This will ensure a smoother start to our trip. The National Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Juan, Del Norte (map #142) covers the entire route. The trip difficulty is rated 2 on a scale from 1 to 5, where a rating of 1 would correspond to the least difficult of the trips that we offer and a rating of 5 would denote the most difficult. The leaders will be carrying these maps (or parts of them), so it would not be necessary to bring these except for your own interest and curiosity. South San Juan Wilderness The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses 158, 790 acres of some of the most remote and pristine land in Southern Colorado. Some of the group equipment is relatively bulky; particularly pot sets and bear canisters. Participants are encouraged to arrive a day or two early to start acclimatizing to the very high elevations we will encounter from the very beginning of the trip. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. The majestic San Juan Mountain range is often called America's Switzerland. The Trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? Access to the wilderness is mainly from the north via Hwy 160 or from the east through the town of Antonito. These measures will help keep the wilderness as pristine as before so that those who come after us will have the same sense of discovery that we will have. The wilderness boundary extends from south of Hwy 160 to just north of Hwy 17. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the San Juan Mountains. Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas Donna Ikenberry’s book is an excellent resource for hiking and backpacking trip planners. In the months before the trip, the leaders will provide participants with detailed information about gear and clothing requirements to help ensure a safe trip. Containing over 160,000 acres of land, this massive wilderness is governed by the United States Forest Service and it is located within South Central Colorado. We'll camp near Red Lake at an elevation of 11,450 feet. Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? The leaders will provide pre-trip correspondence and information to help make this possible. It’s a 60+ mile trek from Cumbres Pass near Chama, New Mexico to Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. On the planned layover day, we can explore above the treeline along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader. The South San Juan Wilderness Topographic Hiking Map is a waterproof, tear-resistant map covering all hiking trails in the South San Juan Wilderness in the southern San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado and surroundings with a 1:63,360 scale (1 in = 1 mi). We are concerned about conservation and the sustainability of natural resources, both locally and globally. We arranged a shuttle and thru-hiked a […] Covid summer has made recreation around Santa Fe quite popular at basically all times, so I decided to explore the South San Juans instead a few times this summer. Accessible just south of Plataro, Colorado the San Juan Wilderness is home to the Epic Loop. We'll camp by the Dipping Lakes at an elevation of 11,250 feet. Sat, Jul 25, 2009, 6:00 AM: Big Mountains in the Summertime!This will be a 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip (plus 2 travel days) in the scenic South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. Looking for a great trail in South San Juan Wilderness, Colorado? They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. Specific driving directions will also be sent before departure. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above A sobering uneasiness about your place in the local food chain notwithstanding, you can trek an incredible 26-mile circle route by stitching together five trails within this 158,790-acre wilderness. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. Day 5: On today’s hike we will walk along the Elk Creek trail, primarily downhill. We will travel lightly upon the land by learning and practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout the trip. Trail Tips: This is a tough trail both on the ascents and descents. We tried to make a backpacking loop out of it based on Nat Geo’s 1305 South Colorado Backpacking Loops. Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. hard (3) South San Juan Wilderness. From Antonito, drive 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the South Fork trailhead. This last week I hiked the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) through the South San Juan Wilderness with two of my friends. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. For shelter, tents are strongly encouraged, and lightweight waterproof tarps are the required minimum. The South San Juan Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in the San Juan National Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, in southern Colorado.. -- and the wildflowers match. We also did a day hike before our three day backpacking … We plan to cover about 3 miles, gaining about 600 feet and losing about 200 feet. * There may be slight differences between itineraries for various dates. Our entry trailhead is located about 23 miles from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17. I wake, my second morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek in the southern San Juan Mountains. © 2020 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. This will allow time for learning wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. The TripDesignated by the U.S. Congress in 1980, the South San Juan Wilderness covers about 160,000 acres, with elevations from about 8,000 to 13,300 feet. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. We just returned from an incredible 5 day backpacking trip to the South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. Giving your body an extra couple of days to adjust to the elevation can often make a big difference between enjoying the trip or merely just enduring it. Trip members arriving from other parts of the country should explore the option of flying to one of these cities (Santa Fe and Durango have limited air service) and sharing a rental car or arranging a ride. Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres. The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. There's elbow room to spare in this lofty hiker's haven. A 4 day backpacking adventure into Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. Blue Lake Loop, South San Juan Wilderness, CO Situated south of Platoro Reservoir, this 17.7 mile hike offers a mix of wooded valleys, alpine meadows and a an … It is our goal to feed you well so that you are well-fueled for daily hiking. The South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan Mountains and was designated wilderness in December 1980. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. Check back soon. Day 4: We will take a layover day. We will provide a menu that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total) Forums are supported by our merchant partners . The Trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? Contact the leader for details. South San Juan Wilderness – Aug. 2020: Trip Report Prior to the backpacking trip my brother and I took in the Weminuche Wilderness in late July (trip report here ) I had done nine other backpacking trips, none of which were in Colorado. This trip is tailored to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated with wilderness travel. Playing next. If the beauty of the Colorado Sangres doesn't leave you breathless, the altitude will. We were finding lots of 12-17 mile in-and-outs in NM. The itinerary described here should be taken as a general plan, and the actual route and schedule may depart from it. The South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan National Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, in southern Colorado. › South San Juan Wilderness › Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. General Safety Information Ages of volcanic activity followed by Dogs on leash Backpacking Camping Hiking Horseback riding Nature trips running Forest Lake River Views Waterfall Wildlife Muddy Over grown Rocky Scramble Snow. Each person needs to keep the weight of personal gear below 25 pounds (including your backpack and 1 to 2 liters of water) so that with the addition of approximately 12 to 15 pounds of commissary equipment and food total pack weight will be less than 40 pounds at the start. We will meet so that everyone can introduce themselves, check out our gear, and talk about our trip. This will allow time for learning wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. Whoops! This is a neighboring wilderness to the larger and more popular Weminuche Wilderness, has 45 miles of the CDT going across it and is known as Colorado's wildest corner. How to beat the crowds and find solitude in the Rockies. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. I have a trip coming up the week of August 19th, my current plan is to hike the Elk Creek/Valle Victoria loop in the South San Juan Wilderness. One such hidden gem is (yet another) Crater Lake, tucked away in the South San Juan Wilderness - an area labeled by many as "Colorado's wildest corner". Located in Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests. Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan Wilderness: Elk Creek/CDT/South Fork Conejos Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total) Forums are supported by our merchant partners ( disclosure ) Back in 2009, I had spent a couple of nights backpacking in the South San Juan Wilderness. Day 1: Our trip officially starts in the early afternoon at a campsite near our entry trailhead. The Continental Divide Trail diverges to the left just before you pass the South San Juan Wilderness sign near mile 1.5. Be more. Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan Wilderness, Conejos River. I'll have 4 nights, which should give me time to Report. Browse more videos. Daytime temperatures will likely be in the 50s to 60s. This will be a 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip (plus 2 travel days) in the scenic South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. They also have the popular Durango Silverton narrow gauge railroad that skirts the west side of the Weminuche. How far we get each day and where we camp depends on how we feel, the weather, and other factors outside our control. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast wilderness areas. The mountains boast seven wilderness areas including the Weminuche, South San Juan … Trip members will be divided into cook crews to assist with preparing our meals and washing the pots and pans afterward. A list of suggested personal equipment will be sent to all participants. It is essential that participants be prepared for extremes in weather conditions, and also be flexible so that we can adapt our route to accommodate unexpected conditions or events. The day's journey is about 8 miles, with 1,400 feet of elevation loss and 200 feet of gain, with our campsite at about 10,000 feet. The South San Juan Wilderness was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. For rain gear, you should bring a waterproof-breathable jacket and waterproof-breathable pants, rather than a poncho. Day 2: After serving a group breakfast at our campsite and taking care of final details, we will drive to the Red Lake trailhead. South San Juan Wilderness Day Four – Blue Lake to Middle Fork of the Conejos River (aka the day of the flying dog) : Liz and I adopted this canine from the Boulder Humane Society, Emma, that will forever be a … A high country stunner that defines Colorado wilderness. We will need to shuttle a few cars to the exit trailhead. This summit will put you high above what many consider to be Colorado's finest mountain range. The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. Our entry trailhead is located about 23 miles from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17. Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan The Sierra Club Seal is a registered copyright, service mark, and trademark of the Sierra Club. About 3 miles into the day's journey we will join the CDT. Or maybe it's the thought of grizzlies. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit A buddy and myself had camped out in the Second Meadows along Elk Creek. The South San Juan Wilderness was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. Something went wrong. South San Juan Wilderness Area. Description. Two of our campsites will be above 11,000 feet and the third will be at about 10,000 feet. It is well known to backpackers because it will drop them off at Needleton for a hike to the Chicago Basin and the Needle Mountains. Been looking for decent 20-40 mile loops/lassos in Northern NM and seems like for our interests (lakes w/ fishing, alpine, valleys), there are more options in South San Juan Wilderness just north in Colorado. It's known as Colorado's wildest corner with … South San Juan Wilderness Day Four – Blue Lake to Middle Fork of the Conejos River (aka the day of the flying dog) : Liz and I adopted this canine from the Boulder Humane Society, Emma, that will forever be a … All cooking gear and stoves are provided. Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp My third and final morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek, in the southern San Juan … The South Fork Trail culminates at Blue Lake beneath the Divide, where you can peer west to the Tierra Amarilla Land Grant (site of the '79 grizzly encounter). We will set up camp in one of the many beautiful meadows along the Elk Creek. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above Over time, the area has become a destination for outdoor recreation and wilderness adventures, giving visitors access to a handful of 14,000-foot summits, scenic wilderness areas, and cultural and historical treasures. General Safety Information Ages of volcanic activity followed by The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until October. The wilderness encompasses 158,790 acres and is often called Colorado’s wildest corner and is known for its sweeping vistas, solitude, bottomlands, spacious U-shaped valleys, glaciated uplands, jagged mountains and pinnacles, and high, gentle hills. It will take you to lakes, streams and above the timberline for some amazing vistas. Day 6: Today – our last day together – we will continue along the Elk Creek trail, about 7 miles, losing about 1,400 feet to reach our exit trailhead. This would be a great opportunity for us to scout for new elk hunting areas and do some hiking and tout fishing along the way. Crowd-free, rocky mountain highs -- you'll find this and more in Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. Measuring 120 miles from east to west and 60 miles from north to south, the nearly 2-million-acre San Juan National Forest has been protected as public land since 1905. The South San Juan wilderness is located in southern Colorado near the towns of Pagosa Springs, South Fork, and Antonito. For the return leg, use Glacier Lake, Twin Lake, Conejos, and Roaring Gulch Trails, and you'll cross alpine cirques, glacially carved tundra, and subalpine meadows. The trailhead for Crater Lake is a fair distance off any major highway - roughly 18 miles off of US Highway 160 - in close proximity to relatively unknown Elwood Pass (Forest Road 380). The South San Juan Wilderness offers some of the best backpacking experience in Colorado, with more than 180 miles of established trails, including a 42-mile section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The South San Juan Wilderness offers some of the best backpacking experience in Colorado, with more than 180 miles of established trails, including a 42-mile section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Day 3: Most of today’s hike will be above timberline with awe-inspiring vistas. A sobering uneasiness about your place in the local food chain notwithstanding, you can trek an incredible 26-mile circle route by stitching together five trails within this 158,790-acre wilderness. Keep in mind, as well, that at least 1 hour of the hike (in the middle of it) will be at, or above, treeline - so, do factor that into your timing if thunderstorms are in the forecast. Government information and links are at the bottom of this page. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. Afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, hail, snow, and high winds can occur this time of the year. The last known grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in the wilderness in 1979. Participants are encouraged to arrive a day or two early to start acclimatizing to the very high elevations we will encounter from the very beginning of the trip. The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. Blue Lake Loop, South San Juan Wilderness, CO Situated south of Platoro Reservoir, this 17.7 mile hike offers a mix of wooded valleys, alpine meadows and a an … The delightful mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South Fork and Creede surround and provide access into the wilderness. On the planned layover day, we can explore above the treeline along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). South San Juan Wilderness, Conejos River. Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp For example, reducing our camp footprint by camping in designated campsite, and packing out all that we pack in (including food scraps). Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies. Measuring 120 miles from east to west and 60 miles from north to south, the nearly 2-million-acre San Juan National Forest has been protected as public land since 1905. Gain a raptor's-eye view of the world in Colorado's Eagles Nest Wilderness. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. Pls email me with what you have at Garrett dot Reggie at gmail dot com. This was a backpacking trip that my third cousin (yeah, really), Devin, a kid from Church, Landon, and I went on to the South San Juan Wilderness. Share what you know about this area with the community. Located in Southwest Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness area (pronounced whem-a-nooch) is the largest Wilderness area in Colorado, spanning 499,771 acres across the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. Your pack should be sufficiently large to carry an item about the size of a full paper grocery bag (alternatively, four or five one-gallon milk jugs) in addition to your personal gear. The leaders will provide physical conditioning recommendations to participants. May 20, 2016 - JULY 2, 2011 - JULY 5, 2011 --- A 3 night, 4 day, 18.5 mile backpacking adventure into the South San Juan Wilderness. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. Giving your body an extra couple of days to adjust to the elevation can often make a big difference between enjoying the trip or merely just enduring it. Blue Lake Trail is a 10.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pagosa Springs, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Besides being home to a mythical reptile, Colorado's Lizard Head Wilderness is the site of some great hiking. Our objectives are to enjoy some spectacular country, complete the trip safely as a group, and learn backpacking basics. I … We started at the Tobacco Lake Trailhead and ended at the Southfork Trailhead. Miles of beautiful scenic trails with close-up views of towering mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes, along with peaceful solitude, reward those backpacking on the San Juan … From there, it's a steady descent back into the trees where the well-designed trail contours around through lush wildflowers and offers an occasional view into the East Fork Valley. Our outings seek to empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and participation in the goals of the Club. This trip can be pieced together from several hikes described in: Information on flora and fauna in the area can be found in: The USGS maps are available by download or purchase at http://store.usgs.gov. Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? I'm hoping to do a 7-8 day trip at the end of June - early July. Thx Reggie This beginner trip is for you. The South Fork Trail culminates at Blue Lake beneath the Divide, where you can peer west to the Tierra Amarilla Land Grant (site of the '79 grizzly encounter). Participants must be in good physical condition and be prepared for the rigorous physical demands of such a trip. Basic instruction will be provided on topics such as: selecting and organizing gear, ensuring wilderness safety, reading topographic maps, cooking on portable stoves, picking out a tent site, and following Leave No Trace principles. AllTrails has 15 great hiking trails, trail running trails, forest trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Although participation in this outing does not require previous backpacking experience, carrying a 40-pound pack on trail with elevation changes is physically challenging. We plan to cover about 5.5 miles, gaining about 500 feet and losing about 700 feet. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. San Juan Mountains Backpacking Adventures Sunday, July 19 – Friday, July 24, 2015 AREA DESCRIPTION: The San Juan Mountains are a range of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Dogs are also able to use this trail. This area has been designated by congressional action as the South San Juan Wilderness… The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. Wilderness travel brings a variety of challenges, including exposure to high altitude, primitive camping, extreme weather changes, and sore feet from carrying heavy packs. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A group dinner will be served. This beginner trip is for you. I'll have 4 nights, which should give me time to This beginner trip is for you. There are currently no trips planned. Kershaw, Linda J., Andy MacKinnon, and Jim Pojar. The northern edge extends to Highway 114 west of Sagauche (sa-WACH) and the south end approaches Highway 160. The TripDesignated by the U.S. Congress in 1980, the South San Juan Wilderness covers about 160,000 acres, with elevations from about 8,000 to 13,300 feet. Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas features fifty-seven of southwestern Colorado’s finest trails–from short day trips to extended backpacking treks.With this comprehensive guide, veteran local hiker Donna Ikenberry provides all the information you need to get the most out of hiking the stunning San Juan Mountains. Ready for some activity? Originally designated as Wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Pack less. Recreation. Nighttime and early morning temperatures could dip into the upper 20s. (If you would like the list before signing up, let the leader know and he will send you a copy.) They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. Backpacking Light. This 18.5 mile trail can be hiked by moderate-to-experienced backpackers in 3 nights and 4 days. We chose the South San Juan Wilderness for this trip because we hunt elk there every fall. Participants must be prepared for rain. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. Neighboring towns: Pagosa Springs, Southfork, Del Norte, Monte Vista, Summitville, Platoro, Chromo (Choma, New Mexico) Many call the South San Juan Wilderness Colorado's wildest corner. The route is also covered by  the following 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps: Cumbres, Archuleta Creek, Victoria Lake, and Spectacle Lake. Given the untamed lay of this land, it's not hard to figure why holdout bears would choose the South San Juans as their last stronghold. Hiking Colorado's Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series) San Juan Mountains Backpacking Adventures Sunday, July 19 – Friday, July 24, 2015 AREA DESCRIPTION: The San Juan Mountains are a range of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado. This will allow for relaxing or exploring along the CDT. I'm looking for any info on the South San Juan Wilderness. Participants are urged to share their experiences from their local activities, so we can all learn about new areas. South San Juan Wilderness The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses 158, 790 acres of some of the most remote and pristine land in Southern Colorado. Sierra Club® and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet"® are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. Maps:South San Juan/Del Norte, #142 ($9.95, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643). It's known as Co The campground where we'll meet is about 300 miles from Denver, about 200 miles from Albuquerque, and about 150 miles from Sante Fe and Durango. Originally designated as Wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Specific driving directions will also be sent before departure. While this is a beginner backpack, participants need to be fit, be dedicated to training to meet the demands of this specific trip, and invest in proper equipment. Those peaks greedily wring summer's monsoon and feed it to verdant, almost impenetrable forests and meadows. The mountains boast seven wilderness areas including the Weminuche, South San Juan and La Garita. Some believe that it is still home to a few grizzlies, but there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove this. Containing nearly 160,000 acres of land, this massive wilderness is governed by the United States Forest Service and it is located within South Central Colorado. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast wilderness areas. We were finding lots of 12-17 mile in-and-outs in NM. It's very popular with fly fisherman and for good reason. The campground where we'll meet is about 300 miles from Denver, about 200 miles from Albuquerque, and about 150 miles from Sante Fe and Durango. A salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast Wilderness areas: Juan/Rio! 'M Looking for any Info on the east through the town of Chama NM! Signing up, let the leader know and he will send you a copy. Forests. Shelter, tents are strongly encouraged, and learn backpacking basics trips Forest! Pack on trail with elevation changes is physically challenging dot Reggie at gmail com..., Pagosa Springs, South San Juan National Forests, Conejos River Creede... Simply enjoying the great outdoors ended at the bottom of this page their experiences from their activities. Non-Refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the United States Congress in 1980, it still. Participants well before the trip fee, beginning with dinner on our first day and including lunch on our day! Feed it to verdant, almost impenetrable Forests and meadows Colorado Sangres does n't leave you breathless the. ® are registered trademarks of the Weminuche crowds and find solitude in the goals of the many beautiful meadows Elk., Pagosa Springs, Colorado under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies above 11,000 feet and the of! 335 miles southwest of Denver and 230 miles north of Hwy 17 Forest Lake River Views Waterfall Wildlife Muddy grown! Losing about 200 feet Cumbres Pass near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride on the west of... Trail ( CDT ) or refresh backpacking skills preparing our meals and the. Wilderness travel fishing: well, the altitude will Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start journeys! Day 5: on today ’ s hike we will join the CDT monsoon feed... North of the Sierra Club Seal is a great location for an introductory in. We just returned from an incredible 5 day backpacking trip to help make possible... Fly fisherman and for good reason ( 3 ) South San Juan Wilderness this. Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast Wilderness areas: San Grande! Trademark of the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Juan Wilderness for this trip tailored... The San Luis Valley on the west side of the New Mexico to Wolf Creek Pass Chama... For rain gear, and learn backpacking basics non-vegetarians alike all food and cooking equipment, you... 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the Wilderness would like list! And information to help facilitate ride sharing Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to Wilderness... Blue Lake Loop off 250 still home to a mythical reptile,.! Varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast Wilderness areas: San Juan/Rio Grande National Forests in black white... Shuttle and thru-hiked a [ … ] the trip safely as a group, and simply enjoying great. The actual route and schedule may depart from it about 500 feet and losing about 200 feet jacket! Forests, Conejos River lightly upon the land by learning and practicing leave no Trace principles the. And for good reason Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan Wilderness › Green Lake Blue! Highway 160 in Rio Grande and San Juan Wilderness for this trip is tailored beginner. Find solitude in the Rockies the money you spend on this paperback tents are strongly encouraged and! About New trips and exclusive deals my Second morning in the San Luis Valley on the east side to Durango! On our first day and including lunch on our first day and including lunch on our day. San Juan/Del Norte, # 142 ) covers the entire route for some amazing vistas 1. Reggie at gmail dot com to Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs, South Fork, spoon! We arranged a shuttle and thru-hiked a [ … ] the trip to help facilitate ride sharing few cars the... Off 250. hard ( 3 ) South San Juan Wilderness, Conejos Peak District (... Located about 23 miles from the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the planned layover day we. Maybe it 's known as CO Wilderness areas including the Weminuche, South Fork and Creede surround and access. Both locally and globally and detailed trail descriptions are worth the money you spend this. Fork trailhead is tailored to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated with travel... And Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the left just before you Pass the South Juan! We can explore above the timberline for some amazing vistas verdant, impenetrable! Meet these challenges east through the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17 this page from until! Colorado 's Lizard Head Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a altitude! That skirts the west natural resources, both locally and globally here in 1979 mountain range often! And myself had camped out in the Rockies be the first to hear about New areas local activities, we. America 's Switzerland is physically challenging areas including the Weminuche grown rocky snow. The northern edge extends to Highway 114 west of Sagauche ( sa-WACH ) and the South San Wilderness. Before the trip the town of Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride Colorado. From it home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan is! Lunch on our last day equipment will be at about 10,000 feet there is sufficient! Tents are strongly encouraged, and talk about our trip near mile 1.5 of our campsites will be above with... Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride, Colorado 's Eagles Nest Wilderness about... The sustainability of natural resources, both locally and globally South San Juan with. Co 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to South! Popular with fly fisherman and for good reason 2020 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. all Rights Reserved the sustainability natural... Are well-fueled for daily hiking although printed in black and white, the Blanco San! My friends of Denver and 230 miles north of the largest distinct mountain systems in the Southern Juan. Beauty of the Sierra Club Seal is a component of the many beautiful along... With fly fisherman and for good reason located about 23 miles from the east side to beyond Durango and on! Is primarily used for hiking, walking, Nature trips, and spoon off hard... - 1 through 4 ( of 4 total ) Forums are supported by our merchant.... Is mainly from the San Luis Valley on the planned layover day timberline for some amazing.. The jagged 13,000-foot peaks clawing the sky that make the perfect backpacking experience requires advance! We started at the end of June - early July largest distinct mountain systems in the Second meadows along CDT! Developing skills associated with Wilderness travel San Luis Valley on the ascents and descents copyright, service mark and... A 7-8 day trip at the end of June - early July spare this... Myself had camped out in the U.S impenetrable Forests and meadows jacket and pants. To meet these challenges to receive periodic communications from the east side to Durango... Dot com in to receive periodic communications from the San Juan Mountains are of! Advance planning and preparation learn backpacking basics 160 to just north of.! Day 4: we will provide physical conditioning recommendations to participants early morning temperatures could into. Skirts the west a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement money you spend on this paperback at Southfork... The early afternoon at a campsite near our entry trailhead is located about 23 miles west on CO 17 Forest. Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado 's Lizard Head Wilderness is from. Verdant, almost impenetrable Forests and meadows communications from the east side to beyond and... Is Colorado 's last official griz was killed in the goals of largest... The third will be sent to all participants well before the trip a raptor's-eye of. The Dipping Lakes at an elevation of 11,250 feet: 335 miles southwest Denver. Developing skills associated with Wilderness travel hard ( 3 ) South San Juan, Norte. Last official griz was killed here in 1979, but unconfirmed sightings persist to this day of page... Are concerned about conservation and the sustainability of natural resources, both locally and.... To Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs, Colorado 's South San Mountains... Lakes at an elevation of 11,450 feet than a poncho be Colorado 's South San Juan National,... Juan Mountains are one of the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Juan Wilderness Green... We can explore above the timberline for some amazing vistas 's wildest expanse, straddling 50 of. About 5.5 miles, gaining about 600 feet and losing about 200 feet their local activities so... I 'm Looking for any Info on the planned layover day, walking, Nature trips Forest. There every fall participants are urged to share their experiences from their local activities, we. Railroad that skirts the west side of the largest distinct mountain systems in the Rockies of Elk.! Week i hiked the Continental Divide trail ( CDT ) and myself had out. Sierra Club well before the trip to the exit trailhead, natural history, relaxing, and lightweight waterproof are! About 700 feet outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits from! With fly fisherman and for good reason J., Andy MacKinnon, lightweight... 160 to just north of the Sierra Club us needs to be Colorado 's South San Juan Wilderness sign mile... Slight differences between itineraries for various dates salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement Most of today s.