Camping and backpacking options are abundant in Pagosa Country, with over 3 million acres of surrounding national forest and wilderness areas, you'll find campgrounds and RV parks, a hut system and tons of trails located throughout. For gear and trail information, stop by one of our backcountry stores. 

RV Parks & Campgrounds:

Backpacking in the Pagosa Springs Area (top of page)

Backpacking in Pagosa's surrounding 3 million acres of national forest and wilderness areas provides nearly endless opportunities.  Backpackers will discover immediate solitude, amazing scenery and endless trails - and with a Hut System in place, there's a variety of backcountry experiences to discover. 

To assist your trip planning, please reference the following information from the forest service:

Weminuche Wilderness Area contains nearly half a million acres in the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests.

South San Juan Wilderness Area encompasses the eastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide.

Piedra River Area contains 60,387 acres in the San Juan National Forest.

Stop by Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest, located at 180 Second Street in Pagosa Springs, for maps and trail information. 

Pagosa Hut & Trail System (top of page)

The hut and trail system is located on 50 square miles of the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest, just a few miles northwest of Pagosa Springs. The Pagosa Area Trails Council owns and operates the huts, with plans of future system expansion. Once complete, the system will include several huts and 75 miles of trails. With a maximum occupancy of eight people, all huts are accessible by motorized and non-motorized travelers, and nightly rentals cost just $60 per hut.

The Turkey Springs hut is the first of the system. Shaded by large ponderosa pines, it sits near the historic Turkey Springs Guard Station, which sheltered solitary forest rangers in the days before World War II. Tucked amid forest and scenic mountain views, the rustic one-room cabin is equipped with propane stoves and heaters, two bunks and a single bed (with mattresses), a sleeping loft with room for five (no mattresses) and an enclosed outdoor toilet.

The second cabin — or Hotz Springs Hut — has a beautiful view of Pagosa Peak. It comes equipped with a covered front deck, fluorescent lighting, a propane stove, wood stove, and an indoor composting toilet. Sleeping arrangements include four double bunks with mattresses.

The Monument Park Hut is nestled on the side of a ridge with splendid views of the Continental Divide. This equally modern hut includes a covered front deck, fluorescent lighting, a propane stove, wood stove, an indoor composting toilet and solar panels for power generation. This hut also has four double bunks with mattresses.

All huts include pots and pans, table and chairs or benches, but no water or bedding. Visitors will want to bring cups and cooking utensils; water for cooking, cleaning and drinking; and a warm sleeping bag for nighttime comfort.

The Turkey Springs hut is accessible by automobile. Vehicle access is not allowed beyond the Hotz Springs and Monument Park gates, though huts are less than 1.4 miles from their respective gates.

To reserve a rental, hut users will need to provide their desired arrival and departure dates, and the number of people in the party. Each party must include at least one adult. Occupancy is from 2 p.m. on the arrival date, to noon the following day. To make reservations up to a year in advance, call the Pagosa Ranger District office at (970) 264-2268, Monday through Friday.

Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest
180 Second Street
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 264-2268 

Camping and Hiking Stores: (top of page)

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The New Official Visitor Guide has arrived! Over 150 pages full of lodging, food and shopping information, along with area activities,events and everything you need to know to plan your next vacation to Pagosa Springs.  Request your FREE copy today or view the guide online!

Forest Service Campgrounds: