South San Juan Wilderness - Antonito, Colorado

South San Juan Wilderness: A Remote and Breathtaking Oasis

The South San Juan Wilderness, located in the heart of Colorado, is a vast and remote wilderness area that offers a unique and breathtaking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 264,000 acres, this wilderness area is part of the San Juan National Forest and is managed by the United States Forest Service.

Main Services

• Backcountry Permitting: The South San Juan Wilderness offers backcountry permits for those who wish to venture into the wilderness for extended periods.
• Camping: The wilderness area has several campgrounds, including the Blanco River Group Campground, which offers group camping facilities.
• Recreation: The South San Juan Wilderness offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.
• Wildlife Viewing: The wilderness area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears.
• Geologic Wonders: The South San Juan Wilderness is home to several geologic wonders, including the San Juan Mountains and the Anasazi ruins.

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, which is accessible via Highway 160. There are several trailheads throughout the wilderness area, including the Blanco River Trailhead, which is located near the Blanco River Group Campground.

The wilderness area is accessible via the following roads:

* Highway 160: This highway runs through the wilderness area and provides access to several trailheads and campgrounds.
* Forest Road 142: This road runs through the wilderness area and provides access to the Blanco River Group Campground.
* Forest Road 145: This road runs through the wilderness area and provides access to several trailheads and campgrounds.

There are several parking areas throughout the wilderness area, including the Blanco River Trailhead parking area and the Forest Road 142 parking area.

Featured Characteristics

* Serene lakes and glaciated valleys
* Towering peaks and rugged terrain
* Excellent system of trails, including a section of the Continental Divide Trail
* Abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears
* Geologic wonders, including the San Juan Mountains and the Anasazi ruins
* Remote and wilderness-like environment

Practical Information

* Getting There: The South San Juan Wilderness is accessible via Highway 160 from Pagosa Springs.
* Accommodations: There are several campgrounds and lodging options available in the area, including the Blanco River Group Campground and the Pagosa Springs KOA.
* Food and Water: There are several general stores and restaurants available in Pagosa Springs, and water is available at several trailheads and campgrounds.
* Permits and Regulations: Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips, and there are regulations in place to protect the environment and wildlife.
* Weather: The weather in the South San Juan Wilderness can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation.

Opinions

The South San Juan Wilderness has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors. Here are a few quotes from recent reviews:

* "Outstanding, remote, and massive wilderness with serene lakes, glaciated valleys, and towering peaks. Excellent system of trails and a section of the CDT." - Google Review
* "Beautiful landscape, good fish, easy to get your fishing license online, I experienced a hailstorm. Good hiking trails. I highly recommend." - Google Review

Positive aspects mentioned in reviews include:

* The remote and wilderness-like environment
* The scenic beauty of the area
* The abundance of wildlife
* The excellent system of trails
* The ease of getting fishing licenses online
* The good fishing opportunities

Note: These reviews are subject to change and may not reflect the current opinions of visitors.

👍 Reviews of South San Juan Wilderness