Pagosa Springs Colorado
This Is Not Disneyland, Camping and Hiking in the Wild.

Camping in the Pagosa area runs the gamut from huge mobile mansions to the lone guy in a pup tent. Some just cannot get away from TV and comforts and some cannot get away far enough. Fortunately the Pagosa area has a spot for everyone.

There are many nice RV parks with full hook-ups and a variety of conveniences. These are all within easy access from Hwy160 or Hwy84. Some of these are exclusive to the largest RVs while others offer camping to all.

The U.S. Forest Service has many nice campgrounds located around the area on maintained forest access roads. Most of these accept average size RVs down to tent camping. None have showers and there is a fee for use. Many of these have a volunteer camp manager usually located at a camp site near the entrance.

Beyond the organized campgrounds you may camp in the National Forest and wilderness areas as long as the area isn’t marked against camping and you follow a few simple rules. The big game hunting seasons in fall draw large numbers of sportsmen and they camp along all forest access roads on virtually any flat spot available. Most of these spaces are open to camping and the forest service recommends first use of these sites. Many have fire pits with rings of rocks to hold a fire. These sites may also have limbs mounted horizontally in a nearby tree for game hanging that are useful for hanging your food and trash to keep it away from bears.

Wilderness and Backcountry

Within the San Juan-Rio Grande National Forest near Pagosa Springs many trails lead to backcountry and wilderness destinations. The Weminuche and South San Juan Wildernesses are bisected by the Continental Divide. Both are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System which encompasses nearly 100 million acres nationwide. A third area of backcountry nearby is the Piedra Area, designated by Congress to be managed for its wilderness character and potential for inclusion into the National Wilderness Preservation System. In most places around Pagosa when you hike you will be walking up toward the Continental Divide and into a wilderness area so be careful to follow all the rules.

This is not Disneyland, its Wild Out There!

Before you go, be sure you are well-informed and equipped. Check on current trail conditions at the Ranger Station in East Pagosa. Regulations vary by area and special rules are posted at trailheads. Within these areas, signing is minimal. Trail junctions of those trails that are on the National Forest Service map are signed, but signs do get damaged or removed. Carry a current topographical map and know how to use it.

No matter when you visit the high country, expect and be prepared for any type of weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Lower elevations are usually free of winter snow pack by mid June, but higher areas can be snow-covered into late July or mid August. Be prepared with clothing and equipment that will keep you warn and dry, even when day hiking and overnight camping.

During spring and early summer months, you will find wet, muddy conditions and high fast water from snow melt. Water levels of streams and rivers rise dangerously with warm weather or after a rainstorm, so use caution when crossing. A trickle of water in a stream you cross in the morning may be a rushing and dangerous river by afternoon and you may need to wait until water levels drop, find another route, or turn back.

The San Juan National Forest is a large and remote area. The Archuleta County Sheriff's Office is responsible for search and rescue and go to work many times a year to find lost or injured people. An inexpensive one day fishing licenses has an extra charge of 25 cents tacked on for search and rescue and is the best insurance you can buy as it will cover all search and rescue cost. Otherwise, you could be looking at a substantial charge.

Currently, permits are not required to enter these forest or wilderness areas. If you are outfitting or leading a group of any size and you receive some kind of benefit or pay for leading or organizing the trip, you must have an outfitter guide permit.

Trail registers are available at trailheads, please sign in to allow the Forest Service to better determine recreation use patterns, improve management of the area, and to increase the ability to locate your group if an emergency occurs.

Keep it Wild

Much of this country is remote and pristine. Keep in mind you are among thousands who come to visit each year. Some areas are showing the effects of heavy use. To retain these remnants of wild country, consider the following recommendations: Camp at least 200 feet from water and when possible, in a previously used site. Do all washing of yourself, clothes, and dishes at least 200 feet from water sources, using biodegradable soap or no soap. Scatter wash water away from camp and water sources.

If you chose to have a campfire, be sure you are in an area that is not closed due to drought. Due to the limited supply of down and dead wood, avoid building campfires in areas at or above treeline or which are heavily used. Don’t build a fire larger than you need.

Keep pets under control, preferably leashed, to protect wildlife and lessen conflict with other visitors. Fair warning, pet can become lost just like you can, be careful!

If you are hiking and meet horse riders, stand to one side of the trail, stand still and speak to the riders. When the animals hear your voices, they will recognize you as people, rather than a new type of predator with backpacks.

Horses in the Wild

If you are traveling by horse, make sure your animals are in good physical condition and accustomed to backcountry packing at high elevation. On the trail, let hikers know it is best if they get off to the downhill side of the trail when it is safe to do so. Elevations in the Weminuche range from 8,000 to above 14,000 feet. High altitude sickness is a potential problem for those unaccustomed to the thin air including your horse. Pay attention to their needs and signals they might need a rest or be getting into physical trouble.

Horse Feed

All feed must have weed-free certification from Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming or Utah and be marked with certified twine, packing or transit certificate. Only the following are allowed: Weed-free baled hay, cubed or pelletized hay, steamed grain in a processor's stamped bag, weed-free baled mulch made from tree fibers or other steamed material.

Restrain stock at least 200 feet from water sources and far from camp, using a hitchline, electric fence, picket or hobbles. When grazing, move them frequently to avoid overgrazing and damage to vegetation.

ATV’s in the Wild

The use of motorized vehicles is strictly restricted to forest access roads and some trails specifically marked on the forest service map. Most side trails including old logging roads are closed. On the forest map look for single dash trails with larger orange dashes and for light black double dashes that indicate a 4x4 trail, these are open for ATV and motorized use. The best ATV/motorized trails are the East Fork/Elwood Pass road and the Blue Creek Trail between Blanco Road and Buckles Lake Road south of Pagosa and east of Hwy 84.