photos by Stephen Eginoire

Checking in at 488,210 acres, the Weminuche Wilderness is Colorados largest designated tract of wild backcountry. It is home to a seemingly endless conglomeration of immense valleys, lofty summits, and vast stretches of alpine tundra. In many respects, it is Colorados wildest country and, quite literally, right out our back door. As the nearest trailheads lie a mere 15 miles from Durango, nows the perfect time to get out and enjoy some of the very best Colorado has to offer.

Golf anyone? Theres no shortage of stars to sleep under in the Weminuche. Wine from plastic bottles always tastes better above 12,000 ft. Sunflowers and bluebells bloom along the Continental Divide. The Grenadier Mountains, seen here, are just one of the many rugged subranges located in the Weminuche. A mountain goat cruises a ridgeline at nearly 13,500 feet. Alpine lakes offer an unbeatable place to unwind from the rigors of daily life.