About 3 miles into the day's journey we will join the CDT. The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. South San Juan Wilderness Area. This summit will put you high above what many consider to be Colorado's finest mountain range. I'm hoping to do a 7-8 day trip at the end of June - early July. We started at the Tobacco Lake Trailhead and ended at the Southfork Trailhead. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. 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. It's known as Colorado's wildest corner with … Day 1: Our trip officially starts in the early afternoon at a campsite near our entry trailhead. I … Trip members will be divided into cook crews to assist with preparing our meals and washing the pots and pans afterward. Afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, hail, snow, and high winds can occur this time of the year. 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 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). *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp 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. A buddy and myself had camped out in the Second Meadows along Elk Creek. If the beauty of the Colorado Sangres doesn't leave you breathless, the altitude will. 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 … This will ensure a smoother start to our 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. 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. 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 … 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. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/south-san-juan-wilderness They also have the popular Durango Silverton narrow gauge railroad that skirts the west side of the Weminuche. Thx Reggie 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. Our entry trailhead is located about 23 miles from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17. Recreation. Day 3: Most of today’s hike will be above timberline with awe-inspiring vistas. From Antonito, drive 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the South Fork trailhead. Each of us needs to be prepared to meet these challenges. Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. Trail Info: San Juan/Rio Grande National Forests, Conejos Peak District, (719) 274-8971. For example, reducing our camp footprint by camping in designated campsite, and packing out all that we pack in (including food scraps). Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. Share what you know about this area with the community. 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 see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. We plan to cover about 3 miles, gaining about 600 feet and losing about 200 feet. Besides being home to a mythical reptile, Colorado's Lizard Head Wilderness is the site of some great hiking. Sierra Club® and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet"® are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. Some believe that it is still home to a few grizzlies, but there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove this. 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. 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. 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 … Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. There's elbow room to spare in this lofty hiker's haven. It's known as Co The majestic San Juan Mountain range is often called America's Switzerland. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast wilderness areas. Fork Conejos Trail, and El Rito Azul Trail - which in turn provide access to the Continental Divide Trail - in the South San Juan Wilderness. 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). Backpacking Light. The South San Juan Wilderness was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. 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. Day 2: After serving a group breakfast at our campsite and taking care of final details, we will drive to the Red Lake trailhead. The mountains boast seven wilderness areas including the Weminuche, South San Juan and La Garita. For rain gear, you should bring a waterproof-breathable jacket and waterproof-breathable pants, rather than a poncho. I wake, my second morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek in the southern San Juan Mountains. 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. Or maybe it's the thought of grizzlies. 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 … 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. 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. A 4 day backpacking adventure into Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. There are currently no trips planned. 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. Browse more videos. Visiting the 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. Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan Wilderness, Conejos River. Although participation in this outing does not require previous backpacking experience, carrying a 40-pound pack on trail with elevation changes is physically challenging. 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 … This probably is Colorado's wildest expanse, straddling 50 miles of the Continental Divide north of the New Mexico border. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. The delightful mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South Fork and Creede surround and provide access into the wilderness. This beginner trip is for you. All cooking gear and stoves are provided. We will provide a menu that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. 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 ) Participants must be in good physical condition and be prepared for the rigorous physical demands of such a trip. Backpacking The South San Juan Wilderness. 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 South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan National Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, in southern Colorado. 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. I'm looking for any info on the South San Juan Wilderness. My third and final morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek, in the southern San Juan … The clouds have mostly departed from the region, leaving the dawn clear and bright. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail. 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). Kershaw, Linda J., Andy MacKinnon, and Jim Pojar. Some of the group equipment is relatively bulky; particularly pot sets and bear canisters. 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. 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. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. Gain a raptor's-eye view of the world in Colorado's Eagles Nest Wilderness. 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. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. 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