Weminuche Wilderness

Weminuche Wilderness is a protected nature reserve spread across San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests, with mountain peaks rising above 14,000 feet. The land includes diverse terrain ranging from thick forests to open alpine ridges, with dozens of established trails winding through the landscape.

Congress established this as a protected wilderness area in 1975, recognizing its value for preservation. Later laws in the 1980s and 1990s extended protection to additional surrounding lands.

The name Weminuche comes from the Ute peoples who made this region their home for centuries, and their connection to the land remains woven into the place today. Walking through these forests and mountains, visitors encounter landscapes that held deep meaning for those who came before.

Overnight visitors need to obtain permits before entering, and motorized equipment is not allowed anywhere in the wilderness. Multiple trailheads are spread throughout the area, giving hikers different starting points to choose from based on their plans.

The Continental Divide runs through the wilderness for about 50 miles, splitting water flow between different river systems that eventually reach opposite coasts. A single rainstorm in this area sends water on completely different journeys depending on which side of the ridge it falls on.

Location: Mineral County

Operator: United States Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 37.59992,-107.40507

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53