From Wolf Creek PassTake Highway 160 east from Pagosa Springs to Wolf Creek Pass. Each one has something to offer and several of them are within walking distance of each other! The entirety of the trail is now signed for the first time in its history. For northbound hikers, or “Nobos,” the Weminuche Wilderness begins soon after crossing Wolf Creek Pass, where the CDT remains above 11,000 feet for nearly 70 miles through the Weminuche. The sulfur-rich water emerging from what is called the "Mother Spring" has been measured between 110 °F and 144 °F (62 °C). Hike as far as you’d like through the San Juan Mountains & the Weminuche Wilderness, but Rock Lake makes a good day hike destination. As the name implies, Divide Lakes are located directly atop the watershed divide between Weminuche Creek and the Pine River. The impacted section has significant exposure and rocks are highly unstable as the slide continues to shift. This stewardship project will take place at Wolf Creek Pass in the Divide Ranger District […] Categories : Pagosa Springs … Most trailheads offer limited parking space. Pagosa Springs is a great place to try something new and different: try whitewater rafting in the San Juan River in May and June, and tubing/floating in July and August. Address: Take a stroll in a local parkEnjoy the fresh mountain air at one of Pagosa Springs’ city parks. Grab some coffee to start the day Whether you’re looking to grab something quick to go or prefer to spend the morning savoring your coffee and breakfast, Pagosa Springs boasts several local coffee shops for you to chose from. Nestled in the mountains of southern Colorado, the small town of Pagosa Springs offers visitors a warm, lively atmosphere in which to spend the day. The Trail angels report that CDT hikers are often mistaken for homeless people, and urge drivers who see dirty, backpack-laden hitchhikers on Wolf Creek Pass to offer them a ride into town. Choose your destination - the trail continues 8 miles to the Continental Divide Trail at Squaw Pass, ascending 3,100 feet. Ever taken a hot air balloon ride, or seen the Continental Divide? Treasure Falls: At the western base of Wolf Creek Pass, can be viewed from US Highway 160 northeast of Pagosa Springs. Head to the Pagosa Baking Company, the Boulder Coffee Cafe, Root Coffee + Shop, The Lift Coffee House, Higher Ground Coffee Co, or Two Chicks and a Hippie to fuel up for the day. Visitors can enjoy pizza, Italian, classic American fare, barbeque, sushi and more. Just 23 miles from downtown Pagosa Springs, the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) traverses Wolf Creek Pass and onward to Canada or Mexico, depending on which way you walk. The most exciting trail in the Weminuche Wilderness, it traverses through the most remote and beautiful sections of … On the full day, 8-hour tour, we'll … A rockslide near South River Peak has impacted a section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) on the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest. It was pretty chilly and we started off with our wind pants, mittens and windshirts. As we neared mile 14, we kept our eyes out for La Vaca Creek, a tributary to the Pine, which drains the eastern side of the Rio Grande Pyramid. We often reach 12,000 feet or higher on this awesome adventure. Gentle breezes are rustling through the trees and fresh air abounds on this ridge top single level home with stunning views of the Continental Divide. Today, it primarily caters to tourists, popular both with outdoor enthusiasts and springs-seekers. When gold was discovered in the surrounding San Juan mountains in 1860, prospectors and settlers flooded in. It became a relatively sleepy town until the 1970s, when land developers began touting the scenery and hot springs to newcomers. The water originates from 6,000 feet … CDT Day 45 – Pagosa Springs. The closest international airport to Pagosa Springs is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), which is about 3.5 hours away via US-84 W. The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the closest regional airport to town, and is about 1 hour away via US-160 E. The airport is serviced by American and United Airlines and offers daily non-stop flights to and from Denver, Colorado; Pheonix, Arizona; and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Lobo Overlook / Radio Tower: Fantastic view of Continental Divide - See 45 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Pagosa Springs, CO, at Tripadvisor. The trail takes off behind the microwave tower. Pagosa’s Past: Horseback trailin’ on the Continental Divide Photo courtesy John Motter The 1901 Fourth of July celebration in Pagosa Springs was beefed up … Word spread far and wide amongst settlers about the hot springs, and visitors began to arrive around this time, but logging and ranching were the primary industries here. Pagosa Springs, CO. Nestled in southwest Colorado at the base of the Continental Divide, Pagosa Springs is one of the state’s last undiscovered gems. The San Juan Mountains are the longest mountain chain in the Rockies and the highest mountain chain by average elevation in all of North America. CDTC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Divide Lakes are located deep in the Weminuche Wilderness northwest of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Residents enjoy small town charm and a mountain lifestyle, yet benefit from business, retail, entertainment, education, professional services, and civic organizations often … They make services accessible to hikers, educate local residents, and advocate for continued access to public lands,” according to the CDT website. Follow the Continental Divide Trail south from Wolf Creek Pass as it weaves throughout spruce-fir forest and across ski trails. The first bathhouse was built in 1881. Grab your swimsuit and a towel and head out to enjoy these natural wonders! The town of Pagosa Springs, buffeted by the nearby railroad construction, grew around Fort Lewis and was incorporated in 1891, after Fort Lewis was moved west. Rental cars are available at the airport. This combination of high desert plateau and the Rocky Mountains to the north and east creates an unusually mild climate, especially in the summer months. Here are a few quick facts about the CDT: The CDT runs 3,100 miles in total. CDTC is a platinum-level GuideStar participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency. Date: 8/3/20. Most of the Williams Creek Trail is in the Weminuche Wilderness. Pagosa Springs even has its share of “trail angels,” locals who advertise rides and sometimes lodging to hikers who pass through town. Information courtesy of Archuleta County and the Pagosa Springs Visitor Center. Becoming Pagosa Springs. Native Americans who inhabited this area long before white settlers arrived were drawn to the warm, bubbling waters of the geothermal hot springs along the San Juan River. Wilderness Journeys Pagosa: Full Day Continental Divide 4X4 Ride - See 290 traveler reviews, 64 candid photos, and great deals for Pagosa Springs, CO, at Tripadvisor. 1. The trail takes off behind the microwave tower. View Listing. Whether or not you’re aiming to reach the CDT, you’ll enjoy the rugged volcanic peaks that surround the trail in its first few miles. This trail meets Hossick Creek Trail mile 6.5. Pagosa Springs is located approximately 35 miles (56 km) north of the New Mexico border, at 7,126 feet (2,172 m) above sea level on the Western Slope of the Continental Divide. The use of geothermal water in the immediate area, however, dates back to the 1800's, with use by Ute Bands and the Navajo Nation and later by the U.S. Calvalry in the 1880's (Lieutenant McCauley, 1878). Lobo Overlook / Radio Tower: awesome view of the continental divide! Rail travel arrived in 1900 and travelers came far and wide to experience the hot springs for themselves. All directions to trailheads begin at Pagosa Springs. Begin your journey to Alberta Peak from the trailhead indicated to the left of the signposts. This easily accessible trailhead showcases high mountain meadows and sweeping vistas of surrounding peaks, while still allowing plenty of time to take a relaxing float on the San Juan River later that day. From sculptures, to jewelry, to books and more, there’s a lot to see, whether you want to find something to take home or you are simply window shopping. Hikers have a variety of needs when they trudge off the trail and into towns. Learn some history at the Pagosa Springs History Museum, 6. Just past the Continental Divide kiosk at the pass, take the dirt road on your left. Pagosa Springs sits high in the San Juan Basin, where the high desert plateau to the west meets the Rocky Mountains, and adjacent to the 3-million-acre San Juan National Forest to the north and east. The full version of this story is available in the print edition and e-edition of the Pagosa Springs SUN. Pagosa resident Addie Greer is a “trail angel” and has been helping hikers for about 13 years.