rcwild
10-15-2009, 11:20 AM
The West Fork of the San Juan River features numerous waterfalls, downcilmbing, slides and swims in the remote, high mountain setting of the Weminuche Wilderness.
Rating: 3C IV
Time Required: Four to six hours in canyon. 10-12 hours car to car.
Longest Rappel: <100'
[B]Permit Information
No special permits needed for recreational day use in the Weminuche Wilderness. Camping permit may be required for overnight stays. Check with San Juan National Forest office in Pagosa Springs.
Camping/Lodging
San Juan National Forest Campgrounds: Wolf Creek Campground and West Fork Campground (USGS 7.5' topo Saddle Mountain Quadrangle). Awesome bivvy at Rainbow Hot Springs.
There are numerous motels and restaurants in nearby towns of Pagosa Springs and South Fork Colorado.
Preferred Season
July through September
Water Concerns
: Normal safety concerns for rappelling through waterfalls and negotiating moving water.
Special Challenges
Numerous downclimbs can be easily belayed or assisted with hand lines.
Equipment Suggestions
One 60 meter rope, nylon web slings and quick links.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' topo South River Peak
Directions to Trailhead
From Pagosa Springs Colorado head east on U.S. Highway 160. Turn left/north on the dirt road that leads to Wolf Creek Campground and West Fork Campground (at pt. 7913. USGS 7.5' topo Saddle Mountain) approx. 1/2 mile west of Treasure Falls. Proceed down this road approx. two miles passing Wolf Creek Campground then West Fork Campground. Cross the bridge over the West Fork of the San Juan and continue another mile to parking and the trailhead at the end of this dirt road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the West Fork Trailhead follow the marked trail about four miles to Rainbow Hot Springs. Be careful not to tresspass on private land along the first mile. The hiking trail is well marked so staying on it should be no problem.
From Rainbow Hot Springs continue 3/4 mile to where the trail crosses the West Fork. After crossing the West Fork the trail begins to climb steeply 900 ft. through switchbacks too numerous to count arriving at a saddle with good views down into the gorge of the West Fork. Another mile and a half of fairly flat walking gets you to the entrance above the first waterfall at 10,240'.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
The West Fork of the San Juan presents moderate wet canyon challenges including rappelling next to and through waterfalls, swims, slides and fourth class down climbing. Excellent natural anchors abound throughout the entire length of the canyon.
Description:
Variations: Many drops can either be taken directly or climbed around. The technical difficulty does not change much either way.
It is nice to do this trip as an overnight with a bivouac at Rainbow Hot Springs. It is an easy walk into Rainbow Hot Springs in the afternoon of the first day with time left to check out the exit from the gorge and have a soak in the hot springs. With an early start the second day you will have plenty of time to complete the canyon and walk back out to the car.
Exit
After negotiating waterfalls through the final narrows hike a short distance downstream and pick up the trail where it crosses the West Fork.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Rating: 3C IV
Time Required: Four to six hours in canyon. 10-12 hours car to car.
Longest Rappel: <100'
[B]Permit Information
No special permits needed for recreational day use in the Weminuche Wilderness. Camping permit may be required for overnight stays. Check with San Juan National Forest office in Pagosa Springs.
Camping/Lodging
San Juan National Forest Campgrounds: Wolf Creek Campground and West Fork Campground (USGS 7.5' topo Saddle Mountain Quadrangle). Awesome bivvy at Rainbow Hot Springs.
There are numerous motels and restaurants in nearby towns of Pagosa Springs and South Fork Colorado.
Preferred Season
July through September
Water Concerns
: Normal safety concerns for rappelling through waterfalls and negotiating moving water.
Special Challenges
Numerous downclimbs can be easily belayed or assisted with hand lines.
Equipment Suggestions
One 60 meter rope, nylon web slings and quick links.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' topo South River Peak
Directions to Trailhead
From Pagosa Springs Colorado head east on U.S. Highway 160. Turn left/north on the dirt road that leads to Wolf Creek Campground and West Fork Campground (at pt. 7913. USGS 7.5' topo Saddle Mountain) approx. 1/2 mile west of Treasure Falls. Proceed down this road approx. two miles passing Wolf Creek Campground then West Fork Campground. Cross the bridge over the West Fork of the San Juan and continue another mile to parking and the trailhead at the end of this dirt road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the West Fork Trailhead follow the marked trail about four miles to Rainbow Hot Springs. Be careful not to tresspass on private land along the first mile. The hiking trail is well marked so staying on it should be no problem.
From Rainbow Hot Springs continue 3/4 mile to where the trail crosses the West Fork. After crossing the West Fork the trail begins to climb steeply 900 ft. through switchbacks too numerous to count arriving at a saddle with good views down into the gorge of the West Fork. Another mile and a half of fairly flat walking gets you to the entrance above the first waterfall at 10,240'.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
The West Fork of the San Juan presents moderate wet canyon challenges including rappelling next to and through waterfalls, swims, slides and fourth class down climbing. Excellent natural anchors abound throughout the entire length of the canyon.
Description:
Variations: Many drops can either be taken directly or climbed around. The technical difficulty does not change much either way.
It is nice to do this trip as an overnight with a bivouac at Rainbow Hot Springs. It is an easy walk into Rainbow Hot Springs in the afternoon of the first day with time left to check out the exit from the gorge and have a soak in the hot springs. With an early start the second day you will have plenty of time to complete the canyon and walk back out to the car.
Exit
After negotiating waterfalls through the final narrows hike a short distance downstream and pick up the trail where it crosses the West Fork.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate