Topic

San Juan National Forest Planning

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
Robert Justice BPL Member
PostedMar 23, 2016 at 3:53 pm

Greetings All,

In mid September, I’m heading out to Durango, CO for about 7 days with a coworker.  He is in his late 50’s and is going to spend his days base-camped at the KOA, riding various trails on his mountain bike. I  am looking to spend 3 to 5 days of our trip backpacking the San Juan National Forest solo.  I understand the timing would probably be better in July or August, but this is the time it works out best for both of our schedules.

I’m looking for route suggestions.  I’d like no less than 30 miles, no greater than 50.  A loop is preferable but I’m open to other options.  I admit to being completely ignorant about the area.  As I have begun to do a little research, I realize I hardly know where to begin.  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

PostedMar 24, 2016 at 3:54 pm

Hi Robert,

I’m researching the same type of trip for this July. I’m zeroing in on the Elk Creek/Needleton loop.

This BPL thread was helpful: https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/107209/

You can approach from the north and hike in along Elk Creek for an out and back, or take the narrow gauge railroad and go for a loop.

These two links have great info about exploring the Grenadiers on the south side of Elk Creek:

http://www.summitpost.org/grenadier-range/751236

http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=3411&parmuser=SarahT&np=3&cpgm=tripmain

Dean F. BPL Member
PostedMar 25, 2016 at 9:29 am

I saw the OP title and was going to recommend the Elk Park/Needleton loop as well.  It just seems to come to mind every time I hear “Durango.”  It also fits your criteria, it’s a loop (which most people seem to prefer), and has the innate coolness of using the railroad as a shuttle.  You can easily make any sort of variation that you like so long as you start/stop at the two railroad stops.

Robert Justice BPL Member
PostedMar 25, 2016 at 10:20 pm

Thanks everyone, I’ll check these links and locations out. Really looking forward to hiking in this area.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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