South San Juan Wilderness - Antonito, Colorado

The South San Juan Wilderness: A Remote and Pristine Natural Oasis

Located in the heart of Colorado, the South San Juan Wilderness is a vast and remote wilderness area that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and solitude. With its serene lakes, glaciated valleys, and towering peaks, this wilderness area is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers.

Main Services

• Wilderness permit system for overnight camping and backpacking
• Dispersed camping allowed in developed and primitive areas
• Backcountry information and maps available at the Pagosa Springs Ranger District
• Wildlife viewing opportunities, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep
• Fishing access to lakes and streams, including the Blanco River
• Hiking trails, including a section of the Continental Divide Trail
• Scenic drives and vistas, including the South San Juan Scenic Byway
• Wilderness education programs and guided tours available

Location and Access

The South San Juan Wilderness is located in southwestern Colorado, approximately 15 miles southeast of Pagosa Springs. The nearest town is Antonito, Colorado, which is accessible via US Highway 160. The wilderness area is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest, which offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities.

To access the wilderness area, visitors can use the following routes:

* From Pagosa Springs, take US Highway 160 east to the town of Antonito.
* From Antonito, take County Road 302 south to the wilderness area.
* From the town of Chama, New Mexico, take US Highway 84 east to the town of Pagosa Springs, and then follow US Highway 160 east to the wilderness area.

Parking is available at the wilderness boundary, but be aware that the roads can be rough and limited parking may be available.

Featured Characteristics

• Remote and pristine wilderness area with minimal human impact
• Scenic lakes, glaciated valleys, and towering peaks
• Wildlife viewing opportunities, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep
• Fishing access to lakes and streams, including the Blanco River
• Extensive network of hiking trails, including a section of the Continental Divide Trail
• Scenic drives and vistas, including the South San Juan Scenic Byway
• Wilderness education programs and guided tours available

Practical Information

Before visiting the South San Juan Wilderness, visitors should be aware of the following:

* The wilderness area is open year-round, but some trails and roads may be closed due to snow or maintenance.
* Visitors should bring plenty of water, food, and supplies, as services are limited in the area.
* Camping is allowed in developed and primitive areas, but visitors should follow all regulations and guidelines to minimize their impact on the environment.
* Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, including thunderstorms and hail.
* Fishing licenses can be obtained online, but visitors should check with local authorities for up-to-date information on fishing regulations.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

* "Outstanding, remote, and massive wilderness with serene lakes, glaciated valleys, and towering peaks." (5/5 stars)
* "Beautiful landscape, good fish, easy to get your fishing license online, I experienced a hailstorm. Good hiking trails. I highly recommend." (5/5 stars)

Note: These reviews are based on available customer reviews and may not reflect the full range of opinions on the wilderness area.

👍 Reviews of South San Juan Wilderness