San Juan National Forest - South San Juan Wilderness: San Juan GJHikes /2013/04/gypsum-gap-rock-shelter.html • 0 • In View. Difficult. Covid has really put a damper on travel plans over the past year. Backpacking in the San Juan Mountains Trails in San Juan National Forest - 364. Durango is in the southwestern part of the Rocky Mountains state of Colorado. Discover below our favorite things to do in the San Juan Mountains. It is also the sixth highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain chain. Conejos River Headwaters Loop Trailhead: Three Forks Trailhead San Juan Mountains . Last week Claudia and I went on a 5-day backpacking loop in the Uncompahgre Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains east of Ouray. Durango is located in the SW corner of Colorado, at the intersection of the sandstone towers of the desert, and the jagged, San Juan Mountains. Beginner Trails: San Juan National Forest San Juan Mountains Association Map and Book Store has maps for purchase online or by phone, fax, and mail. Find more information about climbing Colorado’s peaks at the Rocky Mountain Region 14ers page. This multi-day, 31.5-mile backpacking loop is guaranteed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime! Colorado backpacking trips in the Weminuche Wilderness, Lizard Head Wilderness, San Juan National Forest, and more. The Region, the Hikes & the Base Camps. Most of Colorado’s most iconic trails reside in the San Juan Mountains. “In 2020, things were just booked,” said Jonathan Erickson, recreation program manager for the San Juan National Forest. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. After another fun 4th of July in Ouray, I went on a 5-day backpacking loop in the Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Kendall Mountain, Mountaineer Peak, Mount Rhoda Loop, located in San Juan National Forest, Colorado. The area features two scenic byways – the San Juan Skyway and Alpine Loop Backcountry byway. DISTANCE: 15 miles round-trip/ Approximately 8 hours (hiking) Tags: august hike hike of the month hiking san juan mountain hiking telluride mountains Wasatch trail distance: 16 miles (loop) | elevation: 3,162’ (8,988’ starting) | difficulty: strenuous. Aug 23, 2013 - Photos from a backpacking loop in the Weminuche Wilderness, San Juan Mountains, Colorado. I left from the Beartown trailhead, hiked south along the Continental Divide Trail for a couple days until reaching the area of Flint Lakes and Rock Lake. The San Juans are undoubtedly Colorado's finest range with unsurpassed beauty and enough peaks, lakes and open meadows to feed your mountain climbing, backpacking and photography desires. Climb up 10,000 feet to what feels like the top of the world on the San Juan Skyway. Ouray is in another part of Colorado where you can find not only beautiful historic mining towns but also fantastic hiking trails. You'll find about 180 miles of trails, and some of the most exemplary backpacking in the state. Difficult. Agencies I've visited in this region: Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison National Forest. Chicago Basin, with its proximity to three of Colorado’s 14’ers, is a popular backpacker destination and is easy to access via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Another incredibly popular backpacking destination near Telluride, Colorado. If you want a night off from camping, but still want to enjoy an evening close to nature there are several creative lodging options in the San Juan Mountains. Chicago Basin. I camp Couldn't ask for more. Over Labor Day weekend, three friends and I took a road trip to Colorado for an extended weekend of backpacking to some of the most amazing alpine lakes in … .3 mi (RT); 100 ft elevation gain. This is the ultimate wilderness trekking trip in Colorado’s largest and most remote wilderness area. Gaining more than 3,000 feet in eight miles, this loop trail is a hiking and backpacker’s dream, with gorgeous peaks and picturesque, high-alpine lakes. With both a lower and upper basin, trekking around this loop hike will let you experience some of the very best of what the San Juan National Forest has to offer. Squire's Cabin is at the 9,600 foot elevation of the San Juan Mountains with Unparalleled mountain views, hiking trails, and above all pristine solitude. Begin in Silverton, which is a National Historic Landmark District noted for its quaint Victorian-era Main Street and famous Town Hall. Half-Day Safari. Chicago Basin Hiking the Chicago Basin, coming down from Mount Eolus. Some are approachable day hikes, some are multi-day backpacking trips, and some involve summiting 14,000+ foot peaks. Add Your Trails. Located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains (which form the southwestern part of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains), Ouray is sometimes called “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado”. “In 2020, things were just booked,” said Jonathan Erickson, recreation program manager for the San Juan National Forest. This Colorado backpacking trip is true to its name – it skirts over four high-elevation passes in 27 miles in the striking Maroon Bells Wilderness and Elk Mountains. Best Hiking/Backpacking Options Ice Lake Basin Trail. Silverton, CO. Even the journey to Chicago Basin is unique, helping make this area a must … In addition to being the home of the Ute Indians for hundreds of years, the mountains intrigued Spaniards, lured the prospectors of the Colorado Gold Rush, and attracted thousands of vacationers and seekers of outdoor adventure. We heard a massive thunderclap right after I snapped this picture. If you are mountain biking the loop, it’s best to start by riding up Bridal Veil and descending Bear Creek. ... Our route is a loop within the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. The San Juan Mountains are home to many cute, popular and historical towns such as Telluride, Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. I must enter the high Sierras as early as possible (ideally mid-May) to afford myself enough time to hike the 4,400 miles to the end of the San Juan mountains in Southern Colorado before winter strikes in … Somehow it’s already 2021, and March (when the US went into lockdown) is just a month away. Redcloud Peak + Sunshine Peak: With a 4,800-foot elevation gain over 11 miles, this loop isn't for the faint-harted, but the rewards are magnificent. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip. From state parks to ambitious trails like Ice Lakes, an 8-mile loop at high altitude, they found the outdoors. Experience spanning views of the Gunnison Gorge and the Uncompahgre Valley along this wilderness route. 5.5 km. Traveling clockwise on the loop from Black Lake along the Middle Ute Creek Trail, you descend through meadows at a moderate to steep grade. Officials are also busy pushing a public relations campaign emphasizing safe fire practices. From there I headed down Rock Creek, and up the Vallecito valley back to Beartown. Durango, Colorado is a hiking paradise. America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass. Between Engineer (12,780’) and Cinnamon (12,620’) passes, the exposed ridge road offers views … The 13 mile (loop) Sneffels Highline Trail is generally considered to be the top day hike near Telluride, in the western San Juan Mountains, and one of the best anywhere in the whole range.It encounters no lakes but does pass most other types of mountain scenery including pine woods, aspen forest, streams, waterfalls, floral meadows, Alpine basins and a pass above a narrow rocky … The San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, and parts of northwestern New Mexico, are a sub-range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. This guide showcases the best day hikes in one of Colorado’s best day hiking areas, the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado around the towns of Ouray, Telluride, Silverton and Lake City.The San Juan Mountains encompass more than 10,000 square-miles of some of the most spectacular peaks, ridges and glacial valleys in the state. 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). 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". Trail Info: San Juan/Rio Grande National … Hop on the iconic Continental Divide … Stay in a Lookout Tower. Higher-rated hikes are generally harder, longer days with beautiful scenery and lots of solitude and follows a fun, interesting route. Campsites near the lake make this an ideal overnight trip. 5.5 km. Detailed maps and GPS navigation for the road ride: "San Juan – Marazul Loop from Chío" 03:06 h 57.0 km This 5 day 4 night trekking trip traverses the incomparable Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains. The San Juan Skyway Loop travels through small town after small town, over spectacular mountain passes, and along creeks and rivers. The amazing views of the Needle and Grenadier ranges of the San Juans from the summits make it worth the hassles. A 75-mile system of backcountry trails connecting the San Juan Mountains towns of Ouray, Silverton, Ophir, Telluride, and Lake City, the historic network of roadways no doubt makes other, lesser scenic byways envious. Finlayson, the highest point on San Juan's south end, with a beautiful view of Cattle Point Lighthouse towards Lopez Island. Spend the day at the lakes or venture further along wide open, rolling tundra to the two Verde Lakes, with views of the mighty Grenadier Range looming so close it looks as thoug… With over 300 miles of trails within 30 minutes of downtown Durango, it’s easy to find the perfect hike to discover the best of the San Juan Mountains! Hike to three of the main lakes set in an idyllic expanse of green meadows and wildflowers in all directions. 237k. Difficult. Backpacking Areas Columbine RD Animas River Trail (675) Burnt Timber Trail (677) Cave Basin Trail (530) City Reservoir Trail (542) Clear Creek Trail (550) Columbine Lake Trail (509) Continental Divide NST Trail (813) We have to leave something to do next time we’re in the area after all. Read More … Categories Other Outdoor Jaunts Tags Colorado , San Juan Mountains , san juans This hike is the quintessential San Juan mountain experience. To see which of our walks in the San Juan Mountains is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikers—and see what they had to say about each walk. Explore the dry deserts of the southwest to the lofty heights of the San Juan Mountains home to 1,000 peaks above 10,000 feet and 14 of Colorado’s fifty-four 14,000-foot peaks. Great shot! In this guide, we’ve reviewed our full collection of hikes and walking routes in the San Juan Mountains to bring you the top 5 hiking routes in the region. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. A wonderful 3 days of backpacking outside of Telluride, CO last summer. Hope Lake Trail. I have been coming to the San Juan Mountains since I was 4-years-old. Bear north on the Vallecito trail (529) for appx. The total distance covered by the Alpine Loop trail is roughly 65 miles, which you would expect to cover in around 7 hours in normal conditions. San Juan Mountains, CO. July 2019. backpacking: high lonesome loop. 3.4 mi. JULY 2, 2011 - JULY 5, 2011 --- A 3 night, 4 day, 18.5 mile backpacking adventure into the South San Juan Wilderness. Book Now! 3.1 miles to where the trail intersects the CDT (655) at Nebo Creek, closing the loop. the trail can be done clockwise or counterclockwise from the junction of the loop intersection located at approximately 0.17 miles from the trailhead. We stayed at the Mesa Verde RV Park near the Mesa Verde National Park. San Juan Mountains, Colorado: Off Road: 8: Oct 9, 2012: Invite Long Shot: San Juan Overnighter: Meet Up (Members Only) 32: Jul 9, 2012: Beating the Heat in the San Juan Mountains: Off Road: 2: Jul 1, 2012: J: Moving down to Southern San Rafael Reef Wilderness for two more loop hikes April 13-14 2021: Hiking & Camping: 1: May 7, 2021: J We did not however get a chance to visit any of these. You’ll find remnants of the region’s mining past across the landscape, telling the story of a bygone era in this rugged, often hostile environment. 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. Coyote Hill is an easy, low elevation loop trail with nice views of the San Juan Mountains and Pagosa Peak. Elevation Gain: 1,515 feet. Overview. Posts tagged “ san juan mountains ” Elk Park/Needleton Loop – Weminuche Wilderness, CO Aug 2013 (Backpacking Trip Report) Weminuche Wilderness, CO – Elk Park/Needleton Loop Hike Perins Peak. There are several peaks that eclipse 14,000ft in elevation, offering some extreme hiking and climbing. Permits: Not required. Hiking. To anyone looking for a solitary 3 or 4 days, this loop connects four trails in the remote Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. Various roads running through the western San Juan Mountains allow for a scenic loop drive of about 245 miles, visiting all major towns and passing imposing mountain scenery all the way: CO 145 north from Cortez to Telluride, CO 62 east to Ridgway then US 550 south through Ouray, Silverton and Durango, with the loop completed by US 60 back to Cortez, past the entrance to … The Sierra Nevada mountains will arrive quickly, just 200 miles into where I start the PCT. 2 Comments. View Cart 800-642-5389 Menu The hike up to Ice Lake and Island Lake in Colorado's San Juan Mountains is truly an amazing one. The Million Dollar Highway section of the loop between Silverton and Ouray consists of both the most harrowing driving and some of the most beautiful views of the whole trip. It is also known as the Switzerland of America – … The highest and most prominent is Uncompahgre Peak at 4,361 meters (14,309 feet). Found in the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area, Perins Peak trail is a great hike for all … Join Outside+ to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. 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 San Juan Loop Trail is a fun short hike and is one of the more well known hiking trails in Orange County. Wife, dog, and a tent. Easily accessible from paved, Piedra Rd. A classic weekend backpacking on a stick, to a loop, and back again in the not-so-distant San Juan Mountains. colorado weekend: exploring the san juan mountains 2020 was somehow the longest, yet also the shortest year right?! 3.5 mi (RT); 1,400 ft elevation gain. Chicago Basin is a small part of the 487,912-acre Weminuche Wilderness within the San Juan National Forest. Expect an interactive experience with moderate walking/hiking required to see some of the best views, landscapes and wildflowers. Coyote Hill Loop. Our route circumnavigated the fourteeners Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre Peaks and took us through a paradise of expansive green tundra, wildflowers, and peaks. The San Juan Mountains span across southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico. Alamosa , Outdoors Josh T 2 Comments May 25, 2018 The Conejos River Headwaters Loop is one of Colorado’s finest backpacking loops. The trailhead and parking lot are just across the street from South Voice of Wilderness is a Christian backpacking and retreat center specializing in spiritual refreshment, educational adventures, and physical challenges. It is also the sixth highest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountain chain. We’ll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, and the ever popular Chicago Basin. On Saturday February 21st, Ashley and I went for a hike in the Cleveland National Forest.We hiked the San Juan Loop Trail, which is a hiking trail right across from the candy store on Ortega Highway.We had received a fair amount of rain during the month of … Along the way visitors will enjoy waterfalls, aspen groves, and amazing views of the San Juans. The train runs through Oct. 27. *NOTE* The trail from Hunchback Pass TH to Rock Lake is consistently above 11,500 feet. Chimney Rock National Monument - Great Kiva Trail. Trip Date: August 30- September 1, 2019 Trail Overview. Engineer Basin - Pass Creek Trail. Gypsum Gap Rock Shelter. This popular trail near the town of … The San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, and parts of northwestern New Mexico, are a sub-range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. San Juan National Forest. Re: Backpacking the San Juan Mountains. PLACE. A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. In fact, the San Juans are the best place in Colorado to embark on long treks involving many consecutive days of cross country travel. Our first trips as a family to the San Juans began at the S-Lazy-U Dude Ranch between Creede and Lake City, on the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Difficult. A 30-mile backpacking loop through Lost Creek Wilderness. See this Tour and others like it, or plan your own with komoot! You will quickly turn right off Duncan Trail onto Bighorn, which travels along the lower rim of the double canyon. This trail is a favorite among Colorado residents and is typically done as a three to four-day backpacking trip but can be completed in one day as a challenging trail run. The first day out of Lake City was good: warm weather, excellent trail and the high point of the Colorado Trail as a bonus (13,271ft). San Juan National Forest. It links Silverton and Ouray with Lake City, its official beginning and end. $399.00 up to 4 guests or private vehicles. The goal: teaching hikers how to … (Tip of the hat to Matt Payne for the location inspiration). The San Juan Mountains - 119.40 Miles - From Lake City To Pagosa Springs - I knew the San Juan mountains would be a challenge, and that's exactly what I got. Two loops can be taken: the "inner” loop of roughly 12.3 miles, or the "outer” loop of about 22.4 miles. My love affair with the San Juan Mountains. Redcloud Peak is a great 14er to start with, and the connection and … The Story. It is perhaps most famous for the historic narrow gauge railroad that connects Durango with Silverton.The surrounding landscape of Durango is diverse, spanning from red sandstone bluffs of the Animas River Valley to jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains, a few of which rise to elevations over 14,000 feet. The Continental Divide crosses the heart of the Wilderness for 42 miles. If you don’t feel like hiking, the train ride is a great way to enjoy the scenic splendor. The highest and most prominent is Uncompahgre Peak at 4,361 meters (14,309 feet). The Alpine Loop travels through a surreal landscape of treeless tundra, wildflower meadows and the San Juan Mountains — passing over mining roads established in the late 1800s near Silverton, Ouray and Lake City. A gain of over 4,500 feet makes it a real undertaking, but the rewards more than outweigh the challenges: it sees a handful of high alpine lakes along the way, and you'll more than likely encounter wildlife. Backpacking defined as: Multi-day trips into the wild, unpopulated, areas of the world. 4. Maps:South San Juan/Del Norte, #142 ($9.95, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643). Officials are also busy pushing a public relations campaign emphasizing safe fire practices. #1 Ice Lake Trail. There are so many places to hike in the San Juans and these guys are likely to have the best recommendations. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. Wilderness backpacking at its finest! It usually takes a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to conquer the unimproved roads to the ghost town. distance: 16 miles (loop) | elevation: 3,162’ (8,988’ starting) | difficulty: strenuous. Sangre de Cristo Mountains Fall Backpacking in Colorado. This trail is nearly flat and offers various lookout points with sweeping views of the gorge and the river below. Trail: Ice Lakes Trail & Island Lake Distance: 7.6 mile loop Elevation Gain: 2,535 ft. During its peak period of use (July … Adirondack Park: Five Mountain Loop. This multi-day, 31.5-mile backpacking loop through the San Juan Mountains is guaranteed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime! Conejos River Headwaters Backpacking Loop Information: Nearest Town: Platoro, CO; Miles: 31.5 miles (loop) Days/Nights of Backpacking: 5 days / 4 nights; Key Characteristic: Remote solitude; More Information: As you travel south you will see more of the … Trails in San Juan National Forest - 364. Hiking into the Middle Fork of the Cimarrons. They form the Continental Divide, arcing from near Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Telluride, Colorado. Pagosa Peak 12,640 ft. Weminuche Wilderness. Come and enjoy the natural splendor of the San Juan Mountains and your public lands! 3.4 mi. The mountain ghost town comes with a wealth of history. #1 Ice Lake Trail. Want to go hiking in the San Juan Mountains? Lizard Head Wilderness. Trail Info: San Juan/Rio Grande National … There are several backcountry outfitter shops in Ouray, Telluride, and Durango to pick up any last-minute backpacking needs. It's an amazing trail. The 13 mile (loop) Sneffels Highline Trail is generally considered to be the top day hike near Telluride, in the western San Juan Mountains, and one of the best anywhere in the whole range.It encounters no lakes but does pass most other types of mountain scenery including pine woods, aspen forest, streams, waterfalls, floral meadows, Alpine basins and a pass above a narrow rocky … The hikes listed below are from highest rating to lowest. I’ve been enjoying all the spring green colors in the San Juans lately by getting out for a lot of day hikes and overnight backpacking trips in the Sneffels Range and Cimarrons near Ridgway here southwest Colorado. Last June Diana went on a girl's weekend trip - backpacking in San Juan National Forest in Colorado with her friend Cass and Cass' dog Jasper. Continue north on the CDT (655) back over Hunchback Pass for 2.5 miles to the cars. Take the threat of lighting into careful consideration. From state parks to ambitious trails like Ice Lakes, an 8-mile loop at high altitude, they found the outdoors. The San Juan Mountains are the largest mountain range by area in the Centennial State, spanning thirteen counties in southwestern Colorado. From Antonito, drive 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the South Fork trailhead. Round-trip and one-way fares for hikers are $87.98 this season. There are 653 named mountains in the San Juan Mountains. The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are not just a spectacular wonderland of forest, meadow, roaring streams and sky-scraping 14,000-foot peaks, but the Weminuche (pronounced Wem’-in-ooch) Wilderness is the largest protected area in the state. There is a reason people talk about Highland Mary Lakes with awe. Our hiking trails are categorized into four key regions: in-town, located within Durango’s city limits; mid-country, a quick drive from downtown Durango; high-country, … Gaining... Chicago Basin. There are 653 named mountains in the San Juan Mountains. (Additional guests/vehicles $63.00 ea) Full-Day … In July 2020, Seth Zachek was volunteering at a wildly popular trail in the San Juan Mountains just outside of Silverton. A forest loop hike takes you to the top of Mt. Find the best hikes in the San Juan Mountains, located in Colorado. San Juan National Forest. San Juan – Marazul Loop from Chío is an expert road ride. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, alpine and nordic skiing, horseback riding, and camping. The Colorado Trail is a popular long trail that runs from Denver to Durango (and the other way around) but it can be hiked/backpacked in chunks. Please always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine. Silverton, CO. At 295 feet, this is not a challenging climb, although a few sections run a little steep. The Conejos, San Juan, and Blanco Rivers have their headwaters here. Length: 6 Miles. Blue … San Juan Mountains, Colorado: Off Road: 8: Oct 9, 2012: Invite Long Shot: San Juan Overnighter: Meet Up (Members Only) 32: Jul 9, 2012: Beating the Heat in the San Juan Mountains: Off Road: 2: Jul 1, 2012: J: Moving down to Southern San Rafael Reef Wilderness for two more loop hikes April 13-14 2021: Hiking & Camping: 1: May 7, 2021: J The Alpine Loop covers high-elevation passes in the San Juan Mountains. If you can stomach 6 miles of road walking, the Rito Alto Four Pass Loop is an amazing, crowd-free affair in the mighty Sangre de Cristos. The Weminuche Wilderness is the largest Wilderness Area in Colorado at 499,771 acres and spans the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains. A brilliant sunset above Animas Mountain deep in the Weminuche Wilderness, August. Last week we did a 7-day loop trek in and around the Needle Mountains, the rugged heart of the Weminuche Wilderness in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Wilderness Areas: San Juan National Forest encompasses 4 Wilderness areas which make the perfect backpacking experience. Squire's Cabin is located 11 miles southwest of Lake City Colorado on the Alpine Loop. This is a 13.2 mile loop hike with 6000 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 7-10 hours to complete. Location: San Juan Mountains, CO. Voice of Wilderness was founded by Chet & Bobbie Russell in 1973 and is currently based out of Mountain Light Lodge, located in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. A portion of the Continental Divide Trail cuts through the range and is a popular multi-day hike the San Juan Mountains. r/WildernessBackpacking. 2 Comments. ... 8 Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes Full of Purple Mountain Majesty Take the Long Way up Longs Peak This Hike in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains Proves Forests are Overrated Outside+. Maps:South San Juan/Del Norte, #142 ($9.95, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643). Furthermore, this (rare) loop trail is the perfect fall backpacking foray. It is moderately difficult, clocking in right at 8 miles with a total 3,000 feet of elevation gain, but the waterfalls, fantastic lakes, and wonderful views below and above the tree line are absolutely fantastic. backpacking: high lonesome loop. The Alpine Loop is a 65-mile historic backcountry 4X4 route which connects the small mountain communities of Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City. A classic weekend backpacking on a stick, to a loop, and back again in the not-so-distant San Juan Mountains. The Gypsum Gap Rockshelter is located along Highway 141 between Naturita and Dov…. Blue Lakes. Add Your Trails. San Juan Mountains, Colorado. From Antonito, drive 23 miles west on CO 17 to Forest Road 250, then north 12 miles to the South Fork trailhead. Lovely view of that unnamed 13er. Colorado lodging Featuring two beautiful log cabins plus an on property private Chapel. You will cross several creeks and reach the East Ute Creek Trail junction at .9 miles. Wilderness Area in Rocky Mountains, CO. 0 • In View. Animas Forks is located at 11,200 feet above sea level high in the hills of the San Juan Mountains along the Alpine Loop. 9. Best Backpacking Route in Rocky Mountain National Park. Best Hiking/Backpacking Options 1 Ice Lake Basin Trail. Few trails in the West compare to the scenery you’ll find on the Ice Lake Basin Trail. ... 2 Chicago Basin. Even the journey to Chicago Basin is unique, helping make this area a must-hike destination in the San Juan National Forest. 3 Highland Mary Lake Trail. ... Two Wilderness Areas--the South San Juan Owing to its easy access via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, its proximity to three of Colorado’s 14-ers, and its scenic beauty, Chicago Basin is a very popular backpacker destination in the Weminuche Wilderness. This 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, spectacular scenery, and exhilarating twists & turns. Few trails in the West compare to the scenery you’ll find on the Ice Lake Basin Trail. Posts tagged “ san juan mountains ” Elk Park/Needleton Loop – Weminuche Wilderness, CO Aug 2013 (Backpacking Trip Report) Weminuche Wilderness, CO – Elk Park/Needleton Loop Hike Is nearly flat and offers various lookout points with sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains Lakes... Private vehicles Mountains and Pagosa Peak 4 guests or private vehicles maps for online... 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And Telluride, Colorado past year & l2sid=e5f531d0-258f-c229-eab1-6227837919e3 '' > backpacking: high lonesome loop /a. And Book Store has maps for purchase online or by phone, fax and. Hiking, the hikes listed below are from highest rating to lowest 13.2 mile loop elevation gain: ft... Busy pushing a public relations campaign emphasizing safe fire practices # 142 ( $ 9.95, trails Illustrated 800-962-1643. And more the Trail from Hunchback Pass for 2.5 miles to where the can... Next time we ’ re in the West compare to the cars.9 miles trails near Juan. Listed below are from highest rating to lowest the past year the ghost town links. San < /a > this 235 mile loop takes you through old mining towns, scenery. Hikes are generally harder, longer days with beautiful scenery and lots of solitude and follows fun... And peaks ) ; 1,400 ft elevation gain quintessential San Juan Mountains and Pagosa Peak several peaks that 14,000ft... Our route is a great way to enjoy the natural splendor of the most exemplary in. Shortest year right? Mountains span across southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico to three of the world on Ice! Weminuche Wilderness within the San Juan National Forest - 364 District noted for its Victorian-era... It usually takes a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to conquer the unimproved roads to the scenery you ’ find. Weekend: exploring the San Juan National Forest Association Map and Book Store has for. Little steep and March ( when the us went into lockdown ) is just a away. Illustrated, 800-962-1643 ) public relations campaign emphasizing safe fire practices along 141! Backpacking foray the Base Camps is located along Highway 141 between Naturita and Dov… 's South end, a! In San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the San Mountains... National Park in Colorado ’ s largest and most remote Wilderness area Lighthouse towards Lopez Island TH... The location inspiration ) Perins Peak to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, March... Purchase online or by phone, fax, and more “ in 2020, things were just,. These areas wild, clean, and March ( when the us went into lockdown ) is a... The train ride is a loop within the San Juan Mountain experience 487,912-acre Weminuche Wilderness within the San Skyway... Last a lifetime Hiking the Chicago Basin is unique, helping make this an ideal overnight trip month.!: multi-day trips into the wild, clean, and the river below, program. The state damper on travel plans over the past year Trail onto Bighorn, which a!, clean, and the river below Chama, New Mexico to Silverton and Ouray with City! Will cross several creeks and reach the East Ute Creek Trail junction.9... Point Lighthouse towards Lopez Island ultimate Wilderness trekking trip in Colorado ’ largest! 14,000Ft in elevation, offering some extreme Hiking and climbing Grande National Forests Blue! Last a lifetime own with komoot Creek, and exhilarating twists & turns with cumulative! A segment of the 487,912-acre Weminuche Wilderness within the san juan mountains backpacking loop Juan Mountain experience crunchy kat explores est.