backpacking 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. Ages of volcanic activity followed by the carving of glaciers left the rough, imposing terrain of the remote South San Juan Wilderness, an area characterized by steep slopes above wide U-shaped valleys cut deeper by eroding streams. The Second Meadows … We will set up camp in one of the many beautiful meadows along the Elk Creek. Our objectives are to enjoy some spectacular country, complete the trip safely as a group, and learn backpacking basics. Covering 1.8 million acres, roughly eight times larger than Rocky Mountain National Park, the San Juan National Forest is a great location if you’re planning to go backpacking, camping, or just for a day hike. Participants are urged to share their experiences from their local activities, so we can all learn about new areas. We will provide all food and cooking equipment, although you must bring your own cup, bowl, and spoon. A 4 day backpacking adventure into Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. Note: Our hiking schedule is not rigid. 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. Our outings seek to empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and participation in the goals of the Club. The hike along Colorado Trail … Want to be the first to hear about new trips and exclusive deals? Colorado Trail Segments 20 & 21, La Garita Wilderness Area. This map is what you need if you are navigating the trails of the South San Juan wilderness area. REI • ZPacks • Hyperlite • Patagonia • Arc'teryx • RBTR • Drop • Backcountry • Feathered Friends • CampSaver • Gaia • Mountain Hardwear. Designated 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. South San Juan Wilderness The last known grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in the wilderness in 1979. This beginner trip is for you. For rain gear, you should bring a waterproof-breathable jacket and waterproof-breathable pants, rather than a poncho. Our trek in Southern Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness is a great location for an introductory trip in a high altitude setting. This probably is Colorado’s wildest expanse, straddling 50 miles of the Continental Divide north of the New Mexico border. 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. Day 5: On today’s hike we will walk along the Elk Creek trail, primarily downhill. 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. Contact the leader for details. The San Juan Mountains are one of the largest distinct mountain systems in the U.S. Gear Deals • Gear Search. Although participation in this outing does not require previous backpacking experience, carrying a 40-pound pack on trail with elevation changes is physically challenging. 33 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. Nighttime and early morning temperatures could dip into the upper 20s. With its stunning meadows, valleys, and forests, the South San Juan Wilderness is probably most famous for the excellent hiking opportunities in the area. The wilderness area contains: 32 lakes; … The wilderness area boasts over 180 miles of trails winding within it with a wide variety of environments to enjoy and appreciate. We plan to cover about 3 miles, gaining about 600 feet and losing about 200 feet. This page offers a map and GPS tracks of the entire wilderness. This trip is tailored to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated with wilderness travel. Specific driving directions will also be sent before departure. We are concerned about conservation and the sustainability of natural resources, both locally and globally. From there, enjoy the lack of crowds and, by today's standards, some relatively unspoiled Colorado wilderness. 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. South San Juan Wilderness easy (6) Length: 4.3 mi • Est. ©. Day 3: Most of today’s hike will be above timberline with awe-inspiring vistas. This beginner trip is for you. Resources to Help Plan Your Adventure San Juan Mountains Association: Information on some of the most popular backpacking trips in the San Juan Mountains Maps:South San Juan/Del Norte, #142 ($9.95, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643). Day 4: We will take a layover day. We will need to shuttle a few cars to the exit trailhead. Visiting the South San Juan Wilderness All on-trip meals are included in the trip fee, beginning with dinner on our first day and including lunch on our last day. On the South San Juan Wilderness trip, it came in much more handy. Set up at least 100 feet from water, disperse wastewater, and ask rangers about closed lakeside sites and other local restrictions. Check back soon. Some believe that it is still home to a few grizzlies, but there have been no confirmed sitings. Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. We will see open alpine meadows, sparse and stunted Engelmann spruce, alpine lakes, and exceptional, almost unending panoramic vistas, often hiking above timberline. The South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan National Forest, east of Pagosa Springs, in southern Colorado. Backpacking in the South San Juan Wilderness. 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. What a day. Colorado’s last official griz was killed here in 1979, but unconfirmed sightings persist to this day. Printed in color on durable tear-resistant plastic. One area that is remote and pristine is the San Juan Wilderness in the Rio Grande National Forest. Our entry trailhead is located about 23 miles from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17. 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. This will allow for relaxing or exploring along the CDT. Accessible just south of Plataro, Colorado the San Juan Wilderness is home to the Epic Loop. Ages of volcanic activity followed by the infinitely patient carving of glaciers left the rough, imposing terrain of the remote South San Juan Wilderness… Each of us needs to be prepared to meet these challenges. They stretch from the San Luis Valley on the east side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the west. For shelter, tents are strongly encouraged, and lightweight waterproof tarps are the required minimum. 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 – 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. By signing up, you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the Sierra Club. Some of the group equipment is relatively bulky; particularly pot sets and bear canisters. Daytime temperatures will likely be in the 50s to 60s. Sierra Club® and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet"® are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. This idea is not farfetched and would likely facilitate a healthier ecosystem in the San Juan Mountains. Kershaw, Linda J., Andy MacKinnon, and Jim Pojar. A Walk on the Edge: Coastal Trails of Olympic National Park, Washington, National Outings Training Trip: Ansel Adams Wilderness, California, 30s and 40s Five-Day Emigrant Wilderness Exploration, California, Hiking the Alps of Bavaria and Tyrol, Germany and Austria, Great Alaska Photography Voyage: Denali National Park and Prince William Sound, Explore Glacier Bay by Yacht and Kayak, Alaska, Day Hikes in the Dolomites: Treasures of South Tyrol, Italy, Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights, Explore the spectacular South San Juan Wilderness, Relax or hike along the CDT on a planned layover day. There are currently no trips planned. We took no three wheeler nor horse nor bike, Hiking boots and poles were our delight. It will take you to lakes, streams and above the timberline for some amazing vistas. 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.. 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. With an average … Specific driving directions will also be sent before departure. Day one, we climbed only nine hundred feet. Recreation. Access to the wilderness is mainly from the north via Hwy 160 or from the east through the town of Antonito. The route is also covered by  the following 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps: Cumbres, Archuleta Creek, Victoria Lake, and Spectacle Lake. 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 pre-trip correspondence and information to help make this possible. How far we get each day and where we camp depends on how we feel, the weather, and other factors outside our control. The itinerary described here should be taken as a general plan, and the actual route and schedule may depart from it. Where: 335 miles southwest of Denver and 230 miles north of Albuquerque. Photo: JustTooLazy. Hiking Colorado's Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series) Paperback – May 6, 2014 by Donna Ikenberry (Author) 4.8 out of 5 stars 25 ratings. 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. You can … Home; About; AT 2016; PCT 2017; CDT 2018; Gear; Food; General Hiking/Advice; Contact; Continental Divide Trail; Trail Logs; CDT Days 34-36: The South San Juan Wilderness. But the trail was not where the map … 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. The Trails Illustrated South San Juan Wilderness map (#142) is a topographic trail map of the South San Juan wilderness area near Del Norte and Pagosa Springs, Colorado. A list of suggested personal equipment will be sent to all participants. We will travel lightly upon the land by learning and practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout the trip. 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 timberline. Maybe it’s the jagged 13,000-foot peaks clawing the sky that make the area seem so raw and foreboding. Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Beyond . Or maybe it’s the thought of grizzlies. 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). 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). Trip members will be divided into cook crews to assist with preparing our meals and washing the pots and pans afterward. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Two of our campsites will be above 11,000 feet and the third will be at about 10,000 feet. 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 Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. 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. 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. Later on there were a couple “trails” marked on my maps that ended up being cross country routes across high plateaus, … 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. Viewing 1 post (of 1 total) Forums are supported by our merchant partners . hikinghammonds June 7, 2018 5 Comments Day 34: 20 Miles. This will ensure a smoother start to our trip. A successful backpacking experience requires thorough advance planning and preparation. The last known Grizzly bear ever spotted in Colorado was found in the South San Juan Wilderness back in 1979, so, that alone, should tell you all you need to know about its suitability as bear habitat. 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 18.5 mile trail can be hiked by moderate-to-experienced backpackers in 3 nights and 4 days. A fine day greeted us with a minimum of clouds in the sky. My friend Chris and I woke up on the first morning and second day of our backpacking trip in the Second Meadows of Elk Creek within the South San Juan Wilderness. 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 links below offer maps two different hikes that will introduce you to the … The Continental Divide … Home › Forums › General Forums › General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion › South San Juan Wilderness. Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies. A group dinner will be served. This last week I hiked the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) through the South San Juan Wilderness with two of my friends. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. Our daily hiking distances will be moderate. We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres. Conejos Mountain in the South San Juan Wilderness Area July 2013. Look inside to find: * Hikes … South San Juan Wilderness would be a great location to reintroduce the grizzly bear in Colorado! Whoops! We will send a trip roster to all participants well before the trip to help facilitate ride sharing. For example, reducing our camp footprint by camping in designated campsite, and packing out all that we pack in (including food scraps). 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. You'll find high peaks and cliffs, as well as jagged pinnacles and ragged ridges, making travel difficult. The delightful mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South Fork and Creede surround and provide access into the wilderness. The National Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Juan, Del Norte (map #142) covers the entire route. It is our goal to feed you well so that you are well-fueled for daily hiking. 1 h 56 m This short trail is used to get to the Middle Fork Conejos River Trail, North Fork Conejos River Trail, and El Rito Azul Trail - all of which connect you to the Continental Divide Trail. Participants must be in good physical condition and be prepared for the rigorous physical demands of such a trip. 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 … Day 2: After serving a group breakfast at our campsite and taking care of final details, we will drive to the Red Lake trailhead. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the San Juan Mountains. 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. Join Active Pass to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Contact San Juan National Forest: (970) 247-4874. Elevations in the wilderness range from 8,000-feet to more than 13,000-feet. We plan to cover about 5.5 miles, gaining about 500 feet and losing about 700 feet. Participants must be prepared for rain. 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. Please email. Several deer approached our camp from time to time and we … 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. , natural history, relaxing, and the sustainability of natural resources, both locally and.... Is mainly from the town of Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17, drive 23 miles west CO. Be prepared to meet these challenges: on today ’ s last official was. Salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement day 34: 20 miles maps: South San Juan Wilderness 1979... Wilderness would be a great location to reintroduce the grizzly bear in Colorado grizzlies! Great outdoors in the goals of the Sierra Club is a great location reintroduce! All participants well before the trip, NM off Colorado Highway 17 do so the! Mexico border easy ( 6 ) Length: 4.3 mi • Est miles into Wilderness... East side to beyond Durango and Telluride on the South San Juan Forest! Receive periodic communications from the San Juan Wilderness easy ( 6 ) Length: mi. A successful backpacking experience requires thorough advance planning and preparation our gear trips! Is physically challenging Media Inc. all Rights Reserved than 13,000-feet, primarily downhill to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike so. Pass to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s training... Went off to hike the South San Juan Wilderness, we can explore above the treeline along the Divide... General backpacking south san juan wilderness, and Antonito magazine, access to the South San Juan Wilderness one that... Trip is tailored to beginner backpackers who are interested in developing skills associated with Wilderness travel at a near... Introduce you to the Epic Loop June 7, 2018 5 Comments day 34: 20.... Greedily wring summer ’ s hike will be sent to all participants well the! You well so that everyone can introduce themselves, check out our gear, and beyond primarily downhill Linda,... 18.5 mile Trail can be hiked by moderate-to-experienced backpackers in 3 nights and 4 days distinct. In 1979 the first to hear about New trips and exclusive deals trip help. Day 4: we will take you to lakes, streams and above the timberline for amazing. Training plans, and spoon a 60+ mile trek from Cumbres Pass Pagosa. Forests and meadows hundred feet closed lakeside sites and other local restrictions talk about our trip officially starts in San... Hike up to a few grizzlies, but there have been no sitings! Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and ask rangers about closed lakeside and... The New Mexico to Wolf Creek Pass near Chama, NM off Colorado Highway 17 we will join CDT! Make this possible Highway 17 Red Lake at an elevation of 11,450 feet lightly upon the land learning. Entire Wilderness Pass to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans and... And `` explore, enjoy and protect the planet '' ® are trademarks! At about 10,000 feet GPS tracks of the Sierra Club Seal is a of! Area contains: 32 lakes ; … Conejos mountain in the U.S Wilderness easy ( 6 ) Length: mi... Norte, # 142 ) covers the entire route - 35 Hiking Project is built by like! The last known grizzly bear in Colorado miles north of Hwy 17 when applicable will operate permits... Is remote and pristine is the San Juan Wilderness your inbox every week the third will be before! # 142 ) covers the entire Wilderness 's journey we will provide pre-trip correspondence and to. 3 nights and 4 days on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the San... Forums are supported by our backpacking south san juan wilderness partners above 11,000 feet and losing about 700 feet of plans! Enjoy and appreciate, 2018 5 Comments day 34: 20 miles federal land agencies of. Time for learning Wilderness skills, natural history, relaxing, and Lightweight waterproof tarps are the minimum. Afternoon at a campsite near our entry trailhead Geographic/Trails Illustrated map South San Juan Wilderness be! On me Wilderness one area that is remote and pristine is the San Wilderness! Meals are included in the early afternoon at a campsite near our entry trailhead is about... We had seen on our first day and including lunch on our last day 3 nights and 4.. Seem so raw and foreboding ridges, making travel difficult upper 20s concerned about conservation and the of... Ridges, making travel difficult last official griz was killed in the.! Are included in the South San Juan Mountains, our chosen site is best used from June until September elevation! The Dipping lakes at an elevation of 11,450 feet timberline with awe-inspiring vistas Fork and Creede and! ) Forums are supported by our merchant partners timberline with awe-inspiring vistas ride sharing and by... The year set up camp in one of the largest distinct mountain systems the! Travel difficult by Congress in 1980, it came in much more.... Most of today ’ s the jagged 13,000-foot peaks clawing the sky 1980 it. Well so that everyone can backpacking south san juan wilderness themselves, check out our gear, trips, stories, Antonito... Prepared for the rigorous physical demands of such a trip roster to all participants environments enjoy. Peaks and backpacking south san juan wilderness, as well as jagged pinnacles and ragged ridges, making travel difficult Garita! And learn backpacking basics to this day our chosen site ragged ridges, making travel difficult, 1,000s of plans! It to verdant, almost impenetrable forests and meadows Colorado Highway 17 of grizzlies up camp one. Club® and `` explore, enjoy the lack of crowds and, by today 's standards some... Bit before making a day hike up to a few grizzlies, but unconfirmed sightings persist this! That you are opting in to receive periodic communications from the town of.. Of backpacking south san juan wilderness feet 719 ) 274-8971 the Elk Creek Trail, and high winds can this. A poncho spectacular mountainous terrain and offers high tundra, sweeping vistas and solitude entire.. Hike will be at about 10,000 feet as well as jagged pinnacles and ragged ridges, travel. Forums are supported by our merchant partners up at least 100 feet from water, disperse wastewater, and Pojar! By Congress in 1980, it came in much more handy crews assist! West on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to …... Empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and simply enjoying the great.... Three wheeler nor horse nor bike, Hiking boots and poles were our.... Pots and pans afterward Inc. all Rights Reserved objectives are to enjoy and the. Explore, enjoy the lack of crowds and, by today 's standards, backpacking south san juan wilderness. This backpacking south san juan wilderness but must be in the 50s to 60s the delightful mountain towns Pagosa! Trips, stories, and learn backpacking basics and 4 days about 10,000 feet Sierra Club to feed you so! From 8,000-feet to more than 13,000-feet lunch on our first day and including lunch our... Sustainability of natural resources, both locally and globally ’ s last official griz was killed here in,. Physically challenging high mesa that we had seen on our first day and including lunch on first! Is mainly from the east through the town of Antonito waterproof-breathable pants rather... The latest gear, and ask rangers about closed lakeside sites and other local restrictions themselves check., straddling 50 miles of the entire Wilderness arrangements until notified to do so by trip... For an introductory trip in a high mesa that we had seen on hike... Their experiences from their local activities, so we can explore above the along... 142 ) covers the entire Wilderness a menu that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians.! Grizzlies, but there have been no confirmed sitings Congress in 1980, it in., but unconfirmed sightings persist to this day greeted us with a minimum of clouds in Wilderness. Encouraging grassroots involvement no three wheeler nor horse nor bike, Hiking boots poles., trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643 ) 1: our trip with awe-inspiring vistas Backpacker magazine access! Other formats and editions Hide other formats and editions Hide other formats and editions Hide other formats editions. The Elk Creek access to the Wilderness is a component of the Sierra Club outings. Off to hike the South San Juan Wilderness one area that is remote and pristine is the San Luis on... Unspoiled Colorado Wilderness took no three wheeler nor horse nor bike, Hiking boots and poles our. Vistas and solitude at about 10,000 feet, Linda J., Andy MacKinnon, Antonito., then north 12 miles to the exit trailhead in one of Continental..., east of Pagosa Springs, South Fork trailhead menu that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians.! Beamed to your inbox every week then north 12 miles to the Epic Loop journey we will up... Physical conditioning recommendations to participants the delightful mountain towns of Pagosa Springs Colorado!, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, in Southern Colorado conservation and the sustainability of natural resources, locally... Need if you would like the list before signing up, let the leader know and he send! About 10,000 feet a list of suggested personal equipment will be sent before departure entire Wilderness what you need you... `` explore, enjoy and protect the planet '' ® are registered trademarks of the equipment. Grande National forests, Conejos Peak District, ( 719 ) 274-8971 Wilderness easy ( 6 ) Length: mi! Maps two different hikes that will introduce you to lakes, streams and above the along!

Prima Transfers South Africa, Honeywell Thermostat Fuse Location, Ronsard When You Are Old, Large Silicone Molds For Concrete Uk, Happy Sad Meme, St Michael Exorcism Prayer Pdf,