Geology: Aspens & South San Juans, V Rock

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.

“Golden Aspens and Geology of the South San Juans” – V Rock Trail Hike

This time we will be climbing through endless stands of golden aspens to an amazing series of overlooks at the top of the V Rock trail. Along the way, the guide will describe how the San Jan Mountains were created and how this southern part of the range differs from main body of the San Juans.

Trail Description: This is an ~5 mile out and back hike with approximately 1100 ft of elevation gain.   Most of the ascent is covered in the first 1.5 miles with the trail flattening at the top. With stops to discuss the geology of the area, you can expect a time commitment of 4.5 hours. Pack a lunch as we will be taking a break at one of the overview stops up top. We’ll be watching for thunderstorm activity and may need to cut the hike shorter if weather conditions dictate.

When: October 1, 2026 from 9am – 1:30pm

Where: Group will meet at the Buckles Lake Trailhead.  Head south on Highway 84 out of Pagosa Springs. After ~20 miles, turn left on FR 663.  Follow FR 663 for 6.4 miles where there will be a turn to the right to stay on FR 663. After the right turn you’ll arrive at the trailhead is less than a mile. Note again, on Google Maps and other navigation sites, the trailhead is called Buckles Lake. Both the Buckles Lake and V Rock trails start there.

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.