Sangre De Cristo Wilderness is a 220,803-acre protected area in Colorado, characterized by its rugged beauty and dramatic vertical proportions. This wilderness features majestic peaks, including several "fourteeners" like Crestone Needle, along with numerous alpine lakes and waterfalls such as Willow Lake and Venable Falls. Diverse forests of oak, aspen, and spruce nourish the landscape, providing varied scenery for outdoor activities. The area offers opportunities for several sports like hiking and jogging, set within a remote and preserved environment.
26
Routes
5
(10)
Average rating
199
People visited

5
hikers
728m
00:13
20m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.16km
00:44
160m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
760m
00:12
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.12km
02:35
450m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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2
runners
17.8km
03:10
1,190m
1,190m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

1
runners
21.7km
02:42
910m
910m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
10.1km
01:50
770m
770m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
19.2km
02:56
940m
940m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Sangre De Cristo Wilderness offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and jogging. The area features approximately 180 miles (290 km) of trails, many of which are rugged and challenging. Visitors have rated routes in this wilderness with an average of 4.93 out of 5 stars.
The wilderness is known for its majestic peaks, including several 'fourteeners' like Crestone Needle (14,197 feet / 4,327 m). It also features numerous alpine lakes, such as Willow Lake, and waterfalls like Venable Falls. Diverse forests of oak, aspen, and spruce cover the landscape.
Yes, many trails in Sangre De Cristo Wilderness are considered rugged and difficult, often leading to significant elevation gains. Peaks like Crestone Needle are known for their challenging climbs. The wilderness provides a remote and demanding experience for those seeking backcountry adventures.
While many trails are challenging, some easier options are available within the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness. These trails can provide access to the wilderness's natural beauty without extreme difficulty. For more information, consult the Easy hikes in Sangre De Cristo Wilderness guide.
The Sangre De Cristo Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife. Common sightings may include black bears, mountain lions, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. These animals inhabit the diverse forest and alpine environments of the wilderness.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for exploring the area. The Hiking in Sangre De Cristo Wilderness guide provides general information. For less strenuous options, refer to the Easy hikes in Sangre De Cristo Wilderness guide.
Yes, Sangre De Cristo Wilderness offers trails suitable for jogging and running. These routes allow runners to experience the wilderness's diverse terrain and natural features. More details can be found in the Running Trails in Sangre De Cristo Wilderness guide.
The Sangre De Cristo Wilderness features dramatic vertical proportions, with peaks exceeding 14,000 feet (4,267 m). Crestone Needle, for example, reaches 14,197 feet (4,327 m). The terrain includes high alpine environments and lower forested areas.
More than 700 visitors have shared their experiences in Sangre De Cristo Wilderness on komoot. These contributions help to rate and describe the various routes and highlights within the area. The average rating for routes is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
Information about the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness can be found on the Rio Grande National Forest section of the USDA Forest Service website. The official website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recarea/?recid=29002.
For information regarding the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness, contact the Saguache Ranger District. The phone number for inquiries is +1-719-655-2547. This district manages aspects of the wilderness area.
Sangre De Cristo Wilderness is a protected area spanning 220,803 acres (89,356 hectares). It was established in 1993 and is known for its rugged beauty and preserved natural state. The wilderness prohibits mechanized transportation and tools.

