Upper Rim Trail - Turkey Springs

Turkey Springs Trail System

The Turkey Springs Trail System is a multi-use area of the San Juan National Forest, offering Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riding, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing, and Snowmobiling, basically any outdoor activity that you can think of. The main entrance to the trail system is off of Piedra Road just outside […]

How do you say ‘Weminuche?’

The Weminuche wilderness hosts many great hikes in the San Juan Mountains. However, many people do not know how to say ‘Weminuche’ properly. Weminuche is a word from the Native American Ute language.

Pagosa Peak in the Clouds

Pagosa Peak

Pagosa Peak is the back drop of Pagosa Springs Colorado and the towns namesake. Rising to 12,640 feet above sea level, it’s the highest peak near Pagosa Springs and is located in the Weminuche Wilderness area of the San Juan National Forest. Hiking Pagosa Peak Pagosa Peak is the one mountain that everyone knows, and […]

East Fork San Juan River Fishing

East Fork San Juan River Fishing

Fishing the East Fork of the San Juan River is a fly fisherman’s dream, and the river is popular for many reasons. It’s an easy river to access, and the fishing is great. There are several species of trout, mostly rainbow and brook trout, that are found in the river. East Fork Road parallels the […]

Coal Creek from the Meadow

Coal Creek Trail Hike

Looking for a challenging and difficult hike? Coal Creek Trail is a point to point, 9-mile, hike climbing 3000 ft in elevation. The trail runs between East Fork Rd and Fawn Gulch Rd, and may be traversed in either direction. The trail reaches 10,500 ft before descending back down to the other side. Elevation Start: […]

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock National Monument

Nearby Pagosa Springs lies Chimney Rock National Monument, an archeaological site located in the southern San Juan National Forest. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Rising 315ft, it is hard to miss the rock formation from US 160 just west of Pagosa Springs. The second rock formation,known as […]

Little Blanco Aspens View

Little Blanco Trail Hike

Little Blanco Trail is rated difficult due to the steep elevation climbs. However the scenic views are well worth the effort. The trail leads through several large aspen groves, so hiking the Little Blanco Trail during the fall is amazing. During the summer months, colorful wildflowers cover the landscape. The first two miles climb over […]

West Fork Trail San Juan River

West Fork Trail Hike

West Fork Trail #561 leads to the Continental Divide Trail, however most hikers use the West Fork Trial hike as an out and back. Two suggested lengths and stopping points are as follows: 1) Hike 3 miles to the bridge and return or 2) Hike 5 miles to the hot springs and return. The trail […]

Piedra River with ridge

Piedra River Trail Hike

The Piedra River Trail hike is an 11 mile one-way hike. However, the logistics of leaving a vehicle at each end of the can be difficult. Instead of hiking the trail one-way, many people hike out and back from each end of the trail. The most commonly used trailhead is the north trailhead off of […]

Ice Cave Ridge ledge view

Ice Cave Ridge Hike

One of the best hikes to bring your family and friends to is the Ice Cave Ridge hike. It’s a short out and back hike with beautiful views of the Piedra river, San Juan mountains and Weminuche peaks. It’s a 30 minute drive north from Pagosa Springs but well worth the time to visit. Elevation […]