Cancelled Sept 29, 2015: Ute Mountain Car Camp and Hike - October 3-4

I am very sorry to say that I am cancelling our Ute Mountain trip due to a foot injury that I suffered last Thursday.  It appears to be healing nicely, but I feel that Ute Mountain would be too much for me as I have been cautiously hiking everyday since the accident to allow an accurate judgement.
Today Sept 29, 2015 was Judgement Day!
 
For many years as I drove past San Antonio Mountain on my way to Alamosa I looked to the East and wondered what that obvious mountain was that almost looked like San Antonio's sister.  I later discovered it was named Ute Mountain.  I had climbed San Antonio several times, but didn't know how to get to Ute.  Luckily fellow LAM mountaineer Jason Halladay had posted a well written SummitPost route description.  I think it's time to check out the mountain!
 
My plan is to meet at the old Smith's parking area (in LA) at noon on Saturday the 3rd, carpool to Questa where we begin the first and easiest driving route described in Jason's write up.  We will hopefully find a place close to the mountain to car camp.  We will plan a route up, setup our tents, have dinner, etc.  The next morning we will have a leisurely breakfast, pack up camp, climb to the top, have lunch, hike back to the cars and head home.  Individuals will be responsible for their own meals, stoves, etc.

 
It may be cold at night so warm clothes and sleeping bags would be a good idea, as would be plenty of water, headlamps, rain jackets, etc.  Please bring a Two-Way Radio set to the 3.14 channel if you have one.
 
There are no established trails or routes on Ute Mountain.  When Jason hiked it, he followed a ridge up the SW side of Ute Mountain and his "Getting There" directions reflect his driving approach.  Part of the fun of Ute Mountain may be making our own way up the mountain.  Think Adventure!
 
Please email me if you wish to join us.