m«* r?.o\ DOC. A 13 13 w 47/2009 Edition JAN 2 2 2039 UNIVERSITY OF ILUN< AT URBANA-CH^itf 3 01 2 0988427/ lu#s rg " £ ^Mntofagr^I Safety - Leave No Trace - Camping - Destinations - Regulations - Wildlife - Stock Use Colorado’s Largest Wilderness Area At three quarters the size of Rhode Island, the Weminuche Wilderness is the largest Wilderness area in Colorado at 499,771 acres. It is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, established by the Wilderness Act of 1964 to; “secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness. ” The Weminuche was designated by Congress in 1975, and expanded by the Colorado Wilderness Acts of 1980 and 1993. The Weminuche spans the Continental Divide, North America’s geological backbone, with its headwaters diverted to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom peaks rise above 14,000 feet, while many others reach above 13,000 feet. With an average elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, the Weminuche is rugged country, but its ecosystems are fragile. As you visit, you will join thousands of others who travel in the Weminuche each year. You can help protect the Wilderness through your knowledge and skills, and by complying with regulations. Many people are not aware of the impacts they cause - please practice low-impact camping and use common sense. Overall Regulations Travel Only primitive forms of travel—foot travel and stock animals— are allowed in Wilderness. Possession/use of motorized equipment and/or mechanized means of transportation is not allowed. This includes motor vehicles, bicycles, wagons, hang gliders, carts, and any type of motorized equipment, including chainsaws. Use of aircraft to land or drop people or materials is prohibited, with the exception of agency-approved emergency search operations and administrative use. Wheelchairs may be used if medically necessary. Contact the Forest Service office nearest your destination for clarification. Camping • Camping for more than 14 days in the same place is • prohibited. Camping is not allowed within 100’ (about 35 adult steps) of • streams and lakes, except at designated or posted campsites. Camping is not allowed within 100’ of areas assigned to permitted • commercial outfitters. In heavily impacted areas, camping is further restricted to protect vegetation and water sources or to promote revegetation. a Group Size The maximum group size allowed in the Weminuche is 15 people per group, with a maximum combination of people and stock not to exceed 25. Small groups have less impacts on the natural resources of the Wilderness and on the experiences of other visitors. If your group is larger than 15, you must split into legally sized groups. You cannot gather, travel, or use any area in the Weminuche in a group size larger than 15. The group size applies to everyone, including scouts, commercial outfitters, educational, and church groups. Other Regulations The following regulations apply to all areas of the Weminuche: • Pets must be leashed or under voice control. Dogs must not disturb wildlife, people, or property. • Pack out and properly dispose of all trash. Do not bury it. • Disposing of wash water and human waste is prohibited within 100' of any water source. • Cutting or damaging live trees is prohibited. • Caching of any type of equipment is prohibited. • Leaving campfires unattended is prohibited. A campfire is not considered out until the ashes are cold to the touch. • Restraining recreational livestock is prohibited within 100’ of streams and lakes or within riparian areas. • Shortcutting of trail switchbacks is prohibited to limit erosion. Do not cut switchbacks. r\ In some areas, a post like this will A A mark where camping is allowed. No C / In some areas, a post like this will A M P mark where camping is not allowed. 1 N G Permits Individual permits are not required in the Weminuche Wilderness, but please sign in at trailhead registration boxes to help the Forest Service monitor recreational use patterns. However, anyone who receives any form of compensation for their services must obtain a special-use permit. Permits are required if you are outfitting, guiding or leading a group of any size for monetary or other compensation, even if you are doing so for an educational institution or nonprofit organization. Contact the Forest Service office nearest your destination for permit information or to ensure that your guide has a valid permit. Stock Feed Noxious weeds pose many dangers to the Wilderness, including crowding out native plants, replacing wildlife forage, marring scenery, increasing erosion, and hampering recreation. All livestock feed in your possession on National Forest lands must be certified weed free. Original and current tag, twine, or other certification marking that meets or exceeds the North American W 3 '’^ Cro ° Fnrqoe or comparable standard is required. Know Before You Go For current conditions, call the Forest Service office nearest the trailhead you are using or visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan and go to c. Conditions and Recreation. Heavy snows in winter can cause avalanches, leaving trails blocked by downed trees and contributing to high watei runoff in summer. In 2005, a bridge seven miles up the Vallecito Trail was taken out by an avalanche and will not be replaced for some time, making the creek crossing difficult to unsafe, depending on conditions and your skills. Natural events such as these can occur during your trip and may affect your ability to complete your planned trip. We cannot stress the following enough: Wilderness is wild: Be prepared for the unexpected! The information in this guide may be helpful in giving you ideas for visiting the Weminuche, but it is not sufficient for trip planning. Descriptions are brief, and elevations and mileages are approximate. Study and carry topographic maps of the areas you intend to visit. The most current is the Weminuche Wilderness Map by National Geographic. USGS topo maps have greater detail, but may be outdated and not display current trails and boundaries. You may choose to use both types of maps. Site-Specific Regulations Locations with Site-Specific Regulations No Camping Camping in Designated Areas Only No Campfires or Woodstoves No Restraint of Livestock No Grazing of Recreational Livestock Archuleta Lake within 200' of lakeshore X X X X Emerald Lake, within 1/2 mi. of north shore and 1/4 mi. of other shores X X X X Between shoreline of Flint Lake & Flint, La Osa trails, within 200' of west and north shores X X X X Fourmile Lake within 200' of lakeshore X X X X Little Emerald Lake within 1/4 mi. of lakeshore X X( except in designated areas ) X X Needle Creek Drainage, including Chicago Basin X Twin Lakes in Needle Creek Drainage X X Meadow at junction of Weminuche & East Fork trails X in.aOf X w Springs) X X X -aKe within 200' of lakeshore X X X X TRAIL CLOSURE: Beaver Creek Trail (#560), northeast of Pagosa Springs, is closed by rock slides until further notice from the top of the first set of switchbacks east of the West Fork Trail to Beaver Meadow, making the Continental Divide Trail inaccessible from this route. .3 Leave No Trace of Your Visit Plan Ahead and Prepare • Research regulations and current conditions. • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. • Repackage food to minimize waste. • Use a current topographic (topo) map of the area. At the Trail head You’ll find bulletin boards and registration boxes at Wilderness trailheads. Check for regulations, current conditions, and fire restrictions. Registration is requested to help compile visitor statistics. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Concentrate activities on established trails and campsites, or areas of rock, gravel, dry grass, or snow. • Camp away from lakes and streams. • Good campsites are found, not made - altering a site is not necessary. • In popular areas: • Select an existing site where camping is allowed - do not create a new campsite. • Walk single file on the trail, especially when wet or muddy. • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas of little or no vegetation. • In pristine areas: • Spread out your activities to prevent creation of new campsites or trails. • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. Minimize Campfire Impacts • Minimize your impacts by using a lightweight stove for cooking, and a candle for light. Only build a fire where it will not cause further damage or deplete wood resources (decaying wood plays an important role in the ecosystem). • If you must have a fire, use an existing fire ring, fire pan, or mound fire in an area where campfires are allowed. • Gather wood less than 3” in diameter and keep fires small. • Never leave camp without extinguishing your campfire. Allow your fire to burn down to ashes, then soak the ashes until they are cool enough to touch. Dispose of Waste Properly • Before you leave, inspect your camping area for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. • Do not burn or bury trash. Animals, time, and erosion will unearth it. • Use the “cat hole” method to deposit solid human waste. Dig a hole 6-8” deep away from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise holes after use. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. • Wash yourself and dishes away from streams and lakes, and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. Leave What You Find • Examine (but do not touch) cultural or historic structures, and artifacts. • Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them. •Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. • Do not build structures or furniture, and do not dig trenches. • Stay away from old mining structures; they are unstable and dangerous. • Patented mining claims are often on private property within National Forest lands. Please don’t trespass. Respect Wildlife • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach wild animals. • Never feed wild animals - this affects their health, alters their natural behaviors, and exposes them to many dangers. • Keep a clean camp, store food and trash securely, and never bury trash because wild animals will dig it up and repeatedly return to the site. •Control pets at all times or leave them at home. Uncontrolled dogs endanger wildlife and themselves. •Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. Be Considerate of Others •Try not to impact the quality of others’ experiences in camp and on the trail. Set up camp and take breaks along the trail away from other visitors. • Be courteous and yield to other visitors on the trail. • Don't allow dogs to bother or intimidate others. • Be careful when encountering horseback riders and pack stock. Step to the downhill side of the trail in a safe place in plain view. Restrain your dog. Talk in a normal tone of voice to reassure the animals and create goodwill with riders. • Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises. Guidelines for Stock Users Getting Ready •Check on conditions and facilities. Some trails are more conducive to horse travel than others. • Livestock should be in good condition for mountain travel and accustomed to the feed and methods of restraint you’ll use. Practice in advance with equipment like packs, hobbles, hitch line, and electric fencing. • Prepare your animals for encounters with other livestock, llamas, dogs, and backpackers. •Minimize the number of pack stock you’ll need by using lightweight equipment and taking less. Don’t Bring Weeds with You Wilderness ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to the spread of noxious weeds, which can be spread through manure. Several days before you arrive on public lands, feed your stock in weed-free pastures and/or use certified weed-free feed. Inspect, brush, and clean animals, tack, and equipment to remove hitchhiking seeds. (See page 1 for weed regulation information.) On the Trail When taking breaks, tie stock to trees only for short periods of time. To lessen damage, select a tree at least 8” in diameter and use tree-saver straps, or wrap the lead rope twice around the trunk. Those you pass on the trail may not be familiar with livestock. Ask them to step off on the downhill side in a safe place. A little conversation as you pass will reduce the risk of horses being spooked and help create goodwill. Stock in Camp • See page 2 for stock-use regulations at specific Wilderness destinations. • Choose an existing legal campsite with ample forage. • Allow livestock into the camp core only for loading and unloading. • Permanent structures - such as corrals, hitching rails, tables, or benches - are illegal in Wilderness. • Before you leave, fill in pawed places, try to return trampled areas to a natural state, scatter manure, and remove everything you brought with you. Stock Restraint • Restrain stock away from lakeshores, stream sides, and wet meadows. •Animals that are monitored, protected from biting bugs, well-fed and watered are more content and less apt to paw and damage vegetation and soils. • The more confined an animal is, the more impacts it creates. Portable electric fencing is a low-impact restraint method that allows grazing and movement. Using hobbles also helps prevent damage. • Move stock animals frequently to prevent overgrazing and damage to vegetation and soils. Highlines are a Great Method • Using tree-saver straps to protect bark, stretch rope tightly above wither height between two trees at least 20’ apart. • Tie stock several feet out from trees to prevent damage to root systems and trunks. • Remove saddles and packs from animals that are tied to a highline. • Use a quick-release knot that won’t slide. Tie more than one animal to the line, as animals are less restless when tied with others. • Move the highline often to minimize soil damage from pawing stock. How far is far enough? Leave No Trace ethics call for camping and disposal of waste water and body waste at least 200’ frc sources, meadows, and trails. The required dist c federal regulations is less - 100’ or about 35 adult: Use common sense in particular situations you encounter to ci between the two. It's also important to know site-specific regulation that may apply to certain locations in the Weminuche (see page 2) addition to overall regulations. For more information on Leave No Trace Ethics: (800) 332-4100 or www.lnt.org 4 Coexisting With Wildlife 0lean Camp In an effort to find food, even small critters can damage your belongings. Encouraging unnatural behavior endangers the survival of wild animals. They can be attracted to any item with a scent, regardless of packaging - canned goods, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, livestock feed, ice chests (even empty), and unwashed pots and dishes. Other belongings can also be at risk from salt-seeking rodents - handle sweaty items and leather as you would food items. The Most Common Encounter Prepare for biting flies, gnats, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, and bees. Pack insect repellent and wear long pants, long-shirt sleeves, and high socks. In this area, diseases transmitted to humans by insects include Rocky Mountain tick fever and West Nile virus. West Nile is also a concern for horses. . - ■ Information on Wildlife: http://wildlife. state, co. us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWith Wildlife Information on Altitude Illness: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/redirect.aspx Information on Water Treatment: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentWaterTreatment.aspx Information on Hypothermia: www. bt. cdc. gov/d isasters/winter/faq. asp Information on Lightning: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/overview.htm Information on Insect-transmitted diseases: www. fightthebitecolorado. com/outdoor, htm http://www. cdphe. state, co. us/dc/zoonosis/ ^ ■ - - 0 Mountain Goats and Tundra Rocky Mountain goats tear up delicate tundra to reach salts from urine deposited by campers. Goats also become aggressive when they are accustomed to people. To minimize these problems in the Chicago Basin and Twin Lakes areas, please do not feed, touch, or encourage goats to come closer to you. Urinate on rocks at least 200 feet from your camp. Pack out used toilet paper in doubled plastic bags. The Bear Necessities The only species of bear known to exist today in Colorado is the black bear. Grizzlies have not been documented in the Weminuche for several decades. Black bears have a voracious appetite, especially from mid-August until they hibernate in the fall. They have an acute sense of smell and a great memory for where they have found meals in the past. Practice bear safety: • Protect your food and gear from wildlife: • Never leave food unattended. • Never store food or scented items in a tent. • Use a bear-resistant storage container, or use the counter-balance method (see below) to suspend items. Counter Balance Method • Find a tree with a live, down-sloping branch. The branch must allow food bags to be at least 10’ off the ground and at least 4’ out from the trunk. • Divide food by equal weight into two bags. • Use enough rope to go over the branch and back to the ground. Toss it over the branch where it will support the weight of the food but not a bear cub. •Tie on and hoist the first sack up to the branch. Tie the second sack as high as you can on the rope; put excess rope in the sack, leaving a loop out so you can retrieve it. •Toss or use a stick to push the lower sack until both sacks are at equal height. •To retrieve the sacks, hook a long stick through the loop of excess rope. Pull slowly to avoid tangles. Safety and Other Information It's Wild Out There Be aware of health and safety considerations when heading into the Wilderness. Consider in advance what you will do if you become injured or lost. Be prepared with the skills and equipment to handle rapidly changing and extreme weather conditions, snow fields, high-water crossings, snow fields, lightning storms, and wildlife encounters. You cannot trust that water in rivers, streams, and lakes is free of intestinal parasites, even if it is crystal clear. Some people have severe medical reactions to high altitudes (the Weminuche ranges from 8,000' to more than 14,000’ above sea level). Expect the Unexpected Although lower elevations are usually free of snow by mid-June, higher elevations may be snow covered into August. Some high peaks, narrow drainages, and north-facing exposures never lose snow. Lightning storms are common, especially in August. Most people plan to hike at higher elevations early in the day, so they are back below treeline by noon. Search & Rescue Cards Local sheriff’s departments handle search and rescue operations. By purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue Card, the cost of a rescue, should you need it, will be covered. Without a card, you may be charged for the cost. Those with a current hunting/fishing license, or boat, snowmobile, or ATV registration are already covered by the fund. The cost is $3 per year, or $12 for five years. Cards are available from vendors, including San Juan Public Lands offices, or by phone or online from the State of Colorado. For more information, call (970) 248-7310 or go to: http://dola.Colorado, gov/d lg/fa/sar/ /? -n\ Information on Hunting and Fishing: o. do Division of Wildlife 16" eet, Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-0855 -or- * cast, Monte Vista, Co 81144 (719) 587-6900 www. wildlife, state, co. us Fire in the Wilderness Fire is one of the forces of nature that influences the natural condition of wilderness. Most fires in the Weminuche are started by lightning and average less than one acre in size. There is a chance you may encounter fire or smoke during your visit, because the Forest Service allows nearly all naturally ignited fires that occur in wilderness to run their natural course. Agency policy is to immediately suppress only human-caused fires. In remote areas, natural fires are often monitored only from the air. You should, of course, avoid any area that appears to be burning. Check trailhead signing for information about active fire in the area. Climbing 14’ers Many people visit Chicago Basin to climb its 14,000’ peaks. There have been many serious injuries and fatalities on Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom peaks. Safe climbing requires mountaineering skills and careful planning. Weather conditions can include lightning, hail, and snow. Loose and slippery rocks make for uncertain footing. The Colorado 14er’s Initiative and Forest Service are constructing sustainable routes to the peaks surrounding Chicago Basin. Please stay on designated routes. Camping in the Twin Lakes Basin is prohibited. For information specific to the Chicago Basin area, go to: www.fs.fed.us/sanjuan. Under Recreation, you will find a link to the Chicago Basin Trip Planning Guide. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad The train route through the Weminuche Wilderness was once used by the Rio Grande Railroad, which hauled ore and precious minerals from the Silverton mines. The railroad right-of-way predates establishment of the San Juan National Forest in 1905. Today, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers drop-off service for Wilderness visitors at specified times at the Elk Park and Needleton trailheads. It may be convenient, but don’t expect solitude—the train drops off between 10 and 60 backpackers each trip. Rail service typically runs from May to October. For information on schedules and fares or to make reservations, call (888) 827-4607. 5 Destinations Definitions of Abbreviations Used Below: CG = Campground TH = Trailhead FS = Forest Service Road CR = County Road D&SNGRR = Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad South of the Continental Divide Elevatio n Gain from TH to Destination How to Access Distances and Descriptions Stock Use Site-Specific Regulations Chicago Basin 8,280’ - 11,200’ Purgatory TH, Hwy 550 or via DSNGRR to Needleton 18 mi. from Purgatory TH, 6.5 mi. from railroad, very popular None to light stock use See Needle Creek regs on pg. 2 Crater Lake 10,744’ - 11,560’ Andrews Lake, US Hwy 550 5.5 mi. to lake, popular for day hikes & overnight camping Light stock use Elk Creek 8,840'- 12,680’ D&SNGRR to Elk Park or via Molas TH on US 550 9 mi. from railroad, 14 mi. from Molas TH to Cont. Divide, popular Light stock use Fourmiie Falls 9,000'- 11,200' Fourmiie TH via Fourmiie Rd. FS#400 to FS#645 3 mi. to the falls, 5.5 mi. to the lake, very popular Trail above falls not suitable for horses See pg. 2 Fourmiie Lake 9,000' -11,200' Anderson TH via Fourmiie Rd. FS#400 to FS#645 Alternative stock route, 9 mi. to Four Mile Lake See site-specific regs on pg-2 See pg. 2 Highland Mary Lakes 10,800-12,200' Hwy 110 to FS#589 to FS#737 Access to lakes above timberline, heavily used Impassable for horses, steep and narrow Separate horse trail goes to Cont .Divide Middle Fork 8,400' - 12,230' Middle Fork TH via Piedra Rd. FS#600, then FS#631 to FS#636 Steep switchbacks for 3 mi., 9 mi. to Cont.Divide, few campsites Moderate stock use Pine River Valley 7,916’ - 10,630' Pine River TH via CR 501 to FS#600 to Pine River CG 22 mi. to Weminuche Pass, access to 10 other trails Heavy stock use, TH facilities offered First 3 mi. is on private property - stay on trail Turkey Creek Lake 8,700'- 11,000' Jackson Mtn. Rd. FS#037 9.5 mi. to Turkey Ck. Lake, climbs 3,000' in 10 mi., moderate use Moderate to heavy stock use Vallecito Trail 7,916’ - 11,520’ Vallecito TH via CR 501 to CR 500 to Vallecito CG 17 mi. to Hunchback Pass, moderately difficult trail in deep, narrow canyon for 7 mi. Due to avalanche, the bridge 7 mi. from TH is out Where bridge is out, water crossing can be dangerous West Fork ( Rainbow) 8,500'- 11,900' West Fork TH via West Fork Rd FS#648 16 mi. to Continental Divide, very popular No grazing allowed at Rainbow Hot Springs See pg. 2 ( 1st mi. private, stay on trail) Williams Creek Trail 9,200' - 11,000' Williams Ck. TH via Piedra Rd., CR 600, then FS#639 to FS#640 10 mi. to Williams Lake, 14 to Divide, few campsites Moderate stock use North of the Continental Divide Elevatio n Gain from TH to Destination How to Access Distances and Descriptions Stock Use Site-Specific Regulations Archuleta Lake 9,360' - 11,760' Big Meadows Rd to Big Meadows Reservoir 7 mi. to Archuleta Lake, heavy use, joins Continental Divide Trail Moderate stock use See pg. 2 Squaw Pass 9,400' - 10,800' Upper Rio Grande Rd. FS#520 to Thirty Mile CG, West Loop 10 mi. to Cont. Divide, camping, upper trail wet & boggy, heavy use Loading area 1/4 mi. before TH Ute Basin 9,600'- 11,800' Upper Rio Grande Rd. FS#520 to Ute Creek TH 12 mi. to Twin Lakes, heavy use Loading area 1/4 mi. before Thirty Mile CG See pg. 2 Weminuche Pass 9,400'- 10,600' Upper Rio Grande Rd FS#520 to Thirty Mile CG Easy hike, good campsites, heavy day use Loading area located before TH See pg. 2 Loop and Point-to-Point Trips Elevatio n Gain from TH to Destination How to Access Distances and Descriptions Stock Use Site-Specific Regulations Fourmiie Lake 9,000'- 11,200' Anderson and Fourmiie THs via Fourmiie Rd., CR 400, to FS #645 15 mi. roundtrip Fourmiie Trail above falls not suitable for stock use See pg. 2 Needleton to Elk Park or reverse D&SNGRR to Needleton to Elk Park or reverse 34 mi. Needleton to Elk Park loop available - consult good maps Stock not recommended See pg. 2 Vallecito to Pine River or reverse Pine River TH via CR 501 to FS#602 to Pine River CG or Vallecito TH via CR 501 to FS#600 to Vallecito CG 49 mi. from Vallecito to Pine Riv. TH via Rock Creek, Rock Lake, Flint Creek, Flint Lake, Pine River Moderate stock use Private property first 3 mi. of Pine River Trail, stay on trail Williams Creek Williams Creek TH via Piedra Rd., CR 600 to FS#639 and 640 23-mi. loop via Williams Lake, Continental Divide, Palisade Meadow Trail and Williams Creek Moderate stock use Williams to Cimarrona or reverse Williams Creek TH via Piedra Rd., CR 600, to FS#639 and 640 or from Cimarrona TH on FS#640 23 mi. from Williams to Cimarrona via Continental Divide, Squaw Pass and Cimarrona Trail Moderate stock use - 1 6 “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home: that wildness is a ne¬ cessity.” - John Muir “We simply need that wild country available to us ...for it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, as part of the geography of hope.” - Wallace Stegner “Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.” - Teddy Roosevelt Suggested Reading: • Backcountry Horse Use Leave No Trace Skills • How to Shit in the Woods. Meyer, Kathleen Rocky Mountains Leave No Trace Skills & Ethics • A Sand County Almanac. Leopold, Aldo 1949 • Soft Paths: How to Enjoy the Wilderness without Harming It. Hampton, Bruce and Cole, David • Walking in Wildness: A Guide to the Weminuche Wilderness. Boucher, B.J. 1998 • Wilderness Forever: Howard Zahniser and the Path to the Wilderness Act. Harvey, Mark • USGS Topographical Maps. U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25286, Federal Ctr, Bdg 41, Denver CO 80225, 303 202-4700; www.usgs.gov • Hiking Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness - Falcon Guide • Weminuche Wilderness Map - National Geographic #140 •Topo maps are now available at: www.usgs.gov/pubprod/ • Chicago Basin Trip Planning Guide can be found on the SJMA website at www.sjma.org under “Area Information” .. .. These and other guide books and maps are available at www.sjma.org and can be found in San Juan Mountains Association bookstores. ^ . -~ v The Weminuche Wilderness is managed by the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests Get Involved! There’s no better way to see the Wilderness or share your love of it than to volunteer. San Juan Mountains Association volunteers donate their time to hike, backpack, or ride their horses on Wilderness trails to provide important information to visitors on Leave No Trace ethics, USFS regulations, and trail conditions. The San Juan Mountains Association also sells interpretive books, maps, Wilderness materials, and Smokey Bear products at its bookstores and online catalogue. The mission of this nonprofit organization, is to promote responsible care of natural and cultural resources through education and hands-on involvement that inspires respect and reverence for our lands. SJMA P.O. Box 2261 Durango, CO 81301 970 385-1210 For information on areas south of the Continental Divide: San Juan Public Lands Office 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-4874 www. fs.fed. us/r2/sanjuan Columbine Ranger District P.O. Box 439 367 South Pearl St., Bayfield, CO 81122 (970) 884-2512 Pagosa Ranger District P.O. Box 310 180 Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (970) 264-2268 Silverton Public Lands Office P.O. Box 709 1246 Blair St., Silverton, CO 81133 (970) 387-5530 For information on areas north of the Continental Divide: Rio Grande National Forest 1803 W. Highway 160 Monte Vista, CO 81144 (719) 852-5941 www. fs. fed. us/r2/riogrande Divide Ranger District West P.O. Box 270 3 rd & Creede Avenue Creede, CO 81130 (719) 658-2556 Divide Ranger District East 13308 W. Highway 160 P.O. Box 40 Del Norte, CO 81132 (719) 657-3321 MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATION »»» SJMA USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. i