South San Juan Wilderness
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.
Ages of volcanic activity followed by the carving of glaciers left the rough, imposing terrain of the remote South San Juan Wilderness, an area characterized by steep slopes above wide U-shaped valleys cut deeper by eroding streams. You'll find high peaks and cliffs, as well as jagged pinnacles and ragged ridges, making travel difficult. Elevations rise as high as 13,300 feet.
Thirty-two lakes, most of them formed by glacial activity, hold much of the area's moisture and drain into turbulent creeks. The Conejos, San Juan, and Blanco Rivers have their headwaters here. You'll find about 180 miles of trails, and some of the most exemplary backpacking in the state. The Continental Divide crosses the heart of the Wilderness for 42 miles.
General Information
Please review the full list of Wilderness Regulations which include the following:
- No motorized or mechanized (bicycle) traffic is allowed within the Wilderness per the 1964 Wilderness Act.
- Stay on designated trails in the Hermosa; new routes must not be created when trails are impassable.
- Group size is limited to 15 people.
- Combination of people and stock = 25.
- Dogs under control.
- No unattended campfires.
- Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source.
- Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land.
- Possession of motorized equipment and mechanized means of transport are not permitted.
- Please check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations.
- Do not fly drones over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide.
- Practice leave no trace ethics.
Passes & Permits
Recommended maps for the South San Juan Wilderness are the National Geographic South San Juan/Del Norte #142.
San Juan Mountains Association Map and Book Store has maps for purchase online or by phone, fax, and mail.
Go to Wilderness.net for additional maps and information about Wilderness.
Recreation Sites
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