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San Juan National Forest Planning


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Home Forums Campfire Trip Planning San Juan National Forest Planning

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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  • #3391386
    Robert Justice
    BPL Member

    @rjustice7

    Locale: Central Texas Hill Country

    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.

    #3391639
    Maxwell Walrath
    BPL Member

    @max1856

    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

    #3391790
    Dean F.
    BPL Member

    @acrosome

    Locale: Back in the Front Range

    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.

    #3391797
    Ken Thompson
    BPL Member

    @here

    Locale: Right there

    Here’s a clickable link for Maxwell’s first one

    https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/107209/

    #3391934
    Robert Justice
    BPL Member

    @rjustice7

    Locale: Central Texas Hill Country

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

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