Exploring the National Forest

What to Bring on your Adventure in the Woods

The National Forest around Pagosa Springs is a big space… and we mean big! With over 3 million acres of wilderness and national forest surrounding the town, there is plenty of space to explore! If you want to go exploring in the San Juan National Forest or the Weminuche Wilderness, you should prepare for a variety of weather, terrain, and wildlife interactions! This post should outline the basic gear you should bring when exploring anywhere in the United States; and some essentials specific to this area. Let’s get into it!

Exploring
Photo Courtesy: Gavin Kiker Photography
  1. Water – Water is at the top of this list for a reason. Water is important no matter where you are or what you are doing. It becomes more important as you gain altitude because it helps combat the headaches and dizziness associated with altitude sickness. I try to carry at least 2- 32oz Nalgene bottles for a day in the forest so I know I have enough!
  2. Shoes & Clothing – The weather in this part of the country can change drastically in a matter of a couple hours. In July it can be 90 degrees at Noon and 55 degrees and pouring rain by 3pm! This makes it extra important to wear layers and pack the appropriate clothing for the conditions. I try to always bring a jacket and rain poncho or full rain suit when I want to spend more than an hour or two in the woods. As far as footwear goes I highly recommend wearing boots that provide good ankle support. These kinds of boots can prevent ankle sprains; a big deal when you are alone and away from civilization! Waterproof boots are also a good choice if you like exploring in the rain. Waterproof boots will be warmer due to lack of ventilation; something to consider if your feet tend to get hot.
  3. Cutting Tool – A cutting tool in the woods has a million uses. Whether you need to get a splinter out of your finger, cut a string from your shirt, or cut a tree branch to fashion a splint, a good pocket knife or multitool is essential in an outdoor emergency. I never go exploring without one! A multitool has the advantage over a normal pocket knife because they usually have several different tools and even a pair of pliers built in! I personally carry and recommend Leatherman multitools.
  4. Map & Compass – While you don’t necessarily need a map and compass to start exploring, it’s a good idea to bring them along! A map and compass can help you find your bearings if you find yourself lost. You can also use them to mark landmarks that you want to visit again later! A simple compass can be bought for $15-20 and is light enough to always bring with you. As far as maps go, I recommend going into the Forest Service office and asking for maps for the specific areas you want to explore! They will even have topo maps that show elevation so you can see how steep your route will be.
  5. Food – You need energy to explore and food gives you energy! I always try to bring high-energy snacks to keep me going throughout the day. Protein bars, trail mix, jerky, fruit, etc are all great, compact snacks that will keep you up in energy. Be sure to bring a ziplock bag or similar to keep your trash in until you can properly dispose of it. Do not litter!!
  6. Fire – It can get cold at night in this part of the country, even in the middle of summer. If you get lost or injured in the woods and have to spend the night you are going to want some way to build a fire! I think a Bic or similar rugged lighter is the bare minimum you should bring on your outdoor adventures. These are pressurized so they work outdoors and they rarely leak fuel. If you have a little more room for gear, I would also bring a flint and steel in addition to the lighter. This leaves you with two viable options for starting an emergency fire. Be sure you know how to properly build a fire before heading out!
  7. First Aid – The San Juan and Weminuche Wilderness is a rugged terrain with some extremely remote areas. If you get hurt way up in the woods it can be nearly impossible for help to make it to you! Carrying a well-equipped first aid kit can allow you to take care of minor injuries by yourself until you are able to make it to civilization! It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all of the components of your first aid kit and how they work. You can even print instructions to keep in the kit! I recommend Adventure Medical Kits if you are wanting a good pre-built first aid kit.
  8. Sun Protection – Pagosa Springs and surrounding wilderness areas are very high in elevation compared to most of the United States. Pagosa Springs is sitting at 7,126ft above sea level and most of the places you’ll be exploring will be higher. Being higher than sea level also means you are closer to the sun and sunburn can be a serious issue! If you know you are going to be in the sun a lot I would recommend wearing long shirts and pants or using a good sunscreen. It’s no fun wearing a hiking backpack with burnt shoulders… trust me!

These are some of the most important pieces of gear that you should carry with you in the woods! Whether you are running out for an hour in the woods or planning a weeklong excursion, these will help you make it home safely! If all this talk of exploring is too exciting to ignore, give us a call at 970.507.8655 and we can help you find a place to stay in Southwest Colorado!

Off to the Sand Dunes

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Sometimes staying in the same place for too long can be tiring, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Luckily, Southern Colorado is full of places to explore! If you are having trouble deciding where to go or just looking for somewhere to escape for the day, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great place to start!

Topping out at around 755 feet high, these impressive sand dunes are the tallest in North America. The dunes are surrounded by the 14,000 ft. peaks of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range, the Southernmost range of the Rocky Mountains. The contrast between the light sand of the dunes and the dark greens and blues of the mountains makes for a truly stunning view. If you like taking photos, you are sure to enjoy this area!

Sand Dunes
Photo By: Gavin Kiker

In addition to taking in the views, visitors to the Great Sand Dunes can enjoy hiking and camping all throughout the park, splashing in Medano Creek when it’s flowing, and even sand-boarding and sledding. (Think snowboarding but with sand.) Sand toys are available to rent right before entering the park.

If driving slow offroad is more your speed, the Medano Pass Primitive Road may be for you! This 22 mile 4wd-only trail connects the Great Sand Dunes with Wet Mountain Valley and Colorado State Highway 69. The trail crosses Medano Creek nine times, and also takes you through some deep sand and even Bighorn Sheep habitat at the higher elevations.

Whether you want to backpack in and spend the night, or just pack a picnic and take some photos, Great Sand Dunes National Park makes for a wonderful Southern Colorado day trip! If you would like to see our featured homes in the area, click here. Don’t forget to like NextHome Rocky Mountain Realty & Rentals on Facebook for weekly virtual open houses and more!

Fire Ban Lifted

Campfires Now Legal

With monsoon season now upon us, the San Juan National Forest’s fire danger level has finally dipped down to moderate level. This means you can now have a campfire on your next outdoor adventure. Campfires are a great way to spend a warm summer night in Pagosa Springs, and in order to continue enjoying them,  we’ve put together some general guidelines to follow:

  • Clear 3 feet of ground down to dirt surrounding your campfire.
  • Bring a shovel and water with you, just in case.
  • Keep campfires small; they are much easier to control & put out.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Insure your campfire is completely out before leaving. If the coals are too hot for you to touch, you shouldn’t leave!

If you would like to see the current fire danger and restrictions, click here.

Following these easy guidelines helps to keep our forests open and healthy!

Campfire
Photo By: Gavin Kiker

 

Time To Go Hiking!

Hiking In Pagosa Springs

With July ending, and Pagosa getting much needed afternoon rain showers, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails and do some hiking!

Pagosa Springs is full of hiking trails, ranging from easy 1 mile hikes like the Piedra Falls trail, to more difficult 9+ mile hikes up into the High Country; such as the Little Blanco Trail, Fish Lake Trail, or the popular Pagosa Peak hike.

You can check out all the trails in Pagosa here: AllTrails.com

No matter what difficulty trails you are wanting to tackle, it is important to properly prepare for your adventure. Here are some general guidelines to insure you have an enjoyable experience:

  • Pack Plenty of Food and Water – You should drink 1 liter per hour while hiking, ideally. Snacks should provide good energy, no candy!
  • Carry a Flashlight and Waterproof Matches – Just in case you need to stay longer than planned
  • Bring a First Aid Kit – This one is pretty self-explanatory, if you get a cut, you can cover it up!
  • Leave Early – Afternoon showers are very common up in the mountains and you don’t want to be stuck in a lighting storm!
  • Stay On Trail – Preserve the land and views for future generations to enjoy!
  • Let Someone Know Your Trip Itinerary – If you become lost or injured and don’t contact them, they’ll know to send help.
  • Pace Yourself – You don’t want to be worn out halfway up the trail, take your time hiking and enjoy the southern Colorado scenery.
  • Enjoy Nature! – Put your phone down and take in the landscapes of this beautiful area!

With all the trails here in Pagosa, there is no reason not to get out and explore!

Quartz Ridge - Photo By: Gavin Kiker
Quartz Ridge – Photo By: Gavin Kiker
Little Blanco Trail - Photo By: Gavin Kiker
Little Blanco Trail – Photo By: Gavin Kiker

Furry Friends!

Come to the Human Society, located in Pagosa Springs, and adopt a furry friend today. This weeks dog will be Abeyta! Abeyta is a female Labrador Retriever/Husky Mix. She loves going for walks and running in the dog parks. She wouldn’t mind sharing her forever home with a doggie pal. Click On Abeyta’s picture to get more information today!..

Humane Society 1                                       Photo Credits to Humane Society Website

Hiking Trails in Pagosa Springs

A Walk in the Woods: Hiking Trails in Pagosa Springs

Pagosa.Peak.Ralph.Rick

(Follow the link in the picture to Pagosa.com and get the FULL scoop!)

This is a dear friend of mine named Ralph and I at the top of Pagosa Peak. I like to think of him as my own personal Sherpa. If you’re new to the area, get out there and explore!!! Nothing is more exhilarating than conquering a mountain, especially for an ex-city boy~ (even if it is only 12,600′ elevation)

Have Fun & Live Life!!!

~Ricardo