East of Pagosa Springs is a large wilderness area, South San Juan. With 13,000-foot peaks, alpine lakes and breathtaking views, this creates a backdrop for a native herd of Rocky Mountain bighorns.

Wilderness restricts this backcountry hunt to foot or on horseback so it is important to be in good physical condition. You will want to use quality optics.

With over 6,000 feet of elevation change, there is a lot of diversity in the terrain. From the rolling valley floor there are a few foothills that lead up to steep creek drainages. Toward the top of the drainages there are some large basins that typically hold alpine streams and lakes. Out of the basins, tall peaks can be seen.

San Juan National Forest and South San Juan Wilderness boundaries can be reached by a number of county roads off of US Highway 84 and 160. Off of the forest service and county roads there is a good trail system through the backcountry. County Road 382 leads to Fall Creek drainage, with headwaters in the South San Juan Wilderness. County Road 326 connects with Forest Road 660 which leads to Fish Creek and Fish Lake at 11,888 feet. County Road 302 connects with Forest Road 24 and terminates at the base of the 12,060-foot Nipple Mountain and Rito Blanco Falls.

Alpine basins covered with wildflowers, moss and lichen, with some barren ground willows and steep slopes can be found here. Fir and lodgepole pine, ridges and drainages with open grassy parks, aspen, ponderosa pine, oak brush and mountain mahogany can also be found in this area.

San Juan National Forest offers improved and spread out camping. South San Juan Wilderness allows camping per noted restrictions. Pagosa Springs along US Highway 160 and 84 offers a variety of motels, restaurants, cafes, gas, diesel and medical care.