Escaped Denver 4th July traffic but didn’t plan where my hike would start. I had maps but didn’t plan any routes. Decided in Alamosa to check out South San Juan. Started at South Fork TH at 7:30 PM. There was a full moon so I didn’t mind setting camp at night. Trail was well defined and was a gradual uphill. Set camp around 10:30 in a grass clearing at the end of South Fork Conejos / Canon Verde Junction. It rained overnight but no issues other than a poor pillow. Next morning I Broke camp around 8:30 am. Continued on South Fork Conejos until I reached the Rincon Junction. I debated on continuing an addition 5 miles to Blue Lake. I chose Rincon and wish I went to Blue Lake. Rincon was overgrown and nice views but Blue Lake would of spectacular as well as Glacier Lake. At end on Rincon the trail disappears in grass and signs have deteriorated. Map and good eye for trail was needed. At Glacier Trail / Timber Lake Trail junction the trail is confusing as sign is down. Need to follow Timber 1/4 mile to reach Roaring Fork junction. I bushwhacked to find trail and realized my error from a fellow hiker. (Only say 4 hikers of 2 parties entire trip). Roaring Fork Trail was a long trail home. It goes though a maze of fallen dead trees that the trail has been rerouted. Hats of to trail maintenance. A lot of work was done to make this trail usable. Roaring Fork has gradual ups and downs until you near the South Fork junction. The trail descends 3000+ feet in 2 miles but is a long way down with about a dozen long gradual switchbacks. I am glad I didn’t go up this. Finished trip in 2 days but should of done it in 3 and visit more epic lakes. I was worried about 4th July traffic and my truck got a rock in the brakes on the TH road. Will visit again and do a different loop.
