Sangre De Cristo Wilderness
 |
| Highway 150 and Sangre de Christo Mountains, Colorado (Mark Lewis /Photographers Choice/Getty) |
The 226,455-acre Sangre De Cristo Wilderness was designated as part of the 1993 Colorado Wilderness Act. This long, narrow wilderness starts at Blanco Peak and extends north for approximately 70 miles. Elevations in the wilderness range from 8,000 feet to 14,294 feet at the top of Crestone Peak. Several other 14-footers are included in the area. The wilderness is characterized by deep valleys, sparkling alpine lakes, and beautiful cirques. Campers can enjoy Navajo Trail campground's hot springs. A total of 180 miles of hiking trails can be found in this beautiful wilderness.
Trips in the Wilderness
Adventure Specialists: A small Colorado ranch-based group of real-life adventurers specializing in horsepacking, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, climbing, archaeological explorations, and natural history in Colorado, Copper Canyon, Spain, and Peru. The home office is an 1890s-era cabin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and they've been in business since 1970.
For more information, read our guides to the Rio Grande and San Isabel national forests.
Published: 23 Oct 2008
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.
Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area Highlights
- The Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Preservation Area encompasses more than 225,000 acres of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. These mountains are located in the San Isabel and Rio Grande National Forests. Backcountry horse use is permitted, both packing and riding. What an incredibly liberating way to explore the acres and acres of these breathtaking mountains—and on a horse you won't get as tired.
- All hiking trails in the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area are shared by hikers and parties on horseback. There are hundreds of options for horse enthusiasts including trips you plan on your own, with an outfitter, dude ranch, or through a special outdoor adventure vacation source. Always evaluate your skill level before making an outfitting decision: If you've never been on a horse, make sure you are with someone more experienced than you.
- Jumping-off points for you and your horseback adventure into the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area are just as varied as the adventures within the wilderness. The Sangre De Cristo Mountains are bordered by the Great Sand Dunes, New Mexico, Salida, and more.
-
Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area Travel Q&A
-
What's your favorite hike? Where's the best campsite? Join the conversation! Ask Your Question
Articles & Advice on Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area
-
- Top Ten Less-Extreme Rock Climbing Routes
- Ellingwood Arete, Colorado
Where are you going?
What do you want to do?
advertisement
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve,CO (16 mi.)
- Indian Springs,CO (27 mi.)
- Pike and San Isabel National Forests,CO (34 mi.)
advertisement
