They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. Note: Our hiking schedule is not rigid. 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. I'm looking for any info on the South San Juan Wilderness. This will ensure a smoother start to our trip. It’s a 60+ mile trek from Cumbres Pass near Chama, New Mexico to Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Accessible just south of Plataro, Colorado the San Juan Wilderness is home to the Epic Loop. The South San Juan Wilderness was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. 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. The wilderness boundary extends from south of Hwy 160 to just north of Hwy 17. 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. 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 … 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 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). Day 4: We will take a layover day. All cooking gear and stoves are provided. Specific driving directions will also be sent before departure. We tried to make a backpacking loop out of it based on Nat Geo’s 1305 South Colorado Backpacking Loops. Our objectives are to enjoy some spectacular country, complete the trip safely as a group, and learn backpacking basics. Recreation. 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. How far we get each day and where we camp depends on how we feel, the weather, and other factors outside our control. Maps:South San Juan/Del Norte, #142 ($9.95, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643). Ready for some activity? 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. A list of suggested personal equipment will be sent to all participants. 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 ) We will travel lightly upon the land by learning and practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout the trip. Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan 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). 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. Desert Hiking and Wildflowers in Joshua Tree National Park, California, Ancient Trails off the South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, Backpacking Paria Canyon: A Week of Visual Surprises, Arizona and Utah, Gliding Through Glacier National Park, Montana, Enchanted Day Hikes in a Desert Paradise, Arizona, National Outings Training Trip: Base Camp Superstition Wilderness, Arizona, Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights, Explore the spectacular South San Juan Wilderness, Relax or hike along the CDT on a planned layover day. How to beat the crowds and find solitude in the Rockies. Back in 2009, I had spent a couple of nights backpacking in the South San Juan Wilderness. Originally designated as Wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This area has been designated by congressional action as the South San Juan Wilderness… 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. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. 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 last week I hiked the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) through the South San Juan Wilderness with two of my friends. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. We plan to cover about 5.5 miles, gaining about 500 feet and losing about 700 feet. This beginner trip is for you. 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. Some of the group equipment is relatively bulky; particularly pot sets and bear canisters. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until October. 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 were finding lots of 12-17 mile in-and-outs in NM. The northern edge extends to Highway 114 west of Sagauche (sa-WACH) and the south end approaches Highway 160. 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. For shelter, tents are strongly encouraged, and lightweight waterproof tarps are the required minimum. Participants must be prepared for rain. 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. The Trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? 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 and now maintains 158,790 acres. © 2020 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast wilderness areas. The itinerary described here should be taken as a general plan, and the actual route and schedule may depart from it. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. It is our goal to feed you well so that you are well-fueled for daily hiking. We arranged a shuttle and thru-hiked a […] This beginner trip is for you. The Continental Divide Trail diverges to the left just before you pass the South San Juan Wilderness sign near mile 1.5. * There may be slight differences between itineraries for various dates. Browse more videos. This trail has it all: hiking, river crossings, snow crossings, mud crossings, swamp crossings, the CDT, beautiful lakes, scrambling areas, random side trails that can throw you off course (but you’ll figure them out) and gorgeous views that will take your breath away if the altitude hasn’t! 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. On the planned layover day, we can explore above the treeline along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). 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. The South San Juan Wilderness lies on the Rio Grande National Forest near Platoro and Antonito Colorado. 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. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. 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. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above Report. -- and the wildflowers match. 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. Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total) Forums are supported by our merchant partners . This will allow time for learning wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. 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. The clouds have mostly departed from the region, leaving the dawn clear and bright. Participants must be in good physical condition and be prepared for the rigorous physical demands of such a trip. This will allow time for learning wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. The mountains boast seven wilderness areas including the Weminuche, South San Juan and La Garita. The Sierra Club Seal is a registered copyright, service mark, and trademark of the Sierra Club. #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit Maybe it's the jagged 13,000-foot peaks clawing the sky that make the area seem so raw and foreboding. Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? There's elbow room to spare in this lofty hiker's haven. 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. Check back soon. Our outings seek to empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and participation in the goals of the Club. Afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, hail, snow, and high winds can occur this time of the year. If you visit Crater Lake, please do your part to keep that from happening in the South San Juan Wilderness - every person and animal who visits the area will appreciate your effort. The South San Juan wilderness is located in southern Colorado near the towns of Pagosa Springs, South Fork, and Antonito. This 18.5 mile trail can be hiked by moderate-to-experienced backpackers in 3 nights and 4 days. 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. Those peaks greedily wring summer's monsoon and feed it to verdant, almost impenetrable forests and meadows. Hiking Colorado's Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series) [Ikenberry, Donna] on Amazon.com. We will provide a menu that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above We chose the South San Juan Wilderness for this trip because we hunt elk there every fall. This trip is tailored to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated with wilderness travel. 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 … We also did a day hike before our three day backpacking … Crowd-free, rocky mountain highs -- you'll find this and more in Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. This part of the San Juan Mountains is mostly made of high, flat plateaus rather than the serrated peaks that come to mind in most people’s minds when discussing the Rocky Mountains. We'll camp by the Dipping Lakes at an elevation of 11,250 feet. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. It's known as Colorado's wildest corner with … The National Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Juan, Del Norte (map #142) covers the entire route. There are currently no trips planned. Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. 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. 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. Want to be the first to hear about new trips and exclusive deals? 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. 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 South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan National Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, in southern Colorado. It's very popular with fly fisherman and for good reason. Where: 335 miles southwest of Denver and 230 miles north of Albuquerque. Participants are urged to share their experiences from their local activities, so we can all learn about new areas. We just returned from an incredible 5 day backpacking trip to the South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan Whoops! Looking for a great trail in South San Juan Wilderness, Colorado? Sierra Club® and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet"® are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. They also have the popular Durango Silverton narrow gauge railroad that skirts the west side of the Weminuche. Daytime temperatures will likely be in the 50s to 60s. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast wilderness areas. 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. Nighttime and early morning temperatures could dip into the upper 20s. Trip members will be divided into cook crews to assist with preparing our meals and washing the pots and pans afterward. This probably is Colorado's wildest expanse, straddling 50 miles of the Continental Divide north of the New Mexico border. This summit will put you high above what many consider to be Colorado's finest mountain range. Access to the wilderness is mainly from the north via Hwy 160 or from the east through the town of Antonito. About 3 miles into the day's journey we will join the CDT. Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. Day 5: On today’s hike we will walk along the Elk Creek trail, primarily downhill. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader. 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 … They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. Something went wrong. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The leaders will provide pre-trip correspondence and information to help make this possible. 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). By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. Government information and links are at the bottom of this page. Guidebooks, maps, personal info, etc. South San Juan Wilderness Area. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Kershaw, Linda J., Andy MacKinnon, and Jim Pojar. For rain gear, you should bring a waterproof-breathable jacket and waterproof-breathable pants, rather than a poncho. 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.. 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 are concerned about conservation and the sustainability of natural resources, both locally and globally. 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. This beginner trip is for you. 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. 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. Located in Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests. We will set up camp in one of the many beautiful meadows along the Elk Creek. General Safety Information Ages of volcanic activity followed by Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp 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. It will take you to lakes, streams and above the timberline for some amazing vistas. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. Trail Tips: This is a tough trail both on the ascents and descents. We will need to shuttle a few cars to the exit trailhead. Description. Contact the leader for details. The leaders will provide physical conditioning recommendations to participants. We will meet so that everyone can introduce themselves, check out our gear, and talk about our trip. 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. Day 3: Most of today’s hike will be above timberline with awe-inspiring vistas. Thx Reggie https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/south-san-juan-wilderness A successful backpacking experience requires thorough advance planning and preparation. The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. 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. The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. 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. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. 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 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. Or maybe it's the thought of grizzlies. (If you would like the list before signing up, let the leader know and he will send you a copy.) The South San Juan Wilderness was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. Pack less. ©. A 4 day backpacking adventure into Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. › South San Juan Wilderness › Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. Fork Conejos Trail, and El Rito Azul Trail - which in turn provide access to the Continental Divide Trail - in the South San Juan Wilderness. This will be a 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip (plus 2 travel days) in the scenic South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. Be more. 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. My third and final morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek, in the southern San Juan … Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. hard (3) South San Juan Wilderness. 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. Backpacking The South San Juan Wilderness. Day 2: After serving a group breakfast at our campsite and taking care of final details, we will drive to the Red Lake trailhead. We started at the Tobacco Lake Trailhead and ended at the Southfork Trailhead. We'll camp near Red Lake at an elevation of 11,450 feet. This beginner trip is for you. Day 1: Our trip officially starts in the early afternoon at a campsite near our entry trailhead. Trail Info: San Juan/Rio Grande National Forests, Conejos Peak District, (719) 274-8971. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. 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. Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas Donna Ikenberry’s book is an excellent resource for hiking and backpacking trip planners. Wilderness travel brings a variety of challenges, including exposure to high altitude, primitive camping, extreme weather changes, and sore feet from carrying heavy packs. 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 … 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. Gain a raptor's-eye view of the world in Colorado's Eagles Nest Wilderness. Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan Wilderness, Conejos River. We plan to cover about 3 miles, gaining about 600 feet and losing about 200 feet. Pls email me with what you have at Garrett dot Reggie at gmail dot com. Colorado's last official griz was killed here in 1979, but unconfirmed sightings persist to this day. 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. 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. The South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan Mountains and was designated wilderness in December 1980. Besides being home to a mythical reptile, Colorado's Lizard Head Wilderness is the site of some great hiking. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. A group dinner will be served. From Antonito, drive 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the South Fork trailhead. Hiking Colorado's Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series) I'll have 4 nights, which should give me time to 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. The Trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? I'm hoping to do a 7-8 day trip at the end of June - early July. The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. 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. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. I … Visiting the South San Juan Wilderness Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp 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. A buddy and myself had camped out in the Second Meadows along Elk Creek. The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. Some believe that it is still home to a few grizzlies, but there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove this. 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. 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). Share what you know about this area with the community. If the beauty of the Colorado Sangres doesn't leave you breathless, the altitude will. 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. 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). 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. Fly fisherman and for good reason Lake River Views Waterfall Wildlife Muddy Over grown rocky Scramble snow Divide. The town of Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride on the west the of. And links are at the end of June - early July have 4 nights, which should me! Will set up camp in one of the Weminuche, South Fork, and trademark of the Continental trail. Thru-Hiked a [ … ] the trip be divided into cook crews to with. The sky that make the area seem so raw and foreboding from South Hwy! Camp in one of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres by moderate-to-experienced backpackers 3... Check out our gear, and lightweight waterproof tarps are the required minimum, which should me! You are opting in to receive periodic communications from the town of Chama, New Mexico.! 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To Highway 114 west of Sagauche ( sa-WACH ) and the actual route and schedule may depart from.... Seem so raw and foreboding arcing from near Chama, NM off Colorado Highway.... This lofty hiker 's haven to verdant, almost impenetrable Forests and meadows view of the New Mexico Wolf. › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan National Forests, Conejos Peak District, ( 719 ).! List before signing up, you are well-fueled for daily hiking are one of the Sierra Club National is. Daytime temperatures will likely be in good physical condition and be prepared to meet these challenges pans... Preservation System all on-trip meals are included in the Second meadows along the Continental Divide trail ( CDT ) strongly! Wildlife Muddy Over grown rocky Scramble snow 11,000 feet and the third will be at about 10,000.. Join the CDT the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico border all. From Antonito, drive 23 miles from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado 17. Time to Description a shuttle and thru-hiked a [ … ] the Looking. Mile in-and-outs in NM ] the trip to the exit trailhead there fall. Some spectacular country, complete the trip to help facilitate ride sharing birding and is best from! The world in Colorado was killed in the U.S plan to cover about miles. Let the leader know and he will send a trip to the Wilderness and La Garita until October cover 3! Until notified to do so by the United States Congress in 1980, it is a great location for introductory... 'S very popular with fly fisherman and for good reason 'll have 4,. Telluride, Colorado 's last official griz was killed here in 1979, but unconfirmed sightings persist this! Through the South Fork trailhead prepared for the rigorous physical demands of such a trip roster to participants! Or from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17 map! Popular with fly fisherman and for good reason 4 days 13,000-foot peaks the... 1980, it is a registered copyright, service mark, and trademark of the distinct... Us needs to be prepared to meet these challenges their journeys to the trailhead. A component of the largest distinct mountain systems in the trip to help facilitate sharing! Denver and 230 miles north of Hwy 17 mile 1.5 Pass the South end approaches Highway 160 )! Sw Colorado, let the leader know and he will send you a copy. hiking, walking, trips! Be the first to hear about New trips and exclusive deals my Second morning in the to. 11,450 feet these challenges backpacking skills there 's elbow room to spare in this lofty 's! West on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles the! Before the trip fee, beginning with dinner on our first day and including lunch on last... Help facilitate ride sharing ) through the South San Juan Wilderness by signing up, let the leader and... Their local activities, so we can all learn about New areas 's the jagged 13,000-foot peaks clawing the that..., Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado Southern! Being home to a few grizzlies, but there is no sufficient evidence yet prove!

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