Secluded Colorado Backpacking

imported
#1

I posted this under “Colorado Trail”, but I’m really curious to hear from anyone intimately familiar with Colorado about an area I could get in a 3-4 day loop hike, early August, in the South/SW corner of the state, and see very few other hikers. For instance, I know alot of people want to hit the 14’ers, so if my route avoids those, will it be more secluded? I hiked in the Weminuche Wilderness years ago as a kid and loved it, but I read not that its heavily visited…is that just in certain parts? What about the South San Juan Wilderness? I’m more interested in forest than peaks, but solitude is my primary concern.

Thanks for any advice and replies!!

-Daniel

Daniel

#2

Honestly? Get a good map and plot your own route that is mainly off trail. Topo map (or software) will often show old miner trails that are in good condition. If you want solitude, go off trail. walk obscure jeep roads and get off the beaten Colorado Trail or CDT path.

If you’d rather not do the off-trail thing, the South San Juans are relatively unused versus other places in Colorado.

Topo Dude

#3

Thanks Topo Dude!

I’m getting some large scale maps, especially of the South San Juan area…I’ve read in several places that its a good spot to be if you want to see less two-legged life.

Off trail…now why didn’t that come to mind sooner? I guess like all of us I have come to expect some ready-made paradise loop just handed to me. I may cover less ground but actually pay more attention to it.

Thank you again

Daniel