Geology: Continental Divide Trail Hike, Wolf Creek Pass

SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologists Dave Bouquet and Scott McAllister, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s geologic history from some of the area’s oldest metamorphic rocks, to Cretaceous seaways, to Tertiary volcanoes, to modern glacial deposits.

Volcanic Formation of the San Juan Mountains – Continental Divide Trail Hike

This time we will be “going high” to escape the summer heat.  Hike a short section of the famed Continental Divide Trail from the Lobo Overlook to picturesque Rock Lake.   Learn about the origin of the San Juan Mountains, created by the largest volcanic eruption by volume ever in North America.  Amazing views of the San Juans persist throughout the hike.

Trail Description: This is a more challenging hike, spanning an out and back distance of ~9 miles with ~1150 of net elevation gain.  We’ll also be consistently above 11,000 ft.  With stops to discuss the geology of the area, you can expect a time commitment of 5 hours.  Pack a lunch as we will be taking a break along the shore of Rock Lake.  We’ll be watching for thunderstorm activity and may need to cut the hike shorter if weather conditions dictate.

When: August 20, 2026 from 9am – 2pm

Where: Group will meet at the Lobo Overlook CDT trailhead behind the tall metal cell tower.  Just after passing the Wolf Creek Pass Continental Divide sign on Highway 160 (from PS), look to the left for a gravel road with a sign that says “Lobo Overlook”.  Follow the gravel road up the hill, turning right just before the end in the direction of the cell tower.  The CTD trailhead will be behind the tower.  If you go all the way to end (Lobo Overlook Parking Lot per Google), just back track a bit to the earlier turn off.  Note there is a restroom at the Lobo Overlook Parking Lot, but not at the trailhead.

What to Bring:

• Layers of cool and warm clothing
• Water (1/2 to 1 liter per hour)
• Sturdy, supportive footwear
• Lunch/snacks
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hiking Daypack
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera

Cost: Free, $10 donation is greatly appreciated!

Please Note: Although pets are allowed in the national forest, we ask that pets be left at home as a courtesy to the other guests in the group.

Registration is required. Spaces limited to 25 attendees.