Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
Hiking
There is a lot of good hiking and camping in the remote South San Juan Wilderness Area,
a part of the Rio Grande National Forest. Don't expect a crowded trail; this area is prob-
ably the least used wilderness in southern Colorado.
The
Elk Creek Trailhead
makes for a good base; from here you can hike in to Duck Lake (3
miles) or First Meadows (2 miles); for a longer backpacking trip, continue past First
Meadows to the Dipping Lakes (13 miles) and the Continental Divide Trail. Elk Creek is
24 miles west of Antonito, just off Hwy 17.
You can also access the Continental Divide Trail from the top of Cumbres Pass, near
the depot.
For maps and information about these hikes and surrounding campgrounds, contact the
USFS Conejos Peak Ranger District
(
8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri)
, 11
719-274-8971; 15571 County Rd T5;
miles north of Antonito (3 miles south of La Jara) on Hwy 285.
Fishing
Specially managed Wild Trout Waters are designated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife
on the uppermost Lake Fork, plus sections of the Conejos River next to the South San
Juan Wilderness and below the Menkhaven Lodge for 4 miles. These streams support self-
sustaining native cutthroat trout populations. The Division of Wildlife manager in An-
tonito prepares a map and handout on fishing the Conejos River for each season; it's avail-
able at the Antonito Visitors Center (
Click here
)
and tackle shops. Alternatively, stop in at
Conejos River Anglers
( 719-376-5660;
www.conejosriveranglers.com
; 34591 Hwy 17; half-day per person from
$185)
, 5 miles west of Antonito, for information on fishing conditions and specific regula-
tions for the season. The shop offers fishing guides for trips on the Conejos River and its
tributaries from May to November; it also rents cabins for $89 a night.
Sleeping
There are five USFS campgrounds along Hwy 17, between Antonito and Cumbres Pass.
The first three (Aspen Grove, Mogote, and Spectacle Lake) are nice enough, but the
scenery definitely improves the higher up into the mountains you go.
Elk Creek
(Hwy 17; tent
sites $18;
)
is a choice location; free dispersed camping is also available
late May-mid-Sep;
