Pagosa Springs Hiking is popular due to the San Juan Mountains and wilderness areas. With a plethora of choices, one will always find a hike that is of interest. From short hikes to multi-day hikes, so strenuous uphill hikes to easy flat hikes.
Experience the San Juan Mountains and Weminuche Wilderness
Pagosa Springs is a hiker’s paradise. With close to 2 million acres in the San Juan National Forest, there’s a hike for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through the forest and trees with the kids or something more extreme, Pagosa has it all.
Pagosa Peak Hike, Pagosa Springs, CO
San Juan Mountains Hiking
The San Juan Mountains span across southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico. There are several peaks that eclipse 14,000ft in elevation, offering some extreme hiking and climbing. A portion of the Continental Divide Trail cuts through the range and is a popular multi-day hike the San Juan Mountains. The San Juan Mountains are also rich with history. One can find abandoned mines and ghost towns throughout the area and along many hiking trails. Adventure awaits hikers of all skill levels and interest.
Weminuche Wilderness Hiking
The largest wilderness area in Colorado, the Weminuche, makes up a significant portion of the San Juan National Forest. Designated by Congress through the Wilderness Act of 1964, an area meeting certain qualifications can be deemed a ‘Wilderness’. Qualifications of the area include land “administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such a manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness”. Therefore, human activities are limited to non-motorized recreation such as backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, scientific research, and other non-invasive activities. Thus, the Weminuche Wilderness is an excellent setting for outdoor adventure.
Turkey Springs Trail System Hiking
The Turkey Springs Trail System offers miles and miles trails that can be combined to make the perfect length hike for you. Whether you are looking for a short hike with the family or a longer overnight hike, the Turkey Springs Trail System offers it all. Some of the more popular trails are the Upper Rim Trail, the Lower Rim Trail, the Catamount Trail, the Bear Trail, and the Creek Trail.
Hiking in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado is an incredible experience, but it’s important to make sure you keep safety in mind throughout your journey. The San Juan Mountains are some of the most rugged and remote mountains in Colorado, and they provide extraordinary opportunities for exploration and adventure ...
The Lobo Pass Trail near Wolf Creek Pass is an entry point for hiking the Continental Divide Trail. The Continental Divide Trail (or CDT) is actually short for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The trail is 3,028 miles or 4,873km and stretches from the U.S. border with Chihuahua, Mexico ...
The Turkey Creek Trail Hike begins at Jackson Mountain and ends at Piedra Pass on the Continental Divide Trail. Note that ATVs are allowed on the first 3 miles of the trail. After the 3 mile mark the trail is only accessible for hiking and horseback riding. Turkey Creek Trail ...
Are you looking for an easy hike or maybe just want to get outside and enjoy some fresh mountain air? The San Juan Riverwalk is excellent choice. It is a paved path along the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa Springs and is perfect for the entire family, including your ...
Williams Creek Trail No. 587 is a 9.6 mile trail that connects to the Continental Divide Trail. It can be used as an out and back day trip or as an access point to the Continental Divide Trail for those who are backpacking. This hike begins in the San Juan ...
Upper Rim Trail The Upper Rim Trail, #312, is located within the Turkey Springs trail system and offers an easy hike. The 3.5 mile loop is relatively flat and winds along the edge of the the rim, providing views across Martinez Canyon. The trail is well marked and easy to ...
The Buckles Lake trail is a relatively flat and easy trail, making it suitable for the entire family. Buckles Lake is a short distance from the trailhead and a great stopping point if you are hiking with small children. The trail continues past Buckles Lake to Harris Lake. Both Buckles ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
