Plan In onX Backcountry

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Guided tours

No

Backcountry camping

Yes

Lodging

No

Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

La Garita Wilderness is a federally protected area within the La Garita Mountains of Colorado. It is located on Forest Road 787 west of Saguache, Colorado, off State Highway 114. The area encompasses 129,626 acres within the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests and is managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS).

WILDLIFE

In the warmer months, the continental divide, which lies above treeline, provides an important habitat for elk and mule deer herds.

VEGETATION AND GEOGRAPHY

Ancient spruce and fir forests cover the southern slopes of La Garita Wilderness which also contains streams, alpine meadows, beaver ponds, talus slopes, and high mountain peaks.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Numerous trailheads lead to about 175 miles of trails in the La Garita Wilderness, including portions of the Colorado Trail (CT) and Continental Divide Trail (CDT).

Trailheads/trails with access from Gunnison National Forest:

Cebolla Trailhead: Cebolla Trail #459

Eddiesville South Trailhead: Machin Basin Trail #784, Skyline Trail # 465.

Spring Creek Road ( 592): Bonholder Trail #467, Cascade Creek Trail # 468, Cebolla Trail # 459

Mineral Creek Trailhead:Mineral Creek Trail #466

Rough Creek Trailhead: Rough Creek Trail #463

Stewart Creek Trailhead: Stewart Creek Trail #470

Tumble Creek Trailhead: Skyline Trail #465, Cebolla Trail #459

HIGHLIGHTS

The Wheeler Geologic Area, within Rio Grande National Forest, is one of the most visited areas in Colorado featuring unique geology with spires, caves, pinnacles, balanced rocks and more.

REGULATIONS

Please respect the following rules and regulations which are in place for the protection of the La Garita Wilderness.

Camping and campfires are not allowed within 100 feet of lakes, streams and trails, above treeline, within 300 feet of Machin Lake or within the Wheeler Geologic Area.
Caching is prohibited.
Cutting switchbacks on trails is prohibited.
Certified weed-free forage is required for all stock.

The full list of rules and regulations for the area can be found at www.wilderness.net.

HIGHEST POINT: San Luis Peak (14,014’).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USFS - La Garita Wilderness - Gunnison

USFS - Rio Grande National Forest
USFS - Camping and Cabins

REFERENCE: www.wilderness.net and USFS.