Spanning nearly 500,000 acres in southern Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness is Colorado’s largest Wilderness Area. From the Continental Divide and the headwaters of the Rio Grande on the east side, to the craggy peaks known as the “American Alps” on the west side, to the dark, vast interior where you may go days without seeing another human, one could spend a lifetime exploring its secrets. These are the San Juan Mountains, Colorado at its wildest, legendary among backpackers for the pristine mountain scenery and potential for solitude.

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Like all federal wilderness areas, bikes and vehicles are prohibited, so you’ll need a good pair of boots or a horse when you go. Also, keep in mind that because of heavy snow and lack of access, winter recreation is limited and snow often lingers in higher terrain into mid-July.

Day Hikes in the Weminuche Wilderness

Without an overnight pack, you can only nip the edges of this great wilderness, but there are still options.

1. Fourmile Falls

This short but pretty hike begins north of Pagosa Springs and runs 2.75 miles to two majestic waterfalls tumbling down steep cliffs.

2. Crater Lake

This 5.5-mile hike is on the western fringe of the wilderness, and offers only moderate elevation gain as it climbs to a pretty mountain lake brimming with fish.

3. Lobo Overlook

You can drive to 10,856 feet above Wolf Creek Pass and walk a short distance into the wilderness high on the Continental Divide.

4. Highland Mary Lakes

This trail near the town of Silverton is popular, and for good reason. It runs four miles one-way to a series of pretty lakes high above timberline.

Overnight Trips in the Weminuche Wilderness

The only way to penetrate the heart of the wilderness is on a multi-day backpack trip. Here are a few of the best.

1. Chicago Basin

The only peaks to rise above 14,000 feet in the Weminuche are located above this stunning alpine cirque. You’ll need to buy a hiker’s ticket for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and get dropped off along the tracks. It’s a seven-mile hike to the camping area, where you can attempt to summit the fourteeners. For a truly epic adventure, continue over Columbine Pass and make a 36-mile loop north on the Vallecito Trail and then west on the Elk Creek Trail to Elk Park, where the train will pick you up.

2. Emerald Lake

The third-largest natural lake in Colorado is tough to reach, and that means solitude. It’s a 10-mile trek, first along the Pine River Trail from the area of Vallecito Reservoir and then steeply up the Emerald Lake Trail. But the lake views are worth it, so set up a base camp and spend some time exploring the area. Moon Lake in the basin above Emerald Lake makes a worthy side trip. This area is popular with horseback guides and outfitters, so watch your step.

3. Ute Creek Loop

This route on the north side of the wilderness offers access to some of the most remote terrain in Colorado. Beginning at the Ute Creek trailhead near Rio Grande Reservoir, it runs for 10 miles to the Continental Divide Trail. From here you can choose to go to Ute Lake or Middle Ute Lake, or cross over the Divide and drop down to Flint Lake or Rock Lake. Or head north along the Continental Divide Trail to West Ute Lake. All are gorgeous and worth the effort.