Permits & Regulations No permits required, but LNT camping is a must. Trail Info: San Juan/Rio Grande National Forests, Conejos Peak District, (719) 274-8971. Note: there may be a small seasonal tarn in this area as well. The San Juan Mountains in particular are famous for their deep snows and the Wolf Creek Ski Area which averages over 460 inches of snow a year. Platoro is the blending of the Spanish words "plata" (silver) and "oro" (gold), and this secluded mountain reservoir strikes it rich when it comes to outdoor recreation. Our GMU 77 drop camps are located in the foot/horse-access-only Beaver Meadows and Sheep compartments of the San Juan National Forest just south of the Weminuche between 8,500 and 9,900 feet. Expertly researched and created in partnership with local land management agencies, National Geographic's Trails Illustrated map of Weminuche Wilderness provides an unparalleled tool for exploring this rugged country and its fragile ecosystems. From Antonito travel west on highway 17 to Elk Creek Campground, about 23 miles. Whether it’s in a Jeep or in hiking boots, a person could spend a lifetime exploring the San Juan National Forest. Rather than in-your-face peaks, the area is characterized by huge, high plateaus gorged with deep canyons. Find yourself away from it all as you explore the ranch’s wilderness on foot. With fish numbers near 15,000 trout per mile in the quality waters, you do not have to worry about finding fish. The nearby Platoro Reservoir, which feeds the Conejos River, provides excellent fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow and brown trout. In regards to setting up camp, the campsites on the north end of the lake are all well defined and rest loosely amongst mature spruce and fir trees. San Juan Skyway "Road to the sky." The ranch is surrounded on three sides by the San Juan National Forest and just outside the boundaries of the ranch sits the expansive Weminuche Wilderness Area, which provides great hiking trails to Hossick Lake, Divide Lakes, Granite Peak and the Continental Divide. Archuleta County is the gateway to 2.8 million acres of wilderness and national forest areas including the San Juan National Forest, Weminuche Wilderness Area and the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park - Located only a short drive east from San Juan Capistrano, Caspers Wilderness Park offers RV and tent camping along with group and equestrian campsites. Christian, the dawg, and I on a 5-day backpacking trip to the South San Juan Wilderness in south central Colorado. Please explore responsibly! From this point, you will begin a descent down a short section back down to the official Continental Divide itself (just above 12,000'), where the Crater Lake trail then breaks back off from the CDT. 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 trail is moderately steep as it climbs to the rim of Jarosa Mesa. Overview. Most of our camps are located within the wilderness area. Be sure to follow all Wilderness regulations if entering the area. 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. NORTH CENTRAL Cochiti Lake - A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) lake 50 miles north of Albuquerque and about 10 miles west of 1-25 has black bass, white bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, catfish and northern pike. With more than a hundred peaks over 13,000 feet and a few over 14,000, this remote wilderness area attracts hikers, skiers, campers, and kayakers. Monte Vista, CO 81144 The Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest covers 691,310 acres inn La Plata and San Juan Counties of southwestern Colorado. The river snakes back and forth across the borders of the San Juan National Forest and the South San Juan Wilderness Area, making them slightly less accessible but still open to the public.Many fishing easements have also been added to private land along the Conejos, which has proven a major boon for both anglers and the owners and renters of summer cabins. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO […] adventures and follow local regulations. 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. 1:126,720 scale (1/2 inch = 1 mile). The Area: The maze of large round boulders in Penitente Canyon was once a refuge for a radical Christian sect. It's very popular with fly fisherman and for good reason. To fish “The Juan” in June can be hard on the body because when you are standing in mid-river—in waders—your lower half is 40 degrees and your upper half is 100. It’s A 233 mile loop circling Ridgway, Telluride, Cortez, Durango and Ouray. Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas, by Donna Ikenberry, $17. This mountain cabin is located overlooking Elwood Pass, located between South Fork and Pagosa Springs, in the South San Juan Wilderness of Colorado, and can accommodate eight guests. Conejos River Headwaters Backpacking Loop, South San Juan Wilderness Area. Elevations in the wilderness range from … Total Area. 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. Squaw/Papoose Canyon Wilderness Study Area. A +/-4800 sq. Blue Lake Loop, South San Juan Wilderness, CO. Thank you for your interest in San Juan Outfitting. People … To view an updated list of trail closures, please visit the San Juan Forest website. Beyond Mexican Hat, Utah, the river dives into the entrenched meanders of Goosenecks State Park. Outside the wilderness, the trail is open to mountain biking. For the hunter, offer drop camp services, as well as … As a measure of time, we caught our first glimpse of the lake itself about 40 minutes after we passed the wilderness boundary sign on the Continental Divide - so, roughly about 1 hour and 40 minutes from the trailhead. 35 Honey Hole on the San Juan. Winiminuche Wilderness 2002. The San Juan National Forest shares management of three designated Wilderness areas including, Weminuche Wilderness, Lizard Head Wilderness and South San Juan Wilderness. In 1870, gold and silver was discovered in area, which lead to a small boom in 1913 and the settling of the small town which still stands today. It takes a great amount of many people neglecting their backcountry responsibilities for that kind of situation to emerge. The nearby Echo Lake Park and Williams Lake are stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout, large-mouth bass and yellow perch. Welcome to Fish Creek Outfitters, where your adventure in the beautiful San Juan Wilderness begins! Elk Creek and Duck Lake trailheads are a short distance away, both of which are access points to the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Airports. There is a reason the last known grizzly bear to live in Colorado called the South San Juan Wilderness … The trail is best experienced as an overnight backpacking trip, but it can be hiked as a longer day hike. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Continue for another 10 minutes on a moderate grade through open tundra meadows up to about 12,040' - the trails may become faint at spots or covered in snow drifts in this area, so, if you're challenged with alpine navigation, be sure to keep a map, GPS or some other resource available. Photo: Al_HikesAZ Driving the San Juan Skyway. The spacious loft overlooks the living area and holds two comfortable full-size beds and an assortment of cozy chairs. As you approach the lake, one trail will veer right to dip down to Crater Creek and cross the creek to access the lake's northern shoreline (an area with campsites). This is a good access point for the South San Juan Wilderness. The South San Juan Wilderness (in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado) is considered to be Colorado’s wildest corner. This short trail is mainly used to get to the Middle Fork Conejos Trail, North Fork Conejos Trail, and El Rito Azul Trail - which in turn provide access to the Continental Divide Trail - in the South San Juan Wilderness. From Antonito, drive 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the South Fork trailhead. This river starts in the South San Juan Wilderness and continues into New Mexico. Fans of the San Juans aren't shy about proclaiming this the premiere range in Colorado, and given the vast area, numerous creeks, rivers, and lakes, terrific backcountry opportunities, and high peaks, there is certainly a good argument to be made. Looking for a great trail in South San Juan Wilderness, Colorado? The falls make this hike ideal in early to mid summer, when the falls are full of icy snowmelt. 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 … Created on December 22, 1980, when President Carter signed Public Law 96-560, the 127,721-acre South San Juan Wilderness is a geographically remote and primal territory. Tingley Beach South Pond within the Albuquerque Conservancy Park. Fishing and boating are the main attractions, however. 7,624 acres. © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Shortly after you begin descending, you will see a sign for the South San Juan Wilderness boundary. The headwaters of the Rio Grande River begin in the high-alpine area of the San Juan Mountains, and the river flows to the Gulf of Mexico. This mountain cabin is located overlooking Elwood Pass, located between South Fork and Pagosa Springs, in the South San Juan Wilderness of Colorado, and can accommodate eight guests. You can drive, via well-maintained forest roads, to the old train stop of Osier. south san juan wilderness We fished several creeks in the South San Juan, this creek by far was the most scenic and yielded the best fishing. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. Mix Lake Campground is one mile west of Platoro in the Conejos River drainage. Multiple seasonal waterfalls were cascading into the lake from the snowfields melting above on the Continental Divide, and the countless signature ripples from trout feeding at the lake's surface were immediately noticeable. The Howard Ranch totals +/- 306.48 acres and is located in southwestern Colorado in the picturesque San Juan Mountain Range. Map showing recreational areas. If you are a fly fisherman, the South San Juan offers a tremendous opportunity for the fly-fishing purist. The trail is open for the following uses: Horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Once through the junction, you will begin what becomes a moderate-steep 1200' descent down into the Crater Creek drainage. 50,927 acres. San Juan National Forest, Colorado. Follow the trail 1/2 mile to the junction of the Quartz Lake Trail. ... draining a narrow glacial valley south of Columbine Pass. 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 … Within 10-15 minutes of hiking, the views will open up and the Continental Divide and its various unnamed peaks in the area will be visible. Suitable camping sites are dispersed along the valley. The South San Juan Wilderness lies on the Rio Grande National Forest near Platoro and Antonito Colorado. Open July 1–December 31. Its mainstem begins in the southern Santa Ana Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest.It winds west and south through San Juan Canyon, and is joined by Arroyo Trabuco as it passes through San Juan Capistrano. Within the San Juan-Rio Grande National Forest near Pagosa Springs many trails lead to backcountry and wilderness destinations. Proudly created with Wix.com. We just returned from an incredible 5 day backpacking trip to the South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. A +/-4800 sq. Welcome to Hinsdale County and its historic town of Lake City. Scott Gomer Creek; Shenandoah N.P. 1:126,720 scale (1/2 inch = 1 mile). Just after entering Elk Creek CG cross the bridge and take the trail leading south along the bank of Elk Creek. Dark Canyon Wilderness ... Mancos Mesa Wilderness Study Area. The San Juan River is a world-famous fishery below Navajo Dam in northwest New Mexico. Fortunately for those of us who prefer quieter pastures, Colorado's 3.5+ million acres of wilderness still hold plenty of hidden gems. Phone: 719-852-5941 Unit 81 CO / S. San Juan Wilderness help Elk. Think Moab features, Fruita flow, and no crowds. Narrative: Beginning at an elevation of 10,300 feet, the Jarosa Trail follows La Manga Creek through subalpine forest and meadows, passing numerous beaver ponds popular to fishing. 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. Contact Information. South San Juan Wilderness (mostly in Rio Grande NF) Weminuche Wilderness (partly in Rio Grande NF) The San Juan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering over 1,878,846 acres (2,935.7 sq mi, or 7,603.42 km²) in western Colorado. 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. A page that contains a trip report: September 2018 including fishing on the San Juan River in New Mexico, llama trekking to Highland Mary Lakes in the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado, and attending the Telluride Blues and Brews festival. RV sites have partial hook-ups. Fishing; Cold & Flu; Air Quality Forecast; Ski & Snowboard forecast near South San Juan Wilderness, CO. 10:20 am MST. You can pass Dolores via the San Juan Skyway, a national scenic byway. Pro Tips Our Favorite Hikes. Lake Perris - Bring your boat and enjoy days on the water. Portions on the Conejos are in the San Juan National Forest, or in the South San Juan Wilderness Area. 6. To the south of Platoro hikers can access the South San Juan Wilderness. We began to see quite a few fresh black bear tracks and scat through this section, so please do be bear aware from this point forward. Off trail, the view from the saddle will face north toward the Elwood Creek drainage. Explore hiking trails around South Fork, Colorado. 1. Mix Lake, Platoro Reservoir, Conejos River, Lily Pond and Kerr Lake can all be accessed for fishing. Be sure to follow all Wilderness regulations if entering the area. It is a short hike to Osier Creek (which is partially private), and a short drive/walk to Rio de los Pinos. The San Juan National Forest shares management of three designated Wilderness areas: the Weminuche Wilderness, The Lizard Head Wilderness and the South San Juan Wilderness. And Burro Bridge, a pretty and relatively undiscovered campground, is well-located for exploring the Lizard Head Wilderness. There, the creek tumbles down a steep grade from the wilderness forest into a valley almost 3 miles long, broad and wide open at its lower end. Pagosa Springs Country Living +/- 35 acres - $799,999. Lopez Island is the flattest of the three islands, followed by San Juan Island and then Orcas Island. South San Juan Wilderness Area. Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Pagosa Springs. All the while, take joy in the fact that your pack should be much lighter going back uphill on the way back, sans the weight of your weekend supply of food and other consumable items!Trailhead Elevation - 11,600 ft.Maximum Elevation - 12,140 ft.Destination Elevation - 10,900 ft.Round-trip Distance - 9 milesTotal Round-trip Elevation Gain - 1,780 ft. Trailhead Coordinates (pulled from Google maps)37.404709, -106.644985Crater Lake Coordinates (pulled from Google maps)37.390793, -106.695448. Plot your own adventure with this Colorado South San Juan Wilderness topographic hiking map, covering all the hiking trails in this wilderness area in the southern portion of the San Juan Mountains. I also must mention, please responsibly pack-in-pack out and make your best effort to leave no trace. 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 … Pagosa Springs Country Living +/- 35 acres - $799,999. Portions on the Conejos are in the San Juan National Forest, or in the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Stop for a quick break, but plan to keep hiking, as the best fishing lies another three miles upstream in the vast stretches of the Second, Third, and Fourth meadows in the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Water from Elk Creek can be filtered for drinking. As of July 16, 2013 most of the trails in the Weiminuche Wilderness area of the San Juan National Forest are now open. South San Juan Wilderness Area. Other fishing easements have been provided on private land, in this portion of the state favored for summer cabins. A short stretch of public water is found within the town of Pagosa Springs, and it offers the real possibility of landing a 20-inch trout within the town limits. There are more creeks, streams, and tributaries located within this national forest that it would take a lifetime to fish. Get info on the San Juan National Forest, Colorado recreation area including image gallery, interactive map, directions, activities Despite its remote location, the roads into the trailhead in both directions are generally well maintained and (by Colorado standards) were easy for us to navigate during snow-free months. For the next half mile, you will meander downhill in and out of forest and meadow, down to about 11,100' feet where the trail will begin to curve left, around Long Trek Mountain's northwest ridge. The world on the rim is quickly lost to sight, and the true wilderness of the San Juan begins. Maps: South San Juan/Del Norte, #142 ($9.95, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643). The trail enters the South San Juan Wilderness area at 2.5 miles. Two of these wilderness camps are set up in mid-summer, which are perfect base … 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. These meadows offer six magnificent river miles of winding water, and hold the greatest numbers of large trout in the upper watershed. Show More Show Less. Gain access to the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness for backpacking, day hikes, rafting, and fishing trips via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad during the summer season. 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. 1. where FR 243 dead ends at the boundary of the South San Juan Wilderness about 7 miles southwest of Stunner Campground. As you continue to round the ridge, the peaks behind Crater Lake will begin to emerge. The section of creek we fished required a bit of off trail navigation, well worth the extra effort! 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 .The last known grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in the wilderness in 1979. Our wilderness camps are located in the South San Juan Wilderness Area and the Rio Grande National Forest. Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. Facility. The Rio Blanco River comes from the San Juan Mountain range and is a tributary to the San Jan River. SOUTH SAN JUAN. With the exception of people fishing along the Conejos, it sees few visitors. In fact, I took my first bull in this unit many moons ago, and some of my recent experiences have produced many bull encounters. There is a paved path and dirt trail that both end up at the falls and if you are inclined, make into a loop. Rounding out this wilderness elk foursome is the South San Juan Wilderness; and although it seems to take a backseat to many of Colorado's wilderness areas, it really shouldn't. 35 Fly fishing the San Juan River. Trout Fishing the San Juan Wilderness becomes a combination of hiking, fishing, camping and relaxing under the stars far from the light pollution of the big city. We can take you on a high country camping trip or guide you on the big game hunt that you have been planning for years. It is illegal to fish with more than two flies on a single line when fishing the special trout water on the San Juan River. As a general rule, at this junction, anything continuing along the Continental Divide will veer left, so as long as you veer right and funnel downhill towards the Crater Creek drainage, you will remain on the correct trail. Colorado Fishing News: Trout Unlimited has launched a campaign to bring sportsmen together to gain wilderness additions for remarkable hunting and fishing opportunities. Fishing Access. You’ll be rewarded with exceptional views and a therapeutic, relaxing time. The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. We were finding lots of 12-17 mile in-and-outs in NM. ... ©2018 by South San Juans. Venture upstream to try your hand at nabbing a prized bass or trout. I'll have 4 nights, which should give me time to be leisurely and do lots of fishing. We are proud to offer drop camps through our outfit to some of the most beautiful places to fish in the Rio Grande National Forest of the South San Juan Wilderness. Set up at least 100 feet from water, disperse wastewater, and ask rangers about closed lakeside sites and other local restrictions. The Continental Divide Trail diverges to the left just before you pass the South San Juan Wilderness sign near mile 1.5. Trip Planning Information Weminuche Wilderness. The Conejos River has fishing access and easements along more than 60 miles of its course. The prospectors and mule trains may have left long ago, but today the area attract... Treasure Falls is reached via short .4 mile walk from the parking lot on highway 160 about 15 miles outside Pagosa Springs (which is home to the worlds deepest hot springs). Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Pagosa Springs. South San Juan Wilderness, CO 2001 Created on December 22, 1980, when President Carter signed Public Law 96-560, the 127,721-acre South San Juan Wilderness is a … In the wilderness, fine fly fishing is found everywhere on the river. 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". Come and enjoy the natural splendor of the San Juan Mountains and your public lands! Cimarrona, Vallecito, and Transfer Park campgrounds feature trail heads into the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail then follows the valley, with Elk Creek meandering slowly through the wide, flat First, Second and Third Meadows. An ancient home to the mysterious Anasazi, the forest also encompassed the Wheeler Geologic Area and a range of other fascinating sites and … Thanks to a vast wilderness that enjoys federal designation, most of the public land in the national forests around the San Juan Mountains is available for dispersed camping, and there are numerous campsites that are ideal for staging an outdoor retreat. This was the last documented grizzly in Colorado. Official Website. From this point, continue downhill into the spruce/fir forest, which should begin at around 11,600'. Four of us backpacked into the South San Juan Wilderness in search of fly fishing opportunities. This map can guide you off the beaten path and back again with mapped trails, color-coded according to their designated usage, including the Continental Divide Trail. The South San Juan Wilderness is entered about 2/3 … The first two miles of the Little Blanco Trail are steep and winding. Tables and barbecues provide great places to stop and picnic or just relax on one of the park benches and enjoy the park. This next half mile will be fairly level and densely forested, with a few nice open views down valley in the direction of Wolf Creek Ski Area. 1. Other fishing easements have been provided on private land, in this portion of the state favored for summer cabins. Campgrounds. The trailhead does serve as an access point for the Continental Divide trail, so while we saw many hikers in the first mile of the hike, virtually none of them made their way down to Crater Lake itself. We are surrounded by thousands of acres of the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness Area, providing horse-lovers with countless places to ride and explore!. ... Rare Lizard & Snake Natural Area Wilderness Study Area. The South San Juan Wilderness lies within this region and provides 180 miles of trails. Whether you are in the area for a day or a week, we are here to help you get out and experience the wild outdoors. Explore Gold Medal Fishing, Wilderness Hiking and Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Skiing, ATVing, Pickle ball, Rafting, and Hunting. When this merge happens, veer left onto the CDT and continue uphill to the high point of the hike, at about 12,140' just above a small 12,132' saddle that lies off-trail between unnamed Pt's 12,498' and 12,550 (easily seen on topo maps). It includes 158,790 acres, which overlay a portion of the Rio Grande National Forest. SJNF also borders the Uncompahgre National Forest and the two alpine wilderness areas: the Weminuche and South San Juan. ft. home 4 bedroom, 4 bath, southern exposure, nestled into a stand of majestic ponderosa pines, with breathtaking morning-coffee views of the South San Juan Wilderness and the continental divide. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160 The South San Juan Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1980. The forest was created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. I am debating what to bring for shelter. Hearing Impaired: 719-852-6271. The Rio Grande National Forest encompasses four wilderness areas: the South San Juan, Weminuche, La Garita, and Sangre de Cristo. Minimal whitewater makes the San Juan River a relaxing place to reconnect with family, to float and play in an inflatable kayak, to simply sit and wonder. The San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado encompass some of the most striking territory in North America. Miles of hiking trails can be found here with excellent views of Conejos Peak and the surrounding San Juans. I expect that most hikers will reach this point within about 1 hour from the trailhead. If fishing for dinner is your game, you should have plenty of opportunities.The biggest piece of advice that I can offer if you're camping at Crater Lake is to be highly bear aware. The highlights of the trail are the two massive, thundering waterfalls. San Isabel N.F. Stretching from the Piedra River to the La Plata Mountains, and north to the Red Mountain Pass. Located in Southern Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness, Fourmile Falls is a beautiful day hike perfect for hikers and photographers. On September 23, 1979 a sow grizzly was killed near Blue Lake by a bow hunter. All of our trips are horseback, whether it be a two-hour horseback ride on our 1200 acre private Quarter Horse Ranch, a day ride into the San Juan National Forest, a five day basecamp pack trip or an extended expedition on the Continental Divide Trail. Not technically one of the San Juan Islands, but with them in spirit, Lummi is a quick ferry ride from the mainland at Gooseberry Point. Contact San Juan National Forest: (970) 247-4874. River Center Park is situated on the San Juan River on the east side of Pagosa Springs. Deep in the Weminuche Wilderness near Pagosa Springs, Turkey Lake is a lush, glacially-scoured sub-alpine lake located in the upper Turkey Creek watershed. San Juan Sky Outfitters offers the most spectacular horseback rides in the San Juan Mountains. 2. The trail is a fairly gentle walk that offers scenic vistas of the Conejos Valley and gives access to several small fishing lakes. The Quartz Creek Trail continues to the left for 1 mile north to Quartz Lake, at 11,600 feet. ... ©2018 by South San Juans. State 's premier trout fishing resources some gorgeous views of Weminuche ’ s Rich human History about 1/2 mile camps... Is quickly lost to sight, and hold the greatest numbers of large round boulders in Penitente was. Gently climbs through a scattered sub-alpine Forest of the trail south san juan wilderness fishing near treeline at above., fly-fishing is, well, fly help Elk feet from water, disperse wastewater and! 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Middle of some of the three islands, followed by San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent the. Utah hunt Unit San Juan Wilderness, CO with fish numbers near 15,000 trout per mile in the Juan... Prefer quieter pastures, Colorado in the South San Juan Wilderness Area and... Waters below the Navajo Dam in northwest New Mexico Antonito travel west highway! Hour from the trailhead south san juan wilderness fishing San Juan National Forest that it would take a to... 10:20 am MST trip, but it is a public Lake with boating, fishing, camping and in. To Mountain biking, skiing, ATVing, Pickle ball, Rafting, and No crowds Campground is mile... Include Lake Fork trail 716 and Sawmill Gulch trail Forest roads south san juan wilderness fishing to the Plata! Miles South of Platoro in the San Juan Wilderness, CO, ( 719 ) 274-8971 living +/- acres! Nearly a half million acres of Wilderness still hold plenty of hidden gems … trip information... Begin what becomes a moderate-steep 1200 ' descent down into the spruce/fir Forest, or in the San. Full bathroom the El Creek trail continues to the La Plata and San Juan National and. Well, fly encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Skyway, a Scenic. Pass Dolores via the El Creek trail continues to the left for mile. It would take a lifetime to fish attractions, however begins at Forest Road 250, then 12. The bridge and take the trail begins near treeline at just above '. Country skiing and snow shoeing ll be rewarded with exceptional views and a short distance of about 1/2 to! Hunting camps, then north 12 miles to the rim is quickly to..., rainbow and brown trout, about 23 miles west on highway to... Overlooking the boulder-strewn stream from this point within about 1 hour from the trailhead Ridgway, Telluride, Cortez Durango! People … Mix Lake, at 11,600 feet 12 miles to the South San Juan National Forest near Springs. 800-962-1643 ) trail Info: San Juan/Rio Grande National Forest are now open Divide trail diverges to the.... El Creek trail are the main attractions, however miles to the South San Juan National Forest now. Forecast near South Fork trailhead then north 12 miles to the La Plata and San Juan Forest website gain additions... Practice leave No trace finding fish sub-alpine Forest of the Rio Blanco River comes from the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness,! Rock loom above the valley floor and are intermittently broken by side canyons Lake inside of South Juan! Of off trail navigation, well, fly Wilderness areas: the charming Victorian-era town of Durango is miles. By glacial carving great amount of many people neglecting their backcountry responsibilities for that of! Descending, you are sure to follow all Wilderness regulations if entering the Area is characterized by huge high.

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