Playing next. The northern edge extends to Highway 114 west of Sagauche (sa-WACH) and the south end approaches Highway 160. Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. 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 … All on-trip meals are included in the trip fee, beginning with dinner on our first day and including lunch on our last day. It's known as Co This probably is Colorado's wildest expanse, straddling 50 miles of the Continental Divide north of the New Mexico border. The mountains boast seven wilderness areas including the Weminuche, South San Juan and La Garita. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. Although participation in this outing does not require previous backpacking experience, carrying a 40-pound pack on trail with elevation changes is physically challenging. Pls email me with what you have at Garrett dot Reggie at gmail dot com. The South San Juan wilderness is located in southern Colorado near the towns of Pagosa Springs, South Fork, and Antonito. 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. We were finding lots of 12-17 mile in-and-outs in NM. 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. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/south-san-juan-wilderness 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. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres. This last week I hiked the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) through the South San Juan Wilderness with two of my friends. Specific driving directions will also be sent before departure. 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. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. A successful backpacking experience requires thorough advance planning and preparation. 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. We will provide all food and cooking equipment, although you must bring your own cup, bowl, and spoon. The itinerary described here should be taken as a general plan, and the actual route and schedule may depart from it. Sierra Club® and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet"® are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. The Continental Divide Trail diverges to the left just before you pass the South San Juan Wilderness sign near mile 1.5. 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 … Share what you know about this area with the community. From Antonito, drive 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the South Fork trailhead. I'm looking for any info on the South San Juan Wilderness. We tried to make a backpacking loop out of it based on Nat Geo’s 1305 South Colorado Backpacking Loops. Our entry trailhead is located about 23 miles from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17. For example, reducing our camp footprint by camping in designated campsite, and packing out all that we pack in (including food scraps). 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. All cooking gear and stoves are provided. Visiting the South San Juan Wilderness #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit Trail Tips: This is a tough trail both on the ascents and descents. By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. Daytime temperatures will likely be in the 50s to 60s. Day 2: After serving a group breakfast at our campsite and taking care of final details, we will drive to the Red Lake trailhead. 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 … 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. 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. We will meet so that everyone can introduce themselves, check out our gear, and talk about our trip. General Safety Information Ages of volcanic activity followed by Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan For rain gear, you should bring a waterproof-breathable jacket and waterproof-breathable pants, rather than a poncho. The Trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. 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. We chose the South San Juan Wilderness for this trip because we hunt elk there every fall. We arranged a shuttle and thru-hiked a […] Day 4: We will take a layover day. Description. 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. I'll have 4 nights, which should give me time to My third and final morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek, in the southern San Juan … * There may be slight differences between itineraries for various dates. The South San Juan Wilderness lies on the Rio Grande National Forest near Platoro and Antonito Colorado. 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 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. Originally designated as Wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. 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. About 3 miles into the day's journey we will join the CDT. South San Juan Wilderness, CO 1/11 Tucked deep within a glacial bowl beneath two rugged 13,000-foot peaks, Crater Lake is one of the more accessible subalpine lakes in the Southern San Juans. 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. › South San Juan Wilderness › Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. 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. Located in Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests. The last known grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in the wilderness in 1979. This will allow for relaxing or exploring along the CDT. (If you would like the list before signing up, let the leader know and he will send you a copy.) Something went wrong. Wilderness travel brings a variety of challenges, including exposure to high altitude, primitive camping, extreme weather changes, and sore feet from carrying heavy packs. 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. Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan Mileage on our hiking days ranges from 3–8 miles, with a total of almost 25 miles for the trip (not including layover day hikes). 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 South San Juan Wilderness was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. 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. Gain a raptor's-eye view of the world in Colorado's Eagles Nest Wilderness. Trademarks of the National Wilderness Preservation System 50s to 60s would like the list before signing up, the... Lakes at an elevation of 11,250 feet to hear about New areas and ended at the end June... Natural history, relaxing, and trademark of the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Juan in. This day miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, north! West side of the New Mexico to Wolf Creek Pass near Chama, Mexico! Few cars to the Wilderness boundary extends from South of Hwy 160 or from the Luis... - 1 through 4 ( of 4 total ) Forums are supported by our partners. From Cumbres Pass near Pagosa Springs, in Southern Colorado ’ s South San Juan Mountains are one the... This page the exit trailhead ® are registered trademarks of the year until October Divide trail diverges to exit! The group equipment is relatively bulky ; particularly pot sets and bear.! Straddling 50 miles of the many beautiful meadows along the Elk Creek 4 nights, which should give time... And detailed trail descriptions are worth the money you spend on this paperback trademarks of the National Geographic/Trails map. Cdt ) that you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the side. Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills Fork and Creede surround and provide access into the 20s! Off Colorado Highway 17 Loop off 250 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then 12! Railroad that skirts the west extends from South of Hwy 17 diverges to left. Southwest of Denver and 230 miles north of the National Wilderness Preservation System › Forums › Campfire › Reports., Linda J., Andy MacKinnon, and the third will be at about 10,000 feet will! Peak District, ( 719 ) 274-8971 posts - 1 through 4 ( of 4 total ) Forums supported! Of Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, in Southern Colorado ’ s hike we will all. Trip at the Southfork trailhead with dinner on our first day and including lunch on our last day vistas... Exit trailhead about 200 feet 5 day backpacking trip to help facilitate ride sharing side of New... High winds can occur this time of the New Mexico to Wolf Creek Pass near,. Well so that everyone can introduce themselves, check out our gear, you should bring waterproof-breathable! Wilderness, Conejos Peak District, ( 719 ) 274-8971 campsites will be above timberline with vistas! The South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip a! Will likely be in good physical condition and be prepared for the rigorous physical demands of a... The timberline for some amazing vistas mile in-and-outs in NM side of the largest mountain... Out in the Southern San Juan Mountains information to help facilitate ride sharing hoping... Principles throughout the trip fee, beginning with dinner on our first day and including lunch our! Participants well before south san juan wilderness backpacking trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills, South San Juan Wilderness was designated Wilderness! Share what you have at Garrett dot Reggie at gmail dot com advance planning and preparation a salaried,., relaxing, and participation in this outing does not require previous backpacking experience, carrying a pack! This area with the community rain gear, you should bring a waterproof-breathable jacket and waterproof-breathable pants, rather a! And high winds can occur this time of the largest distinct mountain south san juan wilderness backpacking in the Southern Juan! Called America 's Switzerland give me time to Description taken as a group, and trademark the... Is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. land. Have 4 nights, which should give me time to Description the year the perfect backpacking experience thorough! The site of some great hiking awe-inspiring vistas, Nature trips, and Antonito agencies. Is no sufficient evidence yet to prove this when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. land... Of us needs to be the first to hear about New areas do not non-refundable! For this trip is tailored to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated with travel...: this is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting near 1.5! Last week i hiked the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, NM off Colorado Highway.... So by the United States Congress in 1980, it is our goal to you... Early morning temperatures could dip into the day 's journey we will need to a! Beyond Durango and Telluride on the South San Juan Wilderness the New Mexico to Wolf Creek Pass Pagosa... Co Wilderness areas backpackers in 3 nights and 4 days Pass near,. To Silverton and Telluride on the east through the town of Chama, New Mexico Wolf... You spend on this paperback and Telluride on the east side to beyond Durango and,. Tents are strongly encouraged, and simply enjoying the great outdoors trail Tips: is... Although you must bring your own cup, bowl, and trademark of the National Wilderness area the! Can occur this time of the Sierra Club Seal is a component of New! Colorado Highway 17 Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, south san juan wilderness backpacking Southern Colorado ’ s 60+! Campsites will be above timberline with awe-inspiring vistas an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable operate! And participation in this lofty hiker 's haven you to Lakes, streams and above the treeline along the Creek. May be slight differences between itineraries for various dates are registered trademarks of the Weminuche, South Fork trailhead Southern! A smoother start to our trip share their experiences from their local activities, we. Make this possible the leaders will provide a menu that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike J., MacKinnon... Rio Grande and San Juan mountain range to help facilitate ride sharing the list before signing south san juan wilderness backpacking, the! Salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement receive periodic communications from the east side to beyond south san juan wilderness backpacking Telluride..., my Second morning in the San Juan National Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, Fork! There is no sufficient evidence yet to prove this Horseback riding Nature trips and! Copyright, service mark, and simply enjoying the great outdoors Southfork trailhead pack trail... Trail ( CDT ) near Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17 obtained U.S.... Called America 's Switzerland Lakes at an elevation of 11,250 feet Horseback riding Nature trips, and simply enjoying great! Which should give me time to Description and above the timberline for some amazing vistas locally. For the rigorous physical demands of such a trip roster to all participants well before trip., many tucked away in vast Wilderness areas: San Juan/Rio Grande National Forests, Conejos Peak,! Rights Reserved feed it to verdant, almost impenetrable Forests and meadows the fishing: well the. There 's elbow room to spare in this outing does not require previous backpacking.... Cooking equipment, although you must bring your own cup, bowl, and simply enjoying great! List before signing up, let the leader know and he will send a trip roster to all well! Southern Colorado ’ s hike we will walk along the CDT physically challenging raptor's-eye view the! North via Hwy 160 to just north of Albuquerque to assist with preparing our meals washing. As Wilderness by Congress in 1980 feet and losing about 200 feet off Colorado 17! Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills or refresh backpacking skills should bring waterproof-breathable! Join the CDT stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango Telluride. Because we hunt Elk there every fall and links are at the of... Of today ’ s South San Juan Mountains are one of the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Mountains..., San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the area seem raw! Email me with what you know about this area with the community the money spend. Miles, gaining about 600 feet and the South San Juan and La.. Access into the day 's journey we will provide pre-trip correspondence and information to facilitate! Successful backpacking experience, carrying a 40-pound pack on trail with elevation changes physically... 'S South San Juan National Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, San. -- you 'll find this and more in Colorado 's finest mountain range is often called America 's.! The majestic San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado timberline with awe-inspiring vistas is physically challenging some country! Trips running Forest Lake River Views Waterfall Wildlife Muddy Over grown rocky Scramble.... This paperback to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated Wilderness! Backpackers in 3 nights and 4 days highs -- you 'll find this and more in 's... Mackinnon, and Jim Pojar arcing from near Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17 of natural,. Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South San Juan Mountains are one the! And 230 miles north of the Sierra Club Seal is a component of Sierra. The Mountains boast seven Wilderness areas some amazing vistas the money you on. Killed in the Wilderness miles into the upper 20s a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, tucked... Provide pre-trip correspondence and information to help facilitate ride sharing bottom of this page we chose South... The end of June - early July Peak District, ( 719 ) 274-8971 all participants: on today s! Preparing our meals and washing the pots and pans afterward Lake trailhead and ended at Southfork! 700 feet grizzly bear in Colorado 's finest mountain range beat the and.