In Saguache County, you can choose from a range of highlights, including geological formations, climbing and hiking areas, cultural history, and long cycling routes. Planning considerations vary: a footpath leads to the Wheeler Geological Area from the end of the road, while the Great Divide Overland North Route is explicitly designed as a multi-day bikepacking trip. Visiting arrangements for historic sites may change; check current conditions before setting out on routes.
Geological Formations, Climbing, and Hiking
From the end of the road, an approximately half-mile footpath leads to the geological formations at the Wheeler Geological Area. There, volcanic ash has eroded into an unusually bizarre landscape. Factor the walk into your plans, and check road conditions before departing.
Penitente Canyon is an internationally recognized climbing area with more than 300 sport climbing routes. Its south-facing routes can be climbed year-round; conditions on site may vary. In addition to climbing, there are more than 20 miles of trails open to mountain biking and hiking. Trout fishing in La Garita Creek is also possible in Penitente Canyon; fishing regulations and conditions may vary.
The Black Canyon Wilderness Study Area is located in Saguache County and offers opportunities for hiking. Access and conditions on site may vary, so it is a good idea to check for current information before visiting.
Cultural History in Saguache and Bonanza
The restored Hazard House is a home dating to 1913. It showcases the lifestyle and furnishings of affluent Saguache families in the 1920s and 1930s. As opening arrangements may change, check visiting information in advance.
The Saguache County Museum is housed in a building whose parts were constructed more than 125 years ago. The building served, among other things, as a school, a temporary courthouse, and a residence for jailers. The museum also includes a clay jail built in 1908 with a stucco facade.
The origins of Bonanza are also part of the region's past: the town was founded in the fall of 1880, after rich silver ore was discovered in the mountains north of Saguache and west of Villa Grove. Shumei’s Crestone Center is considered a sacred pilgrimage site.
Since 2010, Joyful Journey Hot Springs has hosted a free annual community event featuring a seed exchange and educational activities. Check the dates and arrangements in advance, as they may change. Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa also has natural mineral hot springs.
Cycling Routes and Practical Planning
The Saguache–Del Norte section of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is 62 miles long and has 4,004 feet of elevation gain. The Great Divide Overland North Route is considerably longer at 155 miles and is designed as a multi-day bikepacking trip. It passes through Sargents on its way back to Villa Grove in Saguache County; you can camp or stay in cabins along the way. The maximum grade is 12.5 percent. Route conditions can change, so check them before your trip.
The Mystic Adventure Driving audio tour is available in Saguache County through the TravelStorys app. As the platform or its availability may change, check the latest information before making plans.
When looking for hotels in Saguache County, it helps to decide on the focus of your trip first: historic visits and outdoor activities involve different planning considerations than a multi-day bikepacking trip. On this longer route, you can camp or stay in cabins along the way. This lets you tailor your overnight plans to the kind of stay you have in mind.
Discover more destinations: Villa Grove, Saguache, Routt, Clear Creek, Lake County, Custer, Huerfano County, Logan
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