La Garita Wilderness - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

La Garita Wilderness in Saguache County, Colorado is a beautiful and varied landscape perfect for a number of exploration and outdoor activities. One popular activity in the area is hiking, and with over 500 miles of trails to choose from, there is something for everyone. For those looking for a challenge, the 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juans provide an opportunity to test your endurance, while those looking for a more relaxed experience can enjoy leisurely strolls through meadows and forests. In addition to hiking, La Garita Wilderness is also a great place for camping, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that La Garita Wilderness is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.

La Garita Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in Saguache County, Colorado. It was designated a Wilderness Area in 1964 and currently covers an area of approximately 43,000 acres. The Wilderness is characterized by its high elevations, rugged terrain, and remote location. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. La Garita Wilderness was once home to the Ute people, who used the area for hunting and gathering. The first Euro-American settlers arrived in the area in the late 1800s, and La Garita quickly became a popular destination for hunters and trappers. Today, the Wilderness is popular with hikers, campers, and fishermen. It offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, from backpacking and horseback riding to fishing and hunting. La Garita Wilderness is an important part of Colorado's rich history and culture.

Late July through early September is the best time to visit La Garita Wilderness in Saguache County, Colorado. This is when the weather is most stable, with warm days and cool nights. The days are long, so you'll have plenty of time to hike and explore. Plus, the wildflowers are in bloom and the wildlife is active.

1. Hike to Blue Lakes Pass: One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of La Garita Wilderness is to hike to Blue Lakes Pass. The 6-mile round-trip hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, including subalpine forests, wildflower-filled meadows and alpine tundra. Along the way, you'll be treated to views of some of the area's highest peaks, including Mount Wilson and Mount Sneffels.
2. Go fishing: La Garita Wilderness is home to dozens of high-altitude lakes, many of which are stocked with trout. So whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, you're sure to find a spot that's perfect for fishing. Remember to get a Colorado fishing license before heading out on your adventure.
3. Be prepared for short days during winter months, as the sun sets early in La Garita Wilderness.
4. Respect the natural resources of the area by packing out all trash and complying with fire restrictions.
5. Bring a map - The wilderness area is crisscrossed with trails, and it is easy to get turned around. Be sure to bring a map and compass, and know how to use them.
6. Pack lightly - You will be carrying all of your gear on your back, so pack light! Choose essential items only, and leave unnecessary luxuries at home.
7. Plan your route - There are many different routes through the wilderness area, so take some time to plan your trip in advance. Choose a route that is within your abilities, and allow for plenty of time for rest and exploration.

1. At 14,433 feet, La Garita Wilderness is the highest peak in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 
2. The landscape of the La Garita Wilderness is diverse, ranging from alpine meadows to subalpine forests. 
3. La Garita means "the lookout" in Spanish, and the wilderness was named for a series of watchtowers that were built here in the 1800s to help ward off attacks from Native Americans.
4. The highest peak in the La Garita Wilderness is San Luis Peak, which tops out at 14,022 feet.
5. The wilderness is home to nine different kinds of coniferous trees, including Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir.
6. More than 200 miles of streams flow through the La Garita Wilderness, providing habitat for a variety of fish species such as brown trout and rainbow trout.
7. Hunting is permitted in certain areas of the wilderness during specific seasons.

Depending on the route and conditions, it is possible to hike the entire wilderness in two to three days. 

Although it is relatively remote, reaching La Garita Wilderness is not difficult. The easiest way to access the wilderness is from the small town of Saguache, which is located near the center of the wilderness area. From Saguache, there are a variety of trails that lead into the wilderness, including the Continental Divide Trail. 

While there is no entrance fee to access the wilderness area, visitors are required to obtain a permit for overnight camping. permits can be obtained from the US Forest Service office in Saguache, Colorado.

The La Garita Wilderness is open year-round, but certain areas may be closed at certain times of year due to weather conditions. For example, the trails through the wilderness are usually open from late June to early October.