Segment 12

La Garita Wilderness & Wheeler Geologic Area

  • Distance: 83.3 miles

  • Vertical: +21772', -22225'

  • Highlights:

    • Slumgullion Earthflow

    • Baldy Chato to La Garita Peak Traverse

    • Wheeler Geo Area

  • Main Challenges:

    • Long, technical terrain above treeline

    • Weather exposure

    • Snow in early and late season

  • Scrambling Grade: Sustained Class 2

  • Exposure: Moderate to High

Baldy Chato, La Garita Wilderness

This lengthy and demanding segment connects Lake City to South Fork along the scenic La Garita Wilderness.

It starts with a climb directly out of town to the summit of Lake Point along the Cannibal Plateau, named after the Alfred Packer story.

The GCR then explores the quieter northern side of the La Garita Wilderness. Folks wishing to see the superb Snow Mesa can alternatively join the Colorado Trail.

After Bonholder Meadow, the GCR starts a very demanding ridge traverse along several summits, going all the way from Baldy Chato to Wheeler Geologic Area. A small break after San Luis Peak is provided for camping and water options, though skilled hikers with a good weather window can stay on the ridge the full way.

The section concludes with a visit to Wheeler Geologic Area, a former National Monument with stunning spires and hoodoos, before dropping into the town of South Fork.

Hikers wishing to add even more of the San Juans may consider making a custom route that exits Wheeler towards the town of Creede and joins the Creede Cutoff of the Continental Divide Trail to visit a portion of the South San Juans Wilderness before reconnecting to the GCR (route currently not provided).

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Slumgullion Earthflow

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures, but high snow can make sections difficult or impassable without specialized skillsets.

Powderhorn Gulch

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees for this segment.

Ridgeline towards Baldy Alto & San Luis Peak

Water

Water is not as sparse as in the Grand Valley area, though there are still several sections where you will want to stock up on water. Reveiw the waypoints in map above to get a sense of what water was like during the 2026 scouting mission (conditions may vary).

Cliffs near La Garita Peak

Camping

  • Camping is generally not allowed in Wheeler Geologic Area, including the shelter in there. Check with local land manager beforehand if planning on camping in this small zone.

East Bellows Creek

Other Considerations

  • Fragile Environment: Please hike and camp on durable surfaces. You are not allowed to go off trail in Wheeler Geologic Area due to the fragility of the rock formations.

  • Snow Travel: Thru hikers may encounter high snow levels when traversing this section and are encouraged to carry appropriate gear (e.g., microspikes and ice axe), know how to use them, and have backup plans if their planned route is unsafe or impassable.