Saw about 3 groups over 3 days on the trail. Within a 100 feet or so you will pass a trail marker for #718 and then a sign for the Continental Divide Trail, #813. Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas Donna Ikenberry’s book is an excellent resource for hiking and backpacking trip planners. We were finding lots Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This was the last documented grizzly in Colorado. From our base in Alamosa, we used FR 250. Direction: From Antonito CO take Highway 17 west for 22.5 miles. The green and black line is the wilderness boundary. And thinking back on it it was a glorious mix of everything in the wild. By combining three or more of these trails with the CDT, you can make an excellent backpacking loop 20 to 30 miles long. Waypoints SJ-17 to SJ-18 At this point you are well above the tree line ready to start your descending traverse across the face of the north ridge. The forest roads are in black and based on aerial and satellite imagery. Make it even longer by going up to the Adams Fork Trail (713) and come out on FR 247 a mile and a half north of the trailhead parking lot. Photos of South San Juan Wilderness - 8. The forest in the lower valley is Engelmann spruce with some aspen groves. 1) Intermediate. Trail #712 is the Middle Fork Trail, the one we took for this loop. Colorado Maybe it's the jagged 13,000-foot peaks clawing the sky that make the area seem so raw and foreboding. South San Juan Wilderness would be a great location to reintroduce the grizzly bear in Colorado! To get there you need to get to Platoro. In addition to a beautiful hike, the fishing in all three lakes can be superb. Blue Lake inside the Rawah Wilderness near Fort Collins, CO Located between Roosevelt and Routt national forests near the rural towns of Gould and Walden , the Rawah Wilderness Area unfolds into 76 miles of trails webbing through dense forests speckled with transparent subalpine lakes. The trail is mostly in the forest for the next mile and was in really bad shape. The Upper Blue Lake is a little more than a quarter-mile away, and sits at an elevation of 11,720 feet. Once you gain some elevation, it is virtually all Engelmann. Once you get to the trees, the trail can be found between the tree line and the creek. ImSozoed - Duration: 25:05. Blue Lake, San Juan Wilderness Colorado You cross the Rita Azul twice along the journey and travel through vast open alpine meadows on our way to Blue Lake at 10,400 feet. Hey, I and 2 buddies are planning to head out west probably the 2nd or 3rd week of September this year for our first elk hunt. If you look at the Excel spreadsheet of the trip mileage, you'll see there is a work sheet for a slightly longer trip. Green depicts unmaintained trials such as to the top of Conejos Peak. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until October. 250 is really well kept for a dirt road, probably due to the traffic. But, don't ask me about fishing - I cannot kill a fly. Several trails lead to Long Lake, Mitchell Lake, Blue Lake, Lake Isabelle, and the Isabelle Glacier. 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. Blue Lake Loop, South San Juan Wilderness, CO. 30.6 mi 49.2 km #12 CDT: New Mexico Border to Blue Lake (CO Sec. The difference in the El Rito tracks was so great it looks like the trail may have been rerouted since the FS track was taken (it is obvious that is the case in the higher meadows where the old tread is still evident). Dogs are also able to use this trail. Some believe that it is still home to a few grizzlies, but there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove this. As the trail zigzags across the CD for about a quarter mile it passes a clearing with a vista to the north of the Conejos Valley, all the way to Platoro Reservoir. The last known grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in the wilderness in 1979. One area that is remote and pristine is the San Juan Wilderness in the Rio Grande National Forest. While easy to follow, it was braided and torn up by horse and cattle and there must have been a big blow because there were seemingly hundreds of downed trees. So in 1979, while hunting just across the Continental Divide from Blue Lake, a grizzly was the farthest thing from Ed Wiseman’s mind — until a bear he had accidentally cornered on a ridge burst from the bushes and severely mauled him. June 6 - 9, 2006. Trail Tips: This is a tough trail both on the ascents and descents. The area is unusually isolated and difficult to traverse, thanks to eroded volcanic rocks that created seemingly impenetrable ridges and canyons. ... #5 - Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250. 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". The only facility is a vault toilet. FR 250 almost makes a "C" starting west of La Jara (between Alamosa and Antonito), going west to Platoro, south past the South Fork Trailhead (Conejos Peak Loop) and out on Highway 17. Blue Lake Trail (El Rito Azul) About 5 miles, moderate Situated in the South San Juan Wilderness, this trail winds through thick spruce and fir woodlands and vast meadows to Blue Lake, a placid beauty flanked by volcanic rock bluffs. The hike up to Ice Lake and Island Lake in Colorado's San Juan Mountains is truly an amazing one. I had a love hate relationship with this hike because of the stream crossings, mosquitos, and getting lost. About a 0.1 of a mile before the North Fork crossing, there is a beautiful campsite back the left (west). 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). Christian, the dawg, and I on a 5-day backpacking trip to the South San Juan Wilderness in south central Colorado. Blue Lake Trail is a 10.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pagosa Springs, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. My father-in-law Dave, and I planned to hike this 18.5 mile loop very casually over 3 days from September 9 - 11, 2013. Bring a Colorado fishing license and pole — the secluded lake’s accessible shoreline makes for great casting conditions. The last third of the hike was difficult to find. Crowd-free, rocky mountain highs -- you'll find this and more in Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. 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. Once you get to the head of the valley the trail gets lost in all the grass. The section of the CDT between Blue Lake and Fish Lake Trail junction (video) (SJ-17, N37.25239 W106.63492) is one of my favorites. The South San Juan Wilderness lies on the Rio Grande National Forest near Platoro and Antonito Colorado. The 10.4-mile round-trip trek to the body of water gains 1,400 feet in The trail will enter the forest again at the top of the elevation gain and come back out into meadow as you near SJ-16 (mile 5.5, N37.23926 W106.62530). I think the Conejos loop as described by u/thehappyheathen is the classic multi-day route down there. Driving up: Take the CO 17 then take the 250 to the trailhead. The following regulations are in … Trip Mileage Table: Click here for trip mileage table. The hike begins at the Conejos trailhead southwest of Platoro Reservoir in Conejos County. A sedan could easily make it. Add Your Photos. The lake lives up to its name - it supports a healthy cutthroat trout population thanks to its depth, adequate drainage area, and remoteness. A short scenic drive along the San Juan Skyway on Highway 45 south of Telluride leads past Trout Lake to Lizard Head Pass (10,222-ft.) where you can enjoy views of Lizard Head’s distinctive lone spire rising 400-ft. above itsOphir The combination of high mountain meadows accented by the spruce forest gives a very soft and serene feel. Blue Lake and Ice Lake … You will lose that 550 feet in 0.9 miles. Since there is a 200 foot camping restriction at Blue Lake and because most of the sites were trashy, we stayed there. Follow the GPS! Courtesy of Jack Brauer. The nearest towns are Grand Lake, Walden, Kremmling, and Estes Park, Colorado. These maps are FREE to download and print. The Hike. There is not much of a tread this high in the valley so your best bet is to just head down hill staying left (north of the stream. You get to FR 247 from FR 250, about a mile northwest of Platoro. In a 0.1 miles, cross the Conejos River. This stunning alpine lake offers soul stirring views of pristine waters. As of July 16, 2013 most of the trails in the Weiminuche Wilderness area of the San Juan National Forest are now open. Featured Topographic Maps in Oklahoma and Arkansas Aug 16, 2020 near Pagosa…, CO. The trail is at the south end of the parking lot just behind the registration sign (SJ-14, N37.302112 W106.60540 ). 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. This trail takes you deep into the South San Juan Wilderness, not far from where that legendary bear lived and died. Waypoints SJ-16 to SJ-17 ... A 2017 trip to Blue Lake Colorado in Conejos County . The rocky formations of the San Juan Mountains, lush alpine greenery and crystal waters truly make Emerald Lake a sight to behold. You will sometimes see the old trail in the middle of the meadow. Go straight on FR 247 and drive 6.3 miles until it ends at the Three Forks Trailhead (the Platoro Reservoir will be on your left most of this section). Here you'll have outstanding views of Mt. The trail stays in heavy the forest for about 1.6 miles. To Buy Maps: These maps are FREE. “No,” says my friend Katey, a seasoned mountain climber and wilderness guide. Backpacking The South San Juan Wilderness - "Epic" Loop Hike - Duration: 26:57. We are leaning very hard toward the San Juan Wilderness around Platoro Reservoir area in Unit 81. Been looking for decent 20-40 mile loops/lassos in Northern NM and seems like for our interests (lakes w/ fishing, alpine, valleys), there are more options in South San Juan Wilderness just north in Colorado. It’s worth the weight to have that extra stability that could prevent your trip from turning into a tragedy. Sat, Jul 25, 2009, 6:00 AM: Big Mountains in the Summertime!This will be a 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip (plus 2 travel days) in the scenic South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. Blue Lake Loop. Come down the North Fork Trail for a 20.2 mile hike or extend it even further by coming down the North Fork Cut-off trail. All trails in the South San Juan Wilderness areas have been open all season. 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). Blue Lake is pretty with its clear water and back drop of small bluffs of volcanic rock. This 18.5 mile trail can be hiked by moderate-to-experienced backpackers in 3 nights and 4 days. “At your age, that isn’t realistic. Although camping is at large, selected established camp sites are green “^”. It is still possible that grizzlies inhabit remote areas of the South San Juan Wilderness. 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. Following 724 will lead to the South Fork Trailhead (used for the Conejos Peak Loop (video)) and offers access to Glacier Lake and Conejos Peak. We went east following the El Rio Azul Trail, #718. History The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses an area in south-central Colorado and is roughly shared evenly by the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. Info: USGS 7.5 minute Quadrangles: Platoro, Victoria Lake, Elephant Head Rock and Summit Peak. This is especially true early in the season when it might be a little boggy. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/south-san-juan-wilderness The purple trail is the Continental Divide Trail. They are formated for 11x17 paper. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until September. 7 years ago. After another 0.1 mile of downed trees and hoof damage, the trail enters a long meadow. It is easy to spot because you will be hiking next to a meadow, enter the trees and find a trailside campsite on your right. Continental Divide Trail Sections 1-3, Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Located in Rio Grande and San Juan National Forests Neighboring towns: Pagosa Springs, Southfork, Del Norte, Monte Vista 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". This will be a 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip (plus 2 travel days) in the scenic South San Juan Wilderness in SW Colorado. At 1.8 miles (SJ-15, N37.27951 W106.62094), the trail splits. Another 0.1 mile takes you past the North Fork Trail, #714, and mile 15.6 (SJ-21, N37.27751 W106.62495). Email cew5151@gmail.com. It begins at the Three Forks Trailhead at the south end of FR 247 and follows the Conejos River, El Rito Azul, Continental Divide and Middle Fork Trails. Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande/. The maps are $5/sheet ($10 for the set) plus S&H by emailing cew5151@gmail.com. I'll have 4 nights, which should give me time to We camped at Blue Lake the first night, then wanted to camp in the vicinity of Lake Ann on day two. Waypoints SJ-18 to SJ-20 Best lake trails in South San Juan Wilderness, Colorado. There is a sign on one of the few trees announcing the CDT arrows to Elwood Pass and Blue Lake and a post marked 712 a little further down hill (SJ-19, N37.27784 W106.67919). To view an updated list of trail. Take a small section,” she says. Waypoints SJ-20 to SJ-21. Go north 24.3 miles to FR 247 (you will have just past Platoro). Trekking poles are recommended, many water crossings (some are fast and up to your thigh or higher) and there are areas that the trail is rocky on a steep slope and sometimes the trail can wash out. On September 23, 1979 a sow grizzly was killed near Blue Lake by a bow hunter. The creek is braided but it still took a little searching for a place to cross dry. Except for the El Rito Azul Trail, there was very good correlation between the new GPS tracks and the forest service’s version of the loop, so I suspect the other trails depictions are reliable. While there are several options they all require over an hour on gravel roads. Situated in the south east corner of the wilderness, this 22.2 mile hike in the Conejos Peak (pronounced coe-NAY-hoes) area offers a mix of wooded valleys, alpine meadowsand huge herd of elk. A hike in the heart of the S. San Juan wilderness, Blue Lake is located at 11,465 ft, just a few feet from the Continental Divide Trail. The trip begins at the Three Forks Trailhead at the very south end of FR 247. Ouachita Trail Loops: Billy Creek Trail - Boardstand Trail - Holson Valley Loop - Horse Thief Springs Trail - Old Military Road Trail - Talimena-Bohannon Loop There is a sign post at SJ-16 announcing Blue Lake in a quarter mile. After that, it follows the edge of another long meadow. Accessible from the upper 1.2 miles west of lower Blue Lake, S3 (13,410') and S5(13,360') rise on the divide crest. Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 160, Monte Vista, CO 81144, Telephone: 719-852-5941. Blue Lakes are set in a scenic glacial basin within the 16,505 acre Mount Sneffels Wilderness. OuachitaMaps.com - Hiking Trails of the Ouachitas and Ozarks. The La Jara-Platoro section is a good road but it was curvy, slow and sometimes narrow. But after it was all said and done, I would def do it again. More Green Lake to Blue Lake Loop off 250 is a 35.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Capulin, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. But a 76-mile section from Wolf Creek to Cumbres Pass? Waypoints SJ-16 Blue Lake Backpack. Track of the Loop: This link is to a Google Earth KML track file of the Blue Lake loop. Take the trail to the right, cross the small outlet creek near the lakes edge and start the 200 foot climb out of the lake basin. An easy 1.8 miles takes you back to the trailhead and mile 17.7. Explore the most popular lake trails in South San Juan Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. South San Juan Wilderness Area Government information and links are at the bottom of this page. Stay on the CDT at SJ-19 and go over the nose that separates Middle and North Fork. For those seeking a longer trek, the route connects with the Continental Divide Trail at the lake’s southern tip. Turn right on Forest Road 250, a gravel road marked with a sign for Platoro. To get a view from the bottom you need to either take the main trail further down and cut back, or look for the informal trail where you can scramble down. It is also the junction of the South Fork Trail, #724. 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. Chama, NM Intermediate. Both maps are also available as a two map set on color, weatherproof, Rite-in-the-Rain paper (11x17). JUNE 29th - JULY 5th, 2014 --- A six night, seven day backpacking trip into the South San Juan Wilderness. There was water available while we were there so next time, that's where I'd camp. Keep climbing to Blue Lake Pass at 11,010 feet and to surrounding 12,000-foot ridges where you’ll be rewarded with liberal views of Rocky Mountain National Park to the south. Although printed in black and white, the maps and detailed trail descriptions are worth the money you spend on this paperback. from Bernard Wolf. Forest-wide Regulations. Ford the Conejos River here. The new trail stays the west edge near the tree line. Trail Info: San Juan/Rio Grande National Forests, Conejos Peak District, (719) 274-8971. I experienced everything from the uncountable stream crossings, mosquitos galore, a 7+ point bull elk taking a bath in the river, getting lost 3 times (rather not being able to find the trail), woken up at 3am with a large beast sniffing feet away from my head, fresh bear tracks, snow melt in August, countless beauty, memories and pictures. Been looking for decent 20-40 mile loops/lassos in Northern NM and seems like for our interests (lakes w/ fishing, alpine, valleys), there are more options in South San Juan Wilderness just north in Colorado. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The Never Summer wilderness is located immediately west of Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado. South San Juan Wilderness Specific Regulations. On September 23, 1979 a sow grizzly was killed near Blue Lake by a bow hunter. It’s been a year since I did this hike. Conejos Peak Loop, South San Juan Wilderness, CO Situated in the south east corner of the wilderness, this 22.2 mile hike in the Conejos Peak (pronounced coe-NAY-hoes) area offers a mix of wooded valleys, alpine meadows and huge herd of elk. The last grizzly bear in Colorado was killed by a hunter in 1977. Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres. . Box 439 Bayfield, CO … Cut through the old campsite (marked as no camping allowed), wrap around the south tip of the lake, follow the obvious trail slanting up the hill, pass the campsite and fire ring and head north. A 4 day backpacking adventure into Colorado's South San Juan Wilderness. This 7.6-mile hike is also a great choice for its moderate grade and easy access from the town of Ridgeway The summit of S4 (13,242') is perched on a ridge extending 0.5 mile east from S5, and is also accessible from the basin west of the lower lake. The loop is shown in red and is based on the GPS track taken on the hike. 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. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from July until September. . 127 Reviews. Alternatively, both maps are available on 11x17 Rite in the Rain weatherproof stock for $5/sheet ($10 for the set) plus S&H. 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. Waypoints SJ-15 to SJ-16 Read More It's known as Co The trail soon enters the forest to begin a 1,200 foot climb to Blue Lake. South San Juan Wilderness would be a great location to reintroduce the grizzly bear in Colorado! If you have the right software you can select the tracks you want and load them on your GPS. The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. Sneffels trailhead (outside of Ouray; see link) or by the more popular Dallas Creek Trail (the direction described here). At this point you are well above the tree line ready to start your descending across... 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