Lizard Head Wilderness holds the high headwaters of the Dolores

Northeast of Dolores, the land climbs into the high San Juan Mountains and into the Lizard Head Wilderness, shared between the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. This is alpine country of meadows, spruce forest, and tall peaks, and it holds the headwaters of the West Fork of the Dolores River that flows down through the valley.

Because it is designated Wilderness, the rules are stricter than on regular forest land. There are no motors and no mechanized travel, which means no vehicles, no e-bikes, and no mountain bikes. You travel on foot or by horse. That keeps the place wild, and it also means you carry what you need and plan for weather that can turn cold and stormy fast at this altitude.

From the Montezuma County side, trailheads such as Navajo Lake are reached by driving up Highway 145 and onto the gravel Dunton Road. The drive is long, the last miles are unpaved, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Why this matters: a wilderness trip is a bigger commitment than a roadside hike, with no quick exit. Check trail conditions, access roads, and wilderness rules with the San Juan National Forest, Dolores Ranger District, before you go.