Welcome to Rio Grande National Forest The is managed by the Wilderness Trip Planning Your Wilderness! General Safety Information San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. Information Ages of volcanic activity followed by San Juan National Forest South San Juan Wilderness the carving of left the rough, Navigation imposing terrain of the remote South Be sure to carry a current topographical map San Juan Public Lands Office San Juan Wilderness, an area of the area. Signing is limited to junctions of Durango, CO characterized by steep slopes above Forest Service system trails and typically (970) 247-4874 wide U-shaped valleys cut deeper by does not provide mileages. www.fs.fed.us/sanjuan eroding streams. You'll find high peaks

and cliffs, as well as jagged pinnacles Weather Pagosa Ranger District Expect and be prepared for rain, hail, snow, Pagosa Springs, CO and ragged ridges, making travel difficult. or biting wind at any time of the year. Carry (970) 264-2268 clothing and equipment which will keep you Elevations warm and dry, even when day-hiking.

rise as high as 13,300 Altitude feet. Elevations range from 7,000 to over 13,000 feet. Pace yourself, drink water, and eat Thirty-two snacks to help prevent altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, loss of Rio Grande National Forest Photo by Kristina Schenck lakes, Photo and narrative courtesy of www.wildenress.net most of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness. If Rio Grande National Forest them formed by glacial activity, hold affected, descend quickly. If symptoms Monte Vista, CO persist, seek medical aid. The South San Juan Wilderness much of the area's moisture and drain (719) 852-5941 into turbulent creeks. The Conejos, San www.fs.fed.us/riogrande encompasses 158, 790 acres of some High Water of the most remote and pristine land Juan, and Blanco Rivers have their During spring snow melt, expect high, fast Conejos Peak Ranger District in Southern . headwaters here. You'll find about 180 water. Water levels may rise dangerously La Jara, CO miles of trails, and some of the most with warm weather or after thunderstorms. (719) 274-8971 Originally designated as Wilderness by exemplary backpacking in the state. Use caution when crossing streams or delay Congress in 1980, it is a component of The Continental Divide crosses the crossing until water levels drop. the National Wilderness Preservation heart of the Wilderness for 42 miles. System. As you visit, you will join thousands of others who travel in the South San Juan each year. You can help protect the The Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. Wilderness through your knowledge (Not all prohibited basis apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should and skills, and by complying with contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202) 720-2791. To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, or call 800-245 regulations. -6340 (voice) or 202-720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer. 03/2015 Wilderness Regulations General Regulations Leave No Trace The following regulations are in effect to help ensure the protection of the wilderness environment for current visitors and for Practicing a “Leave No Trace” ethic is future generations. Livestock Outfitters and Guides very simple: make it hard for others to see Restraining recreational livestock is Commercial guides and outfitters must or hear you and “leave no trace” of your Please consider, adopt, and practice these prohibited within 100 feet of streams hold a legal permit to operate within visit. With your help, the wilderness regulations in the Wilderness. and lakes or within riparian areas. National Forests. Contact the Forest resource can be managed to ensure that its Service office nearest your destination for unique character and values remain intact. Stock Feed permit information or to ensure that your Site Specifics Regulations All hay, cubed hay, straw, mulch, and guide has a valid permit. 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare other products in your possession on 2. Camp on Durable Surfaces the Forest must be certified as weed Reserved Campsites 3. Dispose of Waste Properly The following regulations apply to all free by a sanctioned certification Camping is prohibited within 300 feet of 4. Leave What You Find areas of the South San Juan: program. areas signed as “reserved” or “assigned” 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts to permitted commercial outfitters. 6. Respect Wildlife Group Size Others 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors The maximum group size allowed in Pack out and properly disposed of all Hunting the South San Juan is 15 people per trash. Do not bury or burn your trash. Hunting is permitted subject to group, with a maximum combination of regulations established by Colorado Parks people and stock not to exceed 25. Disposing of wash water and human and Wildlife. waste is prohibited within 100 feet of Camping any water source.

Camping, campfires, and restraining or grazing of recreational livestock are not Cutting or damaging live trees is permitted within 200 feet of Bear Lake, prohibited. Blue Lake, Green Lake, and Red Lake. Sources of Related

Travel Caching of any type of equipment is Information Bikes, carts, snowmobiles, and any prohibited. other motorized or mechanized vehicles Colorado Parks and Wildlife and equipment are not allowed in the Do not leave campfires unattended. Durango Office Wilderness. Make sure your fire is out and ashes (970) 247-0855 are cold. http://cpw.state.co.us/ Pets Pets must be leashed or under voice Shortcutting of trail switchbacks is Leave No Trace prohibited to limit erosion. “ The wilderness that has come to us 1-800-332-4100 control. Do this in respect for others from the eternity of the past we have the and for the protection of wildlife. Do not cut switchbacks. www.LNT.org boldness to project into the eternity of the future.” Wilderness Information Network www.wilderness.net - Howard Zahniser