The Weminuche Wilderness is managed by the General Safety Information San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. Rio Grande National Forest Welcome to Wilderness Trip Planning Navigation Area offices south of the Continental Divide: Your Wilderness! Be sure to carry a current topographical map Information of the area. Signing is limited to junctions of San Juan Public Lands Office Durango, CO Forest Service system trails and typically (970) 247-4874 Weminuche Wilderness The Weminuche spans the Continental does not provide mileages. www.fs.fed.us/sanjuan Divide, North America’s geological backbone, with its headwaters diverted Weather Columbine Ranger District to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Expect and be prepared for rain, hail, snow, Bayfield, CO or biting wind at any time of the year. Carry (970) 884-2512 clothing and equipment which will keep you Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom peaks rise warm and dry, even when day-hiking. Pagosa Ranger District above 14,000 feet, while many others Pagosa Springs, CO reach above 13,000 feet. With an Altitude (970) 264-2268 average elevation of 10,000 feet above Elevations range from 7,000 to sea level, the Weminuche is rugged 14,000 feet. Pace yourself, drink water, Silverton Public Lands Office country, but its ecosystems are fragile. and eat snacks to help prevent altitude Silverton, CO sickness. Symptoms include headache, loss (970) 387-5530 of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness. If

affected, descend quickly. If symptoms Areas offices north of the Continental Divide: Photo by Mark Roper persist, seek medical aid. Rio Grande National Forest Monte Vista, CO Hazard Trees (719) 852-5941 The Weminuche Wilderness contains Much of the Weminuche Wilderness has www.fs.fed.us/riogrande nearly half a million acres within the been affected by a large outbreak of spruce San Juan and Rio Grande National Photo courtesy of www.14ers.com beetles, which have killed the majority of Divide Ranger District West mature spruce trees. Recent fires have also Creede, CO Forests and is ’s Largest Wilderness Area! weakened the trees. (719) 658-2556 As you visit, you will join thousands of As a result, visitors must use extra caution Divide Ranger District East Originally designated as Wilderness by others who travel in the Weminuche when traveling and camping in the vicinity Del Norte, CO Congress in 1975, it is a component of (719) 657-3321 each year. You can help protect the of dead or dying trees. Always be aware of the National Wilderness Preservation Wilderness through your knowledge your surroundings! System. and skills, and by complying with High Water The Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, regulations. color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. During spring snow melt, expect high, fast (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 water. Water levels may rise dangerously 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 with warm weather or after thunderstorms. -6340 (voice) or 202-720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer. Use caution when crossing streams or delay 03/2015 crossing until water levels drop. Wilderness Regulations Site Specific Regulations Cutting or damaging live trees is Leave No Trace prohibited. The following regulations are in effect to Practicing a “Leave No Trace” ethic is help ensure the protection of the wilderness The following regulations apply to all Caching of any type of equipment is very simple: make it hard for others to see environment for current visitors and for areas of the Weminuche: prohibited. or hear you and “leave no trace” of your future generations. visit. With your help, the wilderness Group Size Do not leave campfires unattended. Make resource can be managed to ensure that its The maximum group size allowed in the Please consider, adopt, and practice these sure your fire is out and ashes are cold. unique character and values remain intact. Weminuche is 15 people per group, with regulations in the Wilderness. a maximum combination of people and

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5. Minimize Campfire Impacts motorized or mechanized vehicles and Archuleta Lake—within 200 6. Respect Wildlife equipment are not allowed in the feet of lake X X X X 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Wilderness. Emerald Lake—within 1/2 mile of north shore and 1/4 mile of other shores X X X X Pets Pets must be leashed or under voice Little Emerald Lake—within 1/4 mile of lake X X X control. Do this in respect for others and for the protection of wildlife. General Regulations Flint Lake—Between shore & Flint & La Osa Trails & within 200 feet of west and X X X X Livestock Outfitters and Guides north shores Restraining recreational livestock is Commercial guides and outfitters must Sources of Related Fourmile Lake—within 200 prohibited within 100 feet of streams and hold a legal permit to operate within feet X X X X lakes or within riparian areas. National Forests. Contact the Forest Information Needle Creek Drainage Service office nearest your destination for — including X Stock Feed permit information or to ensure that your Colorado Parks and Wildlife Twin Lakes— In Needle All hay, cubed hay, straw, mulch, and guide has a valid permit. Creek drainage X X other products in your possession on the Durango Office (970) 247-0855 Weminuche and East Fork Forest must be certified as weed free by a Reserved Campsites Trails—Park at the junction X sanctioned certification program. Camping is prohibited within 300 feet of http://cpw.state.co.us/

Vestal Basin areas signed as “reserved” or “assigned” X Others to permitted commercial outfitters. Leave No Trace West Fork (Rainbow)— Hot Pack out and properly disposed of all 1-800-332-4100 springs area X trash. Do not bury or burn your trash. Hunting www.LNT.org West Ute Lake—within 200 Hunting is permitted subject to feet of lake X X X X Disposing of wash water and human regulations established by Colorado Parks Wilderness Information Network waste is prohibited within 100 feet of any and Wildlife. www.wilderness.net Trail Closure: Beaver Creek Trail (560) is closed to through travel. water source.