I headed out yesterday for a night of winter camping up on the “lower” Bridge of Heaven overlooking the town of Ouray, Colorado. I've winter camped up here once before five years previously, but this time I found a ridiculous spot to pitch my tent, right on the point of a precipitous rock outcropping! This airy perch provided a spectacular scene for tent photos, as well as an island of dry rock amongst the snow to cook and relax in ease.
Winter Camping above Ouray
February 2014 | San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Bridge of Heaven Dusk Camp
Winter camping on a high ridge over Ouray, Colorado.
Winter Camp over Ouray
Nighttime overlooking Ouray, Colorado.
The evening was calm and quiet at first, but once I got into my sleeping bag the wind whipped up and shook the tent all night long. Though I knew the tent was solidly anchored down with rocks, the unnerving ruckus kept me awake most of night anyways.
The morning brought a colorful sunrise along with a quick morning snowstorm before I packed up and headed back down.
Thanks to Steven from Texas whose infectious enthusiasm to get out for some winter hiking ended up inspiring me to get out and make the trip!
Posted in Backpacking & Trekking, Colorado and tagged San Juan Mountains, Ouray, Colorado, Winter Camping, February.
Related Posts
