La Garita Wilderness
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Distance: 36 miles (plus choices for summits)
Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
Group Size: 6 people
La Garita Wilderness is a remote and rugged corner of the Rio Grande National Forest, defined by expansive alpine basins, volcanic formations, and long stretches above treeline. This loop explores the southeastern side of the wilderness, where solitude is part of the experience.
We’ll cross Halfmoon Pass to visit the dramatic towers of the Wheeler Geologic Area, continue toward Machin Lake, and wander along the creeks that make up the valleys. Optional summit opportunities offer even bigger views, and lakes and creeks along the route provide chances to fish.
Expect to navigate faint or poorly maintained trails, steep slopes, boulder fields, creek crossings, and extended exposure at high elevation. We’ll be camping around 12,000 feet, and even in early July nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.
We’ll average 12 miles a day during the full days and the trail can be demanding. We’ll aim to be on the trail by 8 AM each morning, with regular breaks while hiking, and a long midday break built in for lunch and a nap. Expect to be at camp by 5. I’ll be fishing whenever the water looks good, and you’re welcome to join or push ahead. We’ll set meeting points along the way so there’s room to hike your own pace while still bringing the group back together at regular intervals.
Participants will be expected to confirm attendance one and a half weeks before the trip, and attend a virtual planning meeting one week before the trip.
Well behaved and qualified dogs are allowed on this trip. However, dogs should be comfortable traversing boulder fields, as there will be some rough parts of the trip.
Required actions before trip:
1. Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2. Complete a qualifying hike. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities. You will keep your place in line on the waitlist so long as you qualify within one month of the trip.
3. Attend a pre-trip virtual planning meeting about one week before trip start date.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive to trailhead in the morning (~5 hours). Hike 7 miles to campsite.
Day 2: 12.5 miles. Cross to Wheeler Geologic area, hike around, then continue back to Machin Lake to camp.
Day 3: 11.25 miles. Continue down MF Saguache Creek, see Saguache Falls, hike up Halfmoon Creek.
Day 4: 5 miles. Hike out to the cars and return home (~5 hours)