Outdoors and wildfire - San Luis Valley
The South San Juan Wilderness fills the wild western edge of Conejos County
The South San Juan Wilderness covers much of western Conejos County, and as designated wilderness it allows foot and horse travel but no bikes or motorized vehicles.
Published June 10, 2026 - Last verified June 11, 2026
The western border of Conejos County runs along the South San Juan Wilderness, a high stretch of the San Juan Mountains that includes part of the Continental Divide. It was set aside by Congress as wilderness, which is the strictest kind of public-land protection.
What that means on the ground is simple to remember. You can walk in or ride a horse, but you cannot bring a bicycle, an e-bike, a motorbike, or any motor vehicle. There are no roads inside the wilderness. The land is kept quiet and undeveloped on purpose, so trails can be rough, unmarked, and far from help.
Several trailheads sit off State Highway 17 west of Antonito and up the Conejos River, so this country is reachable for a day hike or a longer backpacking trip. Because the wilderness reaches high elevations, weather can turn fast, afternoon lightning is common in summer, and snow can linger into early summer on north slopes.
If you plan to go, check trail and snow conditions and the rules first with the Conejos Peak Ranger District of the Rio Grande National Forest.