hamtron5000
Member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2015
- Messages
- 13
Hello everybody! It's been a minute (figuratively; more like a year or more!) since I've posted, but I've been lurking faithfully. My first trip report was about an overnighter in the Little Bookcliffs Wilderness Study Area near Grand Junction, CO. Today, I'll share a recent overnighter through Big Dominguez Canyon, just south of Grand Junction.
My friend Jess and I have been dreaming about doing this hike for at least three years, ever since we overheard two guys in the local Nepalese restaurant talking about their hiking experience. We decided that we would do it, "someday", but someday took its sweet time. Jess started grad school, I moved; life went as it would. Finally, though, we reconnected about this idea in January or February, and committed. This time we would make it happen, and nothing would stand in our way.
Finally, over spring break, we tackled the canyon. We dropped her car off at Bridgeport, caught a ride with two then-strangers who are now friends, and set out from the top of the Uncompahgre Plateau. We gave ourselves three days and two nights for the 16.4ish miles, in case we needed it.
Here's the two of us getting ready to start, posing like champions!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
The Dominguez Canyon Wilderness beckoned.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Before long, we were heading out through a pinyon-juniper forest, the sounds of Big Dominguez Creek in the distance.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
It was a truly beautiful day for a hike.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Jess soaked in the view.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
There are signs of habitation all throughout, both European and pre-European. Here we found a survey marker from 1937.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
After about 7 or 8 miles of hiking we came across this oven at a camp site, and decided it would be a good place for us to stop.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
We filtered an absolute ton of water, it felt like, but you can't really beat this view...
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Across the creek you could see this insect sac, which I jokingly called a tree snail. Not 100% sure what it really is, but it's neat looking.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Jess set up her tent near the base of this structure, while I set mine up under a tree.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
My little Nemo Veda 1p trekking pole tent was super snug and perfect for this trip. I recommend it if you're looking for something both light and roomy.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Caught some pleasant morning light after a good night's sleep!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Before long I got my backpack, Rhoda, all loaded up. She's a Deuter ACT-Lite 65+10, and we're best buddies.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
The color of the dirt had even changed.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
But the little plants were blooming!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Day 2 and we're still friends.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
I'm not sure what this feature would be called; it's basically an arch, but it's also cave and tunnel-like.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
A bit closer up.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
At long, sweet last we made it to the Cactus Park intersection, which meant we had already hiked in further than we needed to go still. At this point, we decided we could push ourselves and make it all the way through in one less day than we'd planned.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
It's me at the junction!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Soon we found the remains of an old copper mine.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
And the signs of the folk who'd lived and worked there. This is courtesy of Mr. Archie Smith, January 27, 1907. It really felt like almost stepping back in time.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Miners left their relics.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
We saw a gorgeous natural amphitheater.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
And filtered even more water!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Finally, we reached the largest panel of rock art I've seen myself. We pondered at length over what it all meant. We didn't reach any conclusions, but we did feel a connection to the ancient people who walked these same canyons.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Finally, after a 9-mile second day, we made it!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
One last picture, before heading back to town for pizza and beer.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on Flickr
Like I said, we had been planning that trip forever, but I do want to thank whoever runs the amazing site gjhikes.com. I used their material on Big Dominguez to plan our trip, and I consult that site almost every week when I plan the outings for our hiking club.
Well, that's about all for now. Thanks for looking!
My friend Jess and I have been dreaming about doing this hike for at least three years, ever since we overheard two guys in the local Nepalese restaurant talking about their hiking experience. We decided that we would do it, "someday", but someday took its sweet time. Jess started grad school, I moved; life went as it would. Finally, though, we reconnected about this idea in January or February, and committed. This time we would make it happen, and nothing would stand in our way.
Finally, over spring break, we tackled the canyon. We dropped her car off at Bridgeport, caught a ride with two then-strangers who are now friends, and set out from the top of the Uncompahgre Plateau. We gave ourselves three days and two nights for the 16.4ish miles, in case we needed it.
Here's the two of us getting ready to start, posing like champions!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrThe Dominguez Canyon Wilderness beckoned.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrBefore long, we were heading out through a pinyon-juniper forest, the sounds of Big Dominguez Creek in the distance.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrIt was a truly beautiful day for a hike.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrJess soaked in the view.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrBig Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrThere are signs of habitation all throughout, both European and pre-European. Here we found a survey marker from 1937.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrBig Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrAfter about 7 or 8 miles of hiking we came across this oven at a camp site, and decided it would be a good place for us to stop.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrWe filtered an absolute ton of water, it felt like, but you can't really beat this view...
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrAcross the creek you could see this insect sac, which I jokingly called a tree snail. Not 100% sure what it really is, but it's neat looking.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrJess set up her tent near the base of this structure, while I set mine up under a tree.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrMy little Nemo Veda 1p trekking pole tent was super snug and perfect for this trip. I recommend it if you're looking for something both light and roomy.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrCaught some pleasant morning light after a good night's sleep!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrBefore long I got my backpack, Rhoda, all loaded up. She's a Deuter ACT-Lite 65+10, and we're best buddies.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrThe color of the dirt had even changed.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrBut the little plants were blooming!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrDay 2 and we're still friends.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrI'm not sure what this feature would be called; it's basically an arch, but it's also cave and tunnel-like.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrA bit closer up.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrAt long, sweet last we made it to the Cactus Park intersection, which meant we had already hiked in further than we needed to go still. At this point, we decided we could push ourselves and make it all the way through in one less day than we'd planned.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrIt's me at the junction!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrSoon we found the remains of an old copper mine.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrBig Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrAnd the signs of the folk who'd lived and worked there. This is courtesy of Mr. Archie Smith, January 27, 1907. It really felt like almost stepping back in time.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrMiners left their relics.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrWe saw a gorgeous natural amphitheater.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrAnd filtered even more water!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrFinally, we reached the largest panel of rock art I've seen myself. We pondered at length over what it all meant. We didn't reach any conclusions, but we did feel a connection to the ancient people who walked these same canyons.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrFinally, after a 9-mile second day, we made it!
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrOne last picture, before heading back to town for pizza and beer.
Big Dominguez Trip by Andy Hamilton, on FlickrLike I said, we had been planning that trip forever, but I do want to thank whoever runs the amazing site gjhikes.com. I used their material on Big Dominguez to plan our trip, and I consult that site almost every week when I plan the outings for our hiking club.
Well, that's about all for now. Thanks for looking!
