South San Juan Wilderness - Antonito, Colorado
Address: Antonito, CO 81120, United States.
Website: fs.usda.gov
Specialties: Nature preserve.
Other points of interest: Hiking, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 3 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 5/5.
đ Location of South San Juan Wilderness
â° Open Hours of South San Juan Wilderness
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
The South San Juan Wilderness: A Remote Paradise in Colorado
The South San Juan Wilderness, located in the San Juan National Forest, is a vast and remote area of stunning natural beauty. Spanning over 1,000 square miles, this wilderness offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, hike, camp, and experience the serenity of nature.
Main Services
- Camping: The South San Juan Wilderness offers dispersed camping opportunities throughout the area, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
- Hiking: With over 200 miles of trails, including a section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), hikers can choose from a range of difficulty levels to suit their skills.
- Fishing: The wilderness is home to numerous lakes, streams, and rivers, stocked with trout and other fish species, providing ample opportunities for anglers.
- Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
- Geocaching: With its vast wilderness area, the South San Juan is an ideal location for geocaching, with numerous caches hidden throughout the landscape.
- Star Gazing: Due to the remote location, the South San Juan offers breathtaking stargazing opportunities, with minimal light pollution.
Location and Access
The South San Juan Wilderness is located in the San Juan National Forest, in the southwestern part of Colorado. The nearest town is Antonito, which is situated approximately 15 miles southeast of Pagosa Springs. The wilderness is accessible via Highway 160, which runs east-west through the forest, providing access to various trailheads and campsites.
Featured Characteristics
- Glaciated Valleys: The South San Juan is characterized by its glaciated valleys, which have been shaped by thousands of years of glacial activity.
- Towering Peaks: The wilderness is home to numerous towering peaks, including San Juan Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 13,804 feet.
- Serene Lakes: The area is dotted with serene lakes, including the Blanco Lake, which offers stunning views and fishing opportunities.
- Rich Geology: The South San Juan is rich in geologic history, with evidence of volcanic activity, fault lines, and ancient river systems.
- Unique Landscapes: The wilderness offers a diverse range of landscapes, including alpine meadows, aspen groves, and coniferous forests.
Practical Information
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the Pagosa Springs Airport, which offers flights from Denver and other major cities. Visitors can also access the wilderness via Highway 160, which runs east-west through the forest.
- Permits: A free permit is required for all overnight camping, and can be obtained at the Pagosa Springs Ranger District office.
- Camping: Camping is allowed in designated areas, and visitors are required to follow all camping regulations and guidelines.
- Food Storage: Due to the risk of bears and other wildlife, visitors are required to store all food and scented items in airtight containers and hang them from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet out from the trunk.
- Weather: The South San Juan Wilderness is known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden storms and changes in temperature. Visitors are advised to check the forecast before heading out and to be prepared for changing conditions.
Positive Aspects from Reviews
* "Outstanding, remote, massive wilderness with serene lakes, glaciated valleys, and towering peaks."
* "Excellent system of trails and a section of the CDT."
* "Beautiful landscape, good fish, easy to get your fishing license online, I experienced a hailstorm."
* "Good hiking trails."
* "I highly recommend."
đ Reviews of South San Juan Wilderness
