12/28/2023 0 Comments Pagosa hot springs![]() ![]() But the Forest Service has done a remarkable job at clearing the trail and hot springs. It really is quite the site to see as you’re walking through these areas that have been impacted. And just a few years ago, huge avalanches took all these dead trees and deposited them across the trail and down into the river. Combined with the beetle bug devastation, there are tons of trees down everywhere. Back in 2013, there was a huge fire out here that burned more than a 100,000 acres. ![]() And for the most part, you don’t have a choice because of the fence on the west side and the steep drop off on the east side as you’re headed north.Ī mile and a half in is where you enter the Weminuche Wilderness area. There are many signs posted to stay on the trail. At about half a mile in, you pass the ranch and begin down the trail easement located through the ranch. The trail starts off at a private road that leads past a few cabins and large ranch. Most of them were camping overnight at the hot springs. And overall, I saw probably about twenty people coming and going. I went on a Wednesday morning in mid August, past the prime tourist season. Just be careful during heavy rains as it can get muddy.ĭuring the summer, this trail can get busy. It’s down a dirt road that goes by a couple of campgrounds with many dispersed sites once you get near the West Fork River. But you can continue on to the Continental Divide Trail at Piedra Pass for a one-way total of 11.9 miles and an elevation gain of 3,600 feet. Most visitors hike to the Rainbow Hot Springs and back. The Rainbow Trail is part of the West Fork Trail #561. And then you get to do it again in reverse on your way out, totaling ten miles and 1,637 feet of climbing. It’s a five mile hike that gradually ascends about 1,000 ft. This is a pretty popular trail here given the final destination. The hot springs located in the backcountry near Pagosa Springs. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |