Topic
San Juan National Forest Planning
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › Campfire › Trip Planning › San Juan National Forest Planning
- This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 8 years ago by Robert Justice.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Mar 23, 2016 at 3:53 pm #3391386
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.
Mar 24, 2016 at 3:54 pm #3391639Hi 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
Mar 25, 2016 at 9:29 am #3391790I 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.
Mar 25, 2016 at 10:01 am #3391797Here’s a clickable link for Maxwell’s first one
Mar 25, 2016 at 10:20 pm #3391934Thanks everyone, I’ll check these links and locations out. Really looking forward to hiking in this area.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.