Trails, trails, trails - easy ones, challenging ones, wooded, rocky, sandy and grassy ones - long trails, short loops and trails that you could follow all the way to Canada. Saguache County trails meander through 1,487,088 acres of America's backyard, our public lands - a hiker’s paradise. Crestone resident Ben Brack shares his love and advice of walking the high country:

"Welcome wanderers, to the majesty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Towering above our tiny town, these peaks run wild with legends, adventure, drawing worshippers throughout history and claiming sacrifices as necessary. Maintain your wits in this world and you may depart wiser and more enlightened than when you arrived. Today these mountains yield treasure to those hearty enough to go hiking for it. Old mining trails have been improved and maintained by the USFS to provide back country access. All of these trails offer amazing views, bounding hearts, and labored breathing. They should not be attempted unprepared or in questionable physical condition."

Some saftey tips: As you go higher, the air is thinner and less oxygen is available. It’s also colder and drier, and the ultraviolet rays from the sun are stronger. The lower oxygen levels when going to elevation has significant affects on human physiology in a number of ways. Stay calm, drink water and head back down if experiencing dizziness or an over all sickly feeling.

All mountain adventurers should be prepared for changing weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Extra layers, wind and waterproof clothing, food, water and first aid kits are essential items. Maps, compass, and sticking to established trails are highly recommended. As a matter of common sense and safety it is recommendation to hike with a partner. If an emergency should occur, stay calm, think clearly and act decisively. Be aware that you are primarily responsible for your own safety, but in case of an emergency do not hesitate to call for help.

The Rio Grande National Forest map is a good source of information or call the office at 719-655-2547.
 

It's no big surprise that a place with such majestic views would offer a wide variety of opportunities for climbers. The Sangre de Cristo range on the east side is home to glacier gouged gorges surrounded by ragged topped 14’ers that tower 6,000 feet above the valley floor. The cluster of 14’ers includes the Crestone Needle, Kit Carson, Humboldt, Challenger and Crestone Peak, which at 14,294' is the 7th tallest peak in Colorado. The Sangres feature dozens of peaks over 13,000' that are also exciting to summit, often in solitude. The rock stratum is Permian-Pennsylvanian rock, (composed of conglomerates with igneous intrusions), which offers many convenient handholds. There are many classic Class 5 routes and numerous non-technical scrambles of Class 3 and 4 in the area.

The Rio Grande Rift of southern Colorado supports the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, (Spanish for blood of Christ is said to come from the red color at sunset, especially when covered with snow), along its eastern side. They are north to south running, fault block mountains, which differ from the thrust fault mountains which cover the rest of the state. Fault block mountains rise up as one solid block usually due to volcanic action. As the ancient volcanic San Juan Mountains swelled from the valley floor, the earth tore apart, forming the Rio Grande Rift and driving the fault block of the Sangre de Cristos to their soaring heights. This also caused powerful fault lines to fracture along the east and west sides of the mountains, with some faults severing completely through the range.

The west side of Saguache County lies within the San Juan Mountains, mostly in the La Garita, (Spanish for the sentinel or lookout point), a sub-set range. Its high point is San Luis Peak 14,014' in the La Garita Wilderness. Another unique feature is the La Garita Caldera, which is an expansive 35 miles in diameter. During the volcanic activity which formed the range, lava flowed east onto the rift valley floor. Deep layers of ash settled on top burying the lava beds thousands of feet below the present surface.

Climbers with not a lot of time on their hands might try Penitente Canyon off Hwy 285 on County Road G – just follow the signs to the parking lot. Penitente Canyon Special Recreation Management Area is an internationally recognized climbing area, providing over 300 incredible sport climbing routes. South facing routes can be climbed year-round. They range from beginner levels (5.2) to advanced (5.11b and up). On-site camping, with water and restroom facilities are available at reasonable rates. For more information, contact the Saguache Field Office at 719-655-2547.

As with all outdoor endeavors, common sense and planning are your best tools. Always pack for weather changes and bring plenty of water and emergency rations even on day climbs. Be respectful of private property – get permission first. A good source of climbing conditions and advice can be found at www.14ers.com. Regardless of your ability and preference, you are sure to find a suitable climb in Saguache County which offers beautiful views and unspoiled tranquility.
 

"As a Colorado native, I have hunted many places in our state. I hunt elk, deer, antelope, bear and of course small game. I know this much – Saguache County is the last quiet place in Colorado to hunt and we are host to a wide variety and healthy abundance of the big game species, including bighorn sheep.

Saguache County boasts vast chunks of public lands that are easily accessible. There are thousands of acres of beautiful country – most of which is uninterrupted by private property. We have a good climate with terrain that varies from grassland to sagebrush to aspens and evergreens,
all of which you can access in the same day if you want. Don’t forget your camera – there is no bag limit to the number of pictures you can shoot.

Saguache County appeals to most types of hunters by accommodating most types of travel. You can travel horseback, walk, drive or ride ATV’s on designated roads. You might choose to pack-in to a wilderness area, park your motor home at a campground, or set up camp in area motels.

Upon your arrival to Saguache County, over-the-counter elk tags and fishing licenses can be purchased locally. For the forgetful…you will find our retail stores, grocery stores and gas stations most helpful in filling your needs. Take home a souvenir from one of our local artists. Dine out at our local restaurants. You will appreciate the rural flavor of small towns and the allure of friendly communities that cater to the hunter.

Our family likes to hunt wilderness areas horseback. We used to get up early and have horses saddled by 4:00 a.m., ride for two hours in the dark, tether the horses and walk from there to hunt for elk. Now that we are practically seniors, we might get up early, might have horses saddled by 4:00 a.m., might ride for two hours in the dark. We then tether the horses and walk from there to hunt for a sunny slope to take a nap!

In the past we depended on big game for our meat supply. Though elk is our favorite meat to eat, for us, the hunt is now more for the comradery than the take. There is nothing more satisfying than spending quality time together with family and friends in the great outdoors. The ref lection of the flickering firelight adds a bit of laughter to everyone’s eyes and purely warms the heart. This is a successful hunt.

I assure, before you get back home, you will be planning for next year’s hunt in the last quiet place – Saguache County; a simpler time and place."
–Trish Gilbert, Saguache, Colorado

For hunting information go to www.wildlife.state.co.us
 

Endless miles of exciting streams and lakes await fishermen in Saguache County. Many are easily accessed from the road while others are in remote secluded areas, the choice is yours.

Numerous scenic small lakes above 10,000 feet in elevation provide excellent fishing for cutthroat, rainbow and brook trout. Trout in these pristine waters can be temperamental when feeding conditions are favorable. Most lakes require uphill hiking from 1-12 miles. Some better high mountain lakes are: Crestone, Cherry, Cotton, and Rito Alto lakes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness; and Machine and Baldy lakes in the La Garita Range. Flies and small lures fished with light lines in the morning and evening is usually best. Fly-fishing is best June through July when stonefly and mayfly hatches dominate fish diets.


The eastern trout waters flow out of nearly every drainage of the Sangre de Cristo Range from Poncha Pass to the end of the Great Sand Dunes, including Cherry, Willow, Deadman, and Sand Creeks. Brookies, browns, and cutthroats lurk in these waters, hiding beneath undercut banks ready to take the bait or raise to your fly. On the west side of the County the creeks can be followed back far into the La Garita Wilderness. All three forks of Saguache Creek are excellent and Middle, La Garita and Carnero Creeks are good as well. Slaughterhouse Creek comes out of the hills near the old mining town of Bonanza. The northwest corner of Saguache County runs along Hwy 50 to the town of Sargents, which is a jumping off point to access many excellent trout streams.

Colorado’s excellent fishing opportunities are made even better by the efforts of the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s 19 hatcheries. The Division of Wildlife stocks 3.5 million 10-inch fish every year. You can fish in Colorado without a license only on the first full weekend of June each year, though all other rules and regulations apply. Always respect private land and ask first before entering.

Check with the Colorado Division of Wildlife for regular fishing seasons and current maps of the area, please visit www.wildlife.state.co.us
 

Given the vastness of the land, it is no wonder many choose to access the backcountry on horseback. With hundreds of miles for non-motorized trails in Saguache County, you could ride a new one every day for years and not see it all. Seldom will you find an area that is more horse friendly in such a beautiful setting.

The Ute people, who are the oldest continuous residents of Colorado, probably arrived in the area around 1,300 AD. Imagine how their culture changed when the Spanish brought the horse to the new world! The expansion of their hunting range and ability to move their nomadic camps made life easier. When European settlers arrived in Saguache, the Utes were making annual trips over the passes of the Sangres to hunt buffalo on the eastern plains. Horses and other pack animals continue to be the easiest method to bring game out of remote areas. If your just sight seeing – everything looks better from the back of a horse.

The US Forest Service has set up corrals at some trailheads and rental cabins. They also have a list of regulations for stock use to protect the natural landscape.

• Minimize the impact, taking the least amount of animals and gear necessary.
• Only certified weed free hay can be fed – at least 24 hours before bringing livestock onto public lands.
• Do not tie stock to trees – use a highline or portable electric fence.
• No camping within 300 feet of lakes and 100 feet of streams.
• No grazing within 300 feet of wetlands and marshy meadows.
• Scatter manure away from campsites to speed decay and prevent flies.
• Pack out all trash and naturalize campsite.
• Hikers should yield to horseback riders – slow to a walk while passing.

Hikers, horses and pack animals may now access the Sand Dunes National Park and Forest from the northern boundary. Until further national park and national forest planning has been completed, Saguache County has granted temporary approval for horse trailer/vehicle parking at the designated parking area near the terminus of Camino Baca Grande in the Baca Grande Subdivision, locally known as the “Liberty Gate,” just outside the northern edge of the national park. Wagons or other horse-drawn equipment are not permitted to enter the park. For overnight use, please self-register at the Liberty Gate for a free backcountry permit.

Call the Visitor Center at 719-378-6399 for more information. A map of road access to the Liberty Gate is available.
 

A favorite of touring cyclists, Saguache County is flat with little traffic on the valley floor. Many groups and individuals come through each year; here is an excerpt from one such travelogue:

"From the top of Poncha Pass, it was a straight descent toward a small town called Villa Grove. There was little wind, so it was fast and fun. We arrived in less than a half hour, and had lunch at the Sangre de Cristo Cafe in the back of the general store, Villa Grove Trade. Next we came to the town of Moffat where we stopped for coffee in an unexpected jewel of an art gallery/gift shop called the Mirage Trading Co. This tasteful shop set us behind at least an hour…that is, if we were on a schedule. Our ride into Crestone from Moffat on County Road T was approximately 12 miles of stunning beauty. The riparian landscape aligning the quiet, winding road beheld a variety of lowland birds, such as grey heron and yellow headed blackbirds. At this point, the looming Sangre de Cristo range dwarfed everything beneath them, and we faced these dramatic vistas all the way to Crestone. We found our oasis at the Baca Lodge, a bed and breakfast which offered the perfect resting point after our 60-mile journey. We treated ourselves to a local massage and had dinner delivered by Caddy- Shack Pizza, and never left our quarters until the morning.

After a delicious breakfast at the Baca Lodge, we bid farewell and pointed our bikes back to CO 17 (12 miles). The wind gods were on our backs, as we spun down the highway in a bicycling formation, averaging 23 miles per hour all the way to the town of Center (17 miles from Moffat to Hooper, then 12 miles from Hooper to Center). The feeling of cranking hard, getting into arhythm, drafting behind or pulling in front of the line of bicyclists was a completely different experience than pushing up big mountains. Passing through working ranches, the UFO Watch Tower, and endless fields of agriculture, the mind was free to wander and it was exhilarating.

The entire ride was filled with great experiences, and we realized how lucky we were." – Lauren Giusti

In addition to touring routes, Saguache offers some great back-country trails. Mountain bikers come from near and far to ride the thrills and chills of the foothills and mountains. Penitente Canyon Recreation Area has a stunning loop, with unbelievable rock formations. The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail both wind through the La Garita and San Juan Mountains.

Please visit these websites; www.coloradotrail.org, www.cdt.org, www.fs.fed.us/r2/ or the BLM website www.blm.gov for more information.
 

The San Luis Valley is a unique area for migratory birds, and for many species this represents the northern most extent of their range. Vast swaths of remote undeveloped habitat and sparse human population help make Saguache County a bird’s (and birder’s paradise). Most sites can be viewed from a car. If fact, rarely can you drive a road on the valley floor in Saguache and not see a raptor and shrub land songbirds.

The excellent bird watching opportunities change as you move through the different landscapes. In the spring as the snow pack melts in the high country, the low-lying wetlands fill and waterfowl hop from pond to pond. Wetlands provide migratory species sightings of white faced ibis, sandhill cranes, and the occasional whooping crane. Semi-desert shrub lands cover the valley floor yielding sightings of larks, doves, and invariably hawks circling overhead. The scarcity of trees leads to competition for nesting sites, a pair of Great Horned Owls may nest in February and the same nest could be used by a Swainson’s Hawk to raise a brood the same year. Moving up in elevation, passing through bands of pinon/juniper, ponderosa/spruce, and eventually emerging onto alpine tundra, a kaleidoscope of birds can be viewed. Some of the best undisturbed treed habitat can be accessed through the north entrance of the Sand Dunes National Park across the foothills to the north side of the dunes. Above the Park lies the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area, which offers wild mountain terrain without motorized vehicles interrupting the peacefulness. Birding information websites: www.wildlife.state.co.us and www.coloradocountybirding.com.

The following are some of the best places to view birds:
Cochetopa Canyon and State Wildlife Area Cebolla Trail Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area Marshall Pass Road Moffat (area), and County Road T Carnero Pass Road Cochetopa Pass and Rabbit Canyon Russell Lakes State Wildlife (area) Hot Springs Canyon (area) La Garita (area) Los Pinos State Wildlife (area) Elephant Rocks Baca National Wildlife Refuge Great Sand Dunes National Park (north entrance) Crestone (area) Bonanza (area) Saguache (town of) Moss Lake

The days maybe shorter in the winter, but they are just as bright here in San Luis Valley, with over 300 days of sunshine. Our high mountain desert climate is excellent for sunny winter sport activities. Winter camping on snowshoes or skis is a unique experience. You can still go climbing on the southern faces of Penitente Canyon even in the coldest months. Ice climbing opportunities exist for the especially rugged who are willing to hike to remote areas.
Saguache County is a wilderness mecca. Roughly three of every four of the 2,013,440 square acres that make up Saguache County is publicly owned. Included are both the Rio Grande and Gunnison National Forests as well as the majority of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. You would be challenged to spend a day traveling through Saguache County without seeing at least one large mammal and a dozen species of birds. Mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, big horn sheep, mountain goats, and an occasional moose make their homes in the diverse habitats here. Most of the predator species stay out of sight along with the smaller critters that they hunt, although snow cover allows the observer the opportunity to see the tracks of those shy species.

When you’re ready to leave the solitude of the back country and be around people, there are two excellent downhill ski areas within an hour drive. Monarch Mountain is just over Poncha Pass and up Monarch Pass on Hwy 50 west. Wolf Creek Ski Area is at the summit of Wolf Creek Pass. Both areas have the most snow in the state and it’s 100% natural! Family and snowboard friendly with all levels of terrain.

At the end of the day it’s time to warm up by soaking in one of the three geothermal springs coming out of faults along the Sangres; Valley View, Joyful Journey, and Sand Dunes Pool. A hot springs soak is just the ticket to relax those muscles after a day spent outdoors.

So venture out with your favorite equipment or just your two feet and a sense of awe for a unique outdoor adventure in Saguache County! For more information visit www. wildlife.state.co.us.