20-2013
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    Roaring Gap, NC
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    Default

    Snow levels are going to dictate where you can go.
    I am fond of the Vallecito Creek Trailhead north of Bayfield in the summer. A hike upstream to the missing bridge would suit your distance restriction. However, that will probably be a snowshoe hike in April.
    Call the ranger stations in the San Juan National Forest the week before you go for snow conditions.
    The Colorado Trail north from Durango might be snow free.
    You’re to need a car.
    Wayne

  3. #3
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    Default

    PS: Do y’all have personally verified 20 degree sleeping systems?
    Mesa Verde National Park car camping and 2 day hiking days is close to Durango. Probably snow free. Totally different from anything in Florida.
    Wayne

  4. #4
    Registered User
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    I have a zero degree bag, and I like this opportunity to get a 10 or 15 degree bag
    We'll have a rental car or Jeep while we're there.
    Thanks for the input.

  5. #5
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    If it's a low snow April you have too many good choices.
    Y'all could probably rent snowshoes in Durango for day hiking.
    Have fun!
    Eddie Valiant: "That lame-brain freeway idea could only be cooked up by a toon."
    https://wayne-ayearwithbigfootandbubba.blogspot.com
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  6. #6
    Registered User
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    01-17-2019
    Location
    Fraggle Rock, Colorado.
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    34
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    Default

    Just saw your name and thought it couldn't be. Mt.Dora, driven through many times. Lived in NewSmyrnaBeach for 7 years(Jax for 21). Now I am here in Colorado(2yrs)
    Happy trails Floridian!

    Did you make it out? How were the temps?
    Did she enjoy it?

    Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk
    Last edited by BackToTheFrontier; 04-21-2019 at 23:53.

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