They also have the popular Durango Silverton narrow gauge railroad that skirts the west side of the Weminuche. Maybe it's the jagged 13,000-foot peaks clawing the sky that make the area seem so raw and foreboding. 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. 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. Day 4: We will take a layover day. 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). For example, reducing our camp footprint by camping in designated campsite, and packing out all that we pack in (including food scraps). Guidebooks, maps, personal info, etc. 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 entry trailhead is located about 23 miles from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader. A high country stunner that defines Colorado wilderness. Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit I wake, my second morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek in the southern San Juan Mountains. Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies. On the planned layover day, we can explore above the treeline along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). 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". Whoops! Besides being home to a mythical reptile, Colorado's Lizard Head Wilderness is the site of some great hiking. This trip is tailored to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated with wilderness travel. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. 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. Report. 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. Our objectives are to enjoy some spectacular country, complete the trip safely as a group, and learn backpacking basics. Crowd-free, rocky mountain highs -- you'll find this and more in Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. There are currently no trips planned. Our entry trailhead is located about 23 miles from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above 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. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. We will provide all food and cooking equipment, although you must bring your own cup, bowl, and spoon. 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. On the planned layover day, we can explore above the treeline along the Continental Divide Trail (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, Conejos River. Nighttime and early morning temperatures could dip into the upper 20s. Day 3: Most of today’s hike will be above timberline with awe-inspiring vistas. 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. We will set up camp in one of the many beautiful meadows along the Elk Creek. Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? The South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan Mountains and was designated wilderness in December 1980. Gain a raptor's-eye view of the world in Colorado's Eagles Nest Wilderness. Wilderness travel brings a variety of challenges, including exposure to high altitude, primitive camping, extreme weather changes, and sore feet from carrying heavy packs. It is our goal to feed you well so that you are well-fueled for daily hiking. Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas Donna Ikenberry’s book is an excellent resource for hiking and backpacking trip planners. We'll camp by the Dipping Lakes at an elevation of 11,250 feet. Pack less. This 18.5 mile trail can be hiked by moderate-to-experienced backpackers in 3 nights and 4 days. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. The mountains boast seven wilderness areas including the Weminuche, South San Juan … Backpacking The South San Juan Wilderness. 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.. This area has been designated by congressional action as the South San Juan Wilderness… Some believe that it is still home to a few grizzlies, but there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove this. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. Check back soon. Pls email me with what you have at Garrett dot Reggie at gmail dot com. Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? 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 5: On today’s hike we will walk along the Elk Creek trail, primarily downhill. For shelter, tents are strongly encouraged, and lightweight waterproof tarps are the required minimum. Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. 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 delightful mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South Fork and Creede surround and provide access into the wilderness. Colorado's last official griz was killed here in 1979, but unconfirmed sightings persist to this day. We chose the South San Juan Wilderness for this trip because we hunt elk there every fall. My third and final morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek, in the southern San Juan … A group dinner will be served. The leaders will provide pre-trip correspondence and information to help make this possible. Playing next. 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. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. The last known grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in the wilderness in 1979. 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 … 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 wilderness boundary extends from south of Hwy 160 to just north of Hwy 17. The Sierra Club Seal is a registered copyright, service mark, and trademark of the Sierra Club. Backpacking Light. 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 … If the beauty of the Colorado Sangres doesn't leave you breathless, the altitude will. We started at the Tobacco Lake Trailhead and ended at the Southfork Trailhead. It's very popular with fly fisherman and for good reason. 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. A buddy and myself had camped out in the Second Meadows along Elk Creek. Dogs are also able to use this trail. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. Description. How to beat the crowds and find solitude in the Rockies. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. 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. How far we get each day and where we camp depends on how we feel, the weather, and other factors outside our control. This will ensure a smoother start to our trip. Contact the leader for details. Originally designated as Wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan National Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, in southern Colorado. 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. Participants are urged to share their experiences from their local activities, so we can all learn about new areas. 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. Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. General Safety Information Ages of volcanic activity followed by We were finding lots of 12-17 mile in-and-outs in NM. Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. hard (3) South San Juan Wilderness. Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total) Forums are supported by our merchant partners . 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 just returned from an incredible 5 day backpacking trip to the South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. General Safety Information Ages of volcanic activity followed by Participants must be prepared for rain. Kershaw, Linda J., Andy MacKinnon, and Jim Pojar. 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. 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 … Or maybe it's the thought of grizzlies. This will allow for relaxing or exploring along the CDT. This beginner trip is for you. The itinerary described here should be taken as a general plan, and the actual route and schedule may depart from it. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the San Juan Mountains. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. 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! -- and the wildflowers match. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. 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 … Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast wilderness areas. * There may be slight differences between itineraries for various dates. Maps:South San Juan/Del Norte, #142 ($9.95, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643). 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. Daytime temperatures will likely be in the 50s to 60s. We will meet so that everyone can introduce themselves, check out our gear, and talk about our trip. This last week I hiked the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) through the South San Juan Wilderness with two of my friends. The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. The TripDesignated by the U.S. Congress in 1980, the South San Juan Wilderness covers about 160,000 acres, with 180 miles of trails and elevations from about 8,000 to 13,000+ feet. We'll camp near Red Lake at an elevation of 11,450 feet. Browse more videos. 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. Two of our campsites will be above 11,000 feet and the third will be at about 10,000 feet. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until October. 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. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. 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 was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. From Antonito, drive 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the South Fork trailhead. 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. South San Juan Wilderness Area. The clouds have mostly departed from the region, leaving the dawn clear and bright. The National Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Juan, Del Norte (map #142) covers the entire route. Be more. Dogs on leash Backpacking Camping Hiking Horseback riding Nature trips running Forest Lake River Views Waterfall Wildlife Muddy Over grown Rocky Scramble Snow. 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 will take you to lakes, streams and above the timberline for some amazing vistas. We also did a day hike before our three day backpacking … For rain gear, you should bring a waterproof-breathable jacket and waterproof-breathable pants, rather than a poncho. We will provide a menu that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Government information and links are at the bottom of this page. Ready for some activity? 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. 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. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. Looking for a great trail in South San Juan Wilderness, Colorado? This will be a 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip (plus 2 travel days) in the scenic South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. Specific driving directions will also be sent before departure. 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 plan to cover about 3 miles, gaining about 600 feet and losing about 200 feet. The South San Juan Wilderness was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. Something went wrong. This beginner trip is for you. The route is also covered by  the following 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps: Cumbres, Archuleta Creek, Victoria Lake, and Spectacle Lake. Where: 335 miles southwest of Denver and 230 miles north of Albuquerque. 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. The Trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? This beginner trip is for you. Located in Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests. Day 1: Our trip officially starts in the early afternoon at a campsite near our entry trailhead. 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. Hiking Colorado's Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series) All cooking gear and stoves are provided. 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 send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. 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. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. › South San Juan Wilderness › Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. The majestic San Juan Mountain range is often called America's Switzerland. 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. 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. 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. 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. The South San Juan Wilderness lies on the Rio Grande National Forest near Platoro and Antonito Colorado. Recreation. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/south-san-juan-wilderness Participants must be in good physical condition and be prepared for the rigorous physical demands of such a trip. Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan Wilderness, Conejos River. 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. 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. This will allow time for learning wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. 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. Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan We are concerned about conservation and the sustainability of natural resources, both locally and globally. Trail Tips: This is a tough trail both on the ascents and descents. A list of suggested personal equipment will be sent to all participants. 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. 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 ) The mountains boast seven wilderness areas including the Weminuche, South San Juan and La Garita. 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. 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. We arranged a shuttle and thru-hiked a […] ©. 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'm hoping to do a 7-8 day trip at the end of June - early July. 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). 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. Sierra Club® and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet"® are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. There's elbow room to spare in this lofty hiker's haven. I'm looking for any info on the South San Juan Wilderness. A successful backpacking experience requires thorough advance planning and preparation. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. 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. This will allow time for learning wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. 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. 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. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. Share what you know about this area with the community. By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. The Trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? We plan to cover about 5.5 miles, gaining about 500 feet and losing about 700 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms, lightning, hail, snow, and high winds can occur this time of the year. 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. This beginner trip is for you. 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. About 3 miles into the day's journey we will join the CDT. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. The leaders will provide physical conditioning recommendations to participants. 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. Trip members will be divided into cook crews to assist with preparing our meals and washing the pots and pans afterward. (If you would like the list before signing up, let the leader know and he will send you a copy.) 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