The South San Juan Mountains spans 160,000+ acres that include steep slopes, high peaks and cliffs, 32 lakes, and turbulent rivers. Courtesy of Jack Brauer. The forest contains two alpine wilderness areas; the Weminuche and South San Juan, as well as the Piedra Area. Turkey Lake (Weminuche Wilderness) Rating: Difficult. A site at the mouth of Montezuma Creek on the San Juan River was selected, but a viable route was still uncertain. Max: 11,940 feet. The most iconic and spectacular landscapes in the San Juan Mountains deserve protection. Wilderness Connect maintains and updates wilderness boundary data annually using official national agency wilderness GIS sources and acreage data from agency Realty Offices. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Nestled deep in the South San Juan Wilderness near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Fish Lake is a beautiful, deep glacier tarn located just below the Continental Divide in the headwaters of the Blanco River. From the top of the pass descend into the Rock Creek drainage, following Rock Creek trial (655) for approximately 5.7 miles until intersecting with Vallecito trail (529) at the bottom of the valley. 3.1 miles to where the trail intersects the CDT (655) at Nebo Creek, closing the loop. Large portions of these mountains are protected within the Weminuche Wilderness and Uncompaghre Wilderness … As such, this consistently remains the most current and accurate wilderness dataset available online. More frequent updates occur as needed to add newly designated or expanded areas. The South San Juan Wilderness features rough and harsh terrain such as sharp peaks rising up to 13,000 feet and high cliffs that are challenging, if possible, to traverse. Old Spanish National Historic Trail through southwestern Colorado The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. [citation needed], A mountain the wilderness area at the confluence of the Conejos and South Fork Conejos rivers, 66 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Yanks Gulch/Upper Greasewood Creek Natural Area, Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=South_San_Juan_Wilderness&oldid=960191516, Protected areas of Archuleta County, Colorado, Protected areas of Conejos County, Colorado, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 1 June 2020, at 16:16. Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Area’s Greatest Hiking Adventures $ 24.95. Trek into the South San Juan Wilderness, and you’ll find what just might be the wildest place in Colorado. San Juan National Forest Colorado’s largest wilderness area is the Weminuche, 500,000 acres, an area so vast you can only nibble at the edges without an … Situated south of Platoro Reservoir, this 17.7 mile hike offers a mix of wooded valleys, alpine meadows and a an exhilerating stretch of the Continental Divide Trail. Walking distance from the car park is the Hunchback Pass trailhead. There is some road access above the reservoir, but to get to the headwater creeks, you will need to hike into the South San Juan Wilderness. It includes all that are larger than 50,000 acres (200 km²). South San Juan. More. National Geographic Map: Weminuche Wilderness Map #140 $ 14.95. › South San Juan Wilderness › Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. From FS 520, locate FS 506, heading south into Bear Creek. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site near La Junta; Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site near Chivington; National Historic Trails. Reflection of Peters Peak (13,122') in Rock Lake. 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). The section of the CDT brings you to the Colorado/New Mexico border and includes Wolf Creek Pass. 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 .[2]. National Geographic Map: Pagosa Springs Bayfield Map $ 14.95. From here, head downhill off-trail to the right (west). Old Spanish National Historic Trail through southwestern Colorado Conejos Peak Loop, South San Juan Wilderness, CO. Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. hard (3) South San Juan Wilderness. The wilderness area contains: 32 lakes; many peaks above 13,000 feet (4,000 m), the highest of which is Summit Peak at 13,307 feet; and 180 miles (290 km) of hiking trails, that includes 42 miles (68 km) of the Continental Divide Trail. Fine views of Strom King peak from the CDT. TBL005 You've chosen well! Blue Lake. San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act. Where instances of multiple states or agencies occur, they are listed in descending order of included acreage. Blog. Max: 11,940 feet. South San Juan Wilderness, Colorado Maybe not as famous as the larger Weminuche Wilderness, the 158,790 acre South San Juan Wilderness of the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests offers of 180 miles of trails, including 42 miles along the Continental Divide. Click here for up-to-date weather forecast. This trail near the town of Silverton is popular, and for good reason. Motor Vehicle Use Map: Pagosa Ranger District $ 0.00. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. A short-cut, thought to be simpler, was chosen with a rendezvous at Forty-Mile Spring, south of the town of Escalante. Camp perched above Rock Creek, and not a soul to be seen. Gain: 3,380 ft (1 way), 4,860 ft (round trip) Lake: 11,150 feet. The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. You've chosen well! The Lake … Statistics are as retrieved in September 2009 from Wilderness.net. Looking into the headwaters of Rock Creek, above Twin Lakes. Note: The CDT (813) branches off to the east at Twin Lakes. Highland Mary Lakes. Tundra and marshlands surrounding West Ute lake. 7 years ago . The United States Congress designated the South San Juan Wilderness (map) in 1980 and it now has a total of 160,998 acres. Some believe that it is still home to a few grizzlies, but there is … Looking across the Continental Divide in the Weminuche Wilderness. Be ready for a few hours of backcountry driving to access the trailhead. The divide crosses the heart of the South San Juan Wilderness for 42 miles. The lake lives up to its name - it supports a healthy cutthroat trout population thanks to its depth, adequate drainage area, and remoteness. You can find the trails along USFS Road 250. Gallery. Where instances of multiple states or agencies occur, they are listed in descending order of included acreage. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site near La Junta; Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site near Chivington; National Historic Trails. Photos; Directions; Print/PDF Map; Share; More; Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250 is a 35.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Capulin, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The Lake … As such, this consistently remains the most current and accurate wilderness dataset available online. Trailhead: 9200 feet. Conejos Peak Loop, South San Juan Wilderness, CO. More frequent updates occur as needed to add newly designated or expanded areas. South San Juan. Find the perfect weminuche wilderness stock photo. Distance: 16.8 miles (out and back) Elevation. Drive FS 506 passing the Beartown site (you may encounter a spot or two of 4WD here) eventually arriving at Kite Lake and the road's end. The doubletrack ends at this open hilltop, a perfect resting spot. Situated in the south east corner of the wilderness, this 22.2 mile hike in the Conejos Peak (pronounced coe-NAY-hoes) area offers a mix of wooded valleys, alpine meadows and huge herd of elk. Within 200 yards you'll hit the boundary fence for the South San Juan Wilderness Area which you'll follow north to re-connect with the main trail. From the Hunchback Pass TH,  follow the Continental Divide Trail south (813) up and over Hunchback Pass, to Nebo Creek. The tour detailed below is a true San Juan wilderness experience. I left from the Beartown trailhead, hiked south along the Continental Divide Trail for a couple days until reaching the area of Flint Lakes and Rock Lake. Uniquely shaped and with over 1,000 feet of vertical prominence, Courthouse Mountain strikes quite the figure across the skyline and is easy to distinguish from its neighbors. July 2010 | San Juan Mountains, Colorado After another fun 4th of July in Ouray, I went on a 5-day backpacking loop in the Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Within 200 yards you'll hit the boundary fence for the South San Juan Wilderness Area which you'll follow north to re-connect with the main trail. Home. Make sure to follow the CDT (813) east, up the Nebo Creek drainage. Some believe that it is still home to a few grizzlies, but there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove this. San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act. A 4 day backpacking adventure into Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. The tarn possesses a unique teal hue and is home to some good-sized native cutthroat, which can be easily seen feeding in the shallow, log-choked outlet. Lake Fork The Lake Fork of the Conejos is Wild Trout water from its headwaters through and including Big Lake and Rock Lake. Gallery. There are 9 moderate trails in South San Juan Wilderness ranging from 3.8 to 10.2 miles and from 7,936 to 12,165 feet above sea level. However, for more casual travelers, one can enjoy the wonderful forests that are almost park-like in their leisurely beauty. There is road access there, but to get as close as possible to the headwaters you are looking at some hiking through the South San Juan Wilderness. *NOTE* The trail from Hunchback Pass TH to Rock Lake is consistently above 11,500 feet. If the expedition chose either route used by the scouts, it would mean a trip of nearly 500 miles (800 km). Photo: Jason Hatfield. Wilderness Connect maintains and updates wilderness boundary data annually using official national agency wilderness GIS sources and acreage data from agency Realty Offices. Distance: 16.8 miles (out and back) Elevation. The two National Historic Sites within the state of Colorado are: . True, the landscape here, one broken volcanic peaks and cliffs, poses a formidable barrier to travel, but the overriding reason for this reputation resides in the probable presence of one critter - the ("griz"). This bill would expand wilderness designations and safeguard beloved high country destinations, like Ice Lake Basin, from future mining. 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. Access to the wilderness is mainly from the north via Hwy 160 or from the east through the town of Antonito. This page offers a map and GPS tracks of the entire wilderness. Lake Fork is another good spot to try your luck, as it is designated Wild Trout waters from the headwaters all the way to Rock Lake/Big Lake. It borders the Uncompahgre National Forest to the north and the Rio Grande National Forest to the east. It begins at the Three Forks Trailhead at the south end of FR 247 and follows the Conejos River, El Rito Azul, Continental Divide and Middle Fork Trails. It begins at the South Fork Trailhead on FR 250, follows the South Fork, Canon Rincon and Roaring Gulch Trails. The divide crosses the heart of the South San Juan Wilderness for 42 miles. Bear north on the Vallecito trail (529) for appx. You'll have to find your way to Rio Grande Reservoir Road (FS 520), either by way of Silverton or Creede. The San Juan Mountains are roughly the size of the Swiss Alps, including the spectacular 499,771  acre Weminuche Wilderness- Colorado's largest designated wilderness area. Lake Fork The Lake Fork of the Conejos is Wild Trout water from its headwaters through and including Big Lake and Rock Lake. Turkey Lake (Weminuche Wilderness) Rating: Difficult. July 2010 | San Juan Mountains, Colorado After another fun 4th of July in Ouray, I went on a 5-day backpacking loop in the Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Updates. Visiting the South San Juan Wilderness The four National Historic Trails that pass through the state of Colorado are: . 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. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. The last known grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in the wilderness in 1979. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. Blue Lake Loop, South San Juan Wilderness, CO. A short-cut, thought to be simpler, was chosen with a rendezvous at Forty-Mile Spring, south of the town of Escalante. Courtesy of Jack Brauer. Be sure to pick up the Rock Creek Trail (655) continuing south towards Rock Lake. … Updates. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes through the National Forest. 4. From here, head downhill off-trail to the right (west). My father-in-law Dave, and I planned to hike this 18.5 mile loop very casually over 3 days from September 9 - 11, 2013. More. Photo: Jason Hatfield. The doubletrack ends at this open hilltop, a perfect resting spot. The South San Juan wilderness is located in southern Colorado near the towns of Pagosa Springs, South Fork, and Antonito. Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres. Many call the South San Juan Wilderness Colorado's wildest corner. 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. Locate Rock Creek trail (655) bearing south towards a high pass. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. Backpack - Red Lake in the South San Juan Wilderness - June 2013 Colorado Backpackers and the New Mexico Backpackers Explore. 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. Looking across the Continental Divide in the Weminuche Wilderness. It begins at the South Fork Trailhead on FR 250, follows the South Fork, Canon Rincon and Roaring Gulch Trails. The San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is in the San Juan Islands of the Salish Sea, north of Puget Sound, in the State of Washington. The wilderness boundary extends from south of Hwy 160 to just north of Hwy 17. I left from the Beartown trailhead, hiked south along the Continental Divide Trail for a couple days until reaching the area of Flint Lakes and Rock Lake. The forest covers most of the southern portion of the San Juan Mountains west of the Continental Divide. National Geographic Map: Durango … The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until October. Statistics are as retrieved in September 2009 from Wilderness.net. There are countless multi-day tours to choose from in the Weminuche that range from very popular, to areas that see very little human traffic. Ruybalid Trail is a 9.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Antonito, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. If the expedition chose either route used by the scouts, it would mean a trip of nearly 500 miles (800 km). Trek into the South San Juan Wilderness, and you’ll find what just might be the wildest place in Colorado. -- Bohannon Lake to Billy Creek * Ouachita Trail Loops-- Billy Creek Trail-- Boardstand Trail-- Holson Valley Loop-- Horse Thief Springs Trail-- Old Military Road Trail-- Talimena-Bohannon Loop Other Ouachita Hikes-- Beech Creek Trails *-- Black Fork Trail *-- Buckeye Trail-- Caney Creek Trail-- Cossatot River Trail *-- Eagle Rock Loop Continue north on the CDT (655) back over Hunchback Pass for 2.5 miles to the cars. While my mind is strangely unforthcoming with answers as to why I’m doing this three-day backpack into the South San Juan Wilderness, this journey too, has had for me a kind of inevitability. South San Juan Wilderness, Colorado Maybe not as famous as the larger Weminuche Wilderness, the 158,790 acre South San Juan Wilderness of the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests offers of 180 miles of trails, including 42 miles along the Continental Divide. 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