 | | Located in the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests, in south-central Colorado, the La Garita Wilderness encompasses 103,986 acres on the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests. The rugged terrain spans in elevation from 9,000 to over 14,000 feet. In all, about 35 miles of the Continental Divide lie within the wilderness.Some points of interest in the La Garita Wilderness are San Louis Peak (14,014 feet high), Machin Lake, Mineral Creek, Organ Mountain, Stewart Peak, Baldy Cinco and Baldy Alto, and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail which runs for about 26 miles through the area along its southern boundary. From San Luis Peak, climbers can gaze out across the upper Rio Grande Valley and down along the San Luis Valley.The Wheeler Geologic Area lies in the southeast corner of the Wilderness. Wheeler contains some of the state's most unusual geological formation: fine, light-gray volcanic ash compressed into rock and wildlife eroded into a striking series of domes, spires, caves, ledges, pinnacles, ravines and balanced rocks. The old road leading to the edge of Wheeler was left out of the wilderness Area, providing those who can't access it by foot, to access it by car.Wildlife includes elk, mule deer, black beer, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, snowshoe hares, Golden Eagle and other small species. In the meadows, keep an eye out for some beaver ponds.In all about 175 miles of trails provide access to the area. Most are very well suited for horseback riders. |
| |  | | | Facilities: The La Garita Wilderness does not provide any facilities. Reservations: Reservations are not accepted at La Garita Wilderness. Best Time To Visit: Weather for La Garita Wilderness area can vary greatly; but generally visitors can expect a cool mountain climate with scattered rain showers throughout the summer months. Normally, the La Garita area is snow free from mid-July to September, but conditions depend on the elevation and the amount of snowfall each winter. Lower elevations from around 9,000 to 10,000 feet may become snow free by early June, but some creek and river levels will still be high. Fees: No fees are charged at La Garita Wilderness. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Unknown Directions: To get to La Garita Wilderness from Alamosa: Take US 160 west, turn north on State Route 149 and proceed about 15 miles. Turn north on Forest Service Road 600 and go about 10 miles to the East Bellow Creek Trailhead and the Wheeler Geologic Area. | | |
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| | | | Address | | USDA Forest Service | | 2250 HWY 50 | | Delta, Colorado 81416 |
| | | Phone | | General: (970) 874-6600 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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