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. Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres. ©. Access to the wilderness is mainly from the north via Hwy 160 or from the east through the town of Antonito. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are a patchwork of wildly varied sub-ranges, many tucked away in vast wilderness areas. 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. Trail Tips: This is a tough trail both on the ascents and descents. 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 … 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. 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. Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. This will be a 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip (plus 2 travel days) in the scenic South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. The Trip Looking to learn or refresh backpacking skills? 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 … The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until October. 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. 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. Be more. I wake, my second morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek in the southern San Juan Mountains. This last week I hiked the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) through the South San Juan Wilderness with two of my friends. 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). Daytime temperatures will likely be in the 50s to 60s. 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. Some of the group equipment is relatively bulky; particularly pot sets and bear canisters. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. Backpacking Light. Want to be the first to hear about new trips and exclusive deals? We were finding lots of 12-17 mile in-and-outs in NM. Day 4: We will take a layover day. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/south-san-juan-wilderness (If you would like the list before signing up, let the leader know and he will send you a copy.) Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. For rain gear, you should bring a waterproof-breathable jacket and waterproof-breathable pants, rather than a poncho. We tried to make a backpacking loop out of it based on Nat Geo’s 1305 South Colorado Backpacking Loops. Government information and links are at the bottom of this page. Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. hard (3) South San Juan Wilderness. 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. Kershaw, Linda J., Andy MacKinnon, and Jim Pojar. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. 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. Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies. All on-trip meals are included in the trip fee, beginning with dinner on our first day and including lunch on our last day. 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. Of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that rise over 14,000 feet in elevation), 13 call the San Juans home, including Uncomp 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! 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 was designated as a national wilderness area by the United States Congress in 1980. We will set up camp in one of the many beautiful meadows along the Elk Creek. It will take you to lakes, streams and above the timberline for some amazing vistas. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Ready for some activity? 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. The fishing: well, the Blanco, San Juan and Conejos Rivers all start their journeys to the oceans here. Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan 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. About 3 miles into the day's journey we will join the CDT. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. Where: 335 miles southwest of Denver and 230 miles north of Albuquerque. Each of us needs to be prepared to meet these challenges. My third and final morning in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek, in the southern San Juan … Originally designated as Wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. 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 wilderness boundary extends from south of Hwy 160 to just north of Hwy 17. Day 5: On today’s hike we will walk along the Elk Creek trail, primarily downhill. Whoops! 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. A buddy and myself had camped out in the Second Meadows along Elk Creek. We will travel lightly upon the land by learning and practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout 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. 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. Two of our campsites will be above 11,000 feet and the third will be at about 10,000 feet. We will provide all food and cooking equipment, although you must bring your own cup, bowl, and spoon. Those peaks greedily wring summer's monsoon and feed it to verdant, almost impenetrable forests and meadows. The South San Juan Wilderness lies on the Rio Grande National Forest near Platoro and Antonito Colorado. Visiting the South San Juan Wilderness Although participation in this outing does not require previous backpacking experience, carrying a 40-pound pack on trail with elevation changes is physically challenging. 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. A 4 day backpacking adventure into Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. I'm looking for any info on the South San Juan Wilderness. 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. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit #TBT - South San Juan Wilderness (Colorado) Backpacking - July 2012 - Re-Edit Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader. Browse more videos. This will allow time for learning wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. 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. 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. 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. It is our goal to feed you well so that you are well-fueled for daily hiking. Check back soon. I'll have 4 nights, which should give me time to Pls email me with what you have at Garrett dot Reggie at gmail dot com. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. 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). -- and the wildflowers match. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. Note: Our hiking schedule is not rigid. Specific driving directions will also be sent before departure. I'm hoping to do a 7-8 day trip at the end of June - early July. 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. For example, reducing our camp footprint by camping in designated campsite, and packing out all that we pack in (including food scraps). Contact the leader for details. Thx Reggie 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. © 2020 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Fork Conejos Trail, and El Rito Azul Trail - which in turn provide access to the Continental Divide Trail - in the South San Juan Wilderness. Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › South San Juan Wilderness, Conejos River. We will need to shuttle a few cars to the exit trailhead. The route is also covered by  the following 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps: Cumbres, Archuleta Creek, Victoria Lake, and Spectacle Lake. How far we get each day and where we camp depends on how we feel, the weather, and other factors outside our control. * There may be slight differences between itineraries for various dates. Trip members will be divided into cook crews to assist with preparing our meals and washing the pots and pans afterward. How to beat the crowds and find solitude in the Rockies. The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. Guidebooks, maps, personal info, etc. 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. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. 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 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 also did a day hike before our three day backpacking … 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 … 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. All cooking gear and stoves are provided. › South San Juan Wilderness › Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. Although printed in black and white, the maps and detailed trail descriptions are worth the money you spend on this paperback. The northern edge extends to Highway 114 west of Sagauche (sa-WACH) and the south end approaches Highway 160. 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 … 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. This will allow time for learning wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. South San Juan Wilderness Area. 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. This trip is tailored to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated with wilderness travel. 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 ) This will ensure a smoother start to our trip. Crowd-free, rocky mountain highs -- you'll find this and more in Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. 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. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. It's known as Colorado's wildest corner with … Recreation. Report. Our outings seek to empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and participation in the goals of the Club. 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. Participants must be in good physical condition and be prepared for the rigorous physical demands of such a trip. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. 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. Pack less. 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. We plan to cover about 3 miles, gaining about 600 feet and losing about 200 feet. By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. 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. Colorado's last official griz was killed here in 1979, but unconfirmed sightings persist to this day. 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. A group dinner will be served. The clouds have mostly departed from the region, leaving the dawn clear and bright. We chose the South San Juan Wilderness for this trip because we hunt elk there every fall. Wilderness travel brings a variety of challenges, including exposure to high altitude, primitive camping, extreme weather changes, and sore feet from carrying heavy packs. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. 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