Hiking Soda Basin
San Juan River
Overview
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Wed 103 | 73 |
Thu 99 | 72 |
Fri 98 | 70 |
Sat 98 | 70 |
Sun 100 | 70 |
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Wed 103 | 73 |
Thu 99 | 72 |
Fri 98 | 70 |
Sat 98 | 70 |
Sun 100 | 70 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Views down river from Soda Basin
Between Comb Ridge and Mexican Hat, the San Juan River cuts deeply through the Paradox Formation, a limestone layer. This deep gorge is frequently visited by river runners, but is difficult to visit for non-river runners. The trail from Lime Creek to Soda Basin is about the only easy access hikers have to experience this deep gorge.
The trail, an old oil exploration road, follows along the river with excellent views of the San Juan and surrounding gorge. Because it is an old road, the hiking and navigation are easy. The turn around point, Soda Basin, has some old mining relics strewn about and is fairly interesting to check out.
Ledge Rapid
Getting There
The trailhead is reached by heading west out of Bluff toward Mexican Hat on US-191 for about 20 miles to milepost 25.4 on US-163 where a dirt road leaves on the south (left) side of the road. Reset your odometer as you turn onto this road.
- Mile 25.4 on US-163 ( 12S 601106E 4117889N / 37°12'07"N 109°51'38"W )
- 0.65 miles - Jct - Right ( 12S 601987E 4117798N / 37°12'04"N 109°51'03"W )
- 2.4 miles - Trailhead. There is decent primitive camping near the trailhead. ( 12S 603137E 4115959N / 37°11'04"N 109°50'17"W )
Old drill hole in the basin
Route
From the trailhead, the old road crosses Lime Creek. It can be a little tricky to find in a few spots, but once you find it across Lime Creek, it is easier to follow.
Follow it as it meanders along, heading up the San Juan River bank. About 3/4 of a mile from the trailhead, the old road crosses into the limestone layer and the canyon begins to deepen. A sandy campsite on the right here is known as Fossil Stop by river runners. The limestone around this area has fossils if you have a close eye.
From Fossil Stop, the old road continues as the gorge deepens. About 1.7 miles from the trailhead, the road rounds a corner and Ledge Rapid (class II) is visible just below in the river.
About 2 miles from the trailhead, the road deteriorates as you reach the old oil exploration area. From here, wandering around is your best bet. I have marked some sites on the map that I found interesting.
Return the same way.
Photos
Maps
| Trailhead |
12S 603137E 4115959N 37°11'04"N 109°50'17"W |
| Fossil Stop |
12S 604117E 4115537N 37°10'50"N 109°49'37"W |
| Ledge Rapid |
12S 605410E 4115834N 37°10'59"N 109°48'45"W |
| Old Well |
12S 605670E 4116385N 37°11'17"N 109°48'34"W |
| Old Structure |
12S 605603E 4116383N 37°11'17"N 109°48'37"W |
| Rock Chimney and Foundation |
12S 605660E 4116485N 37°11'20"N 109°48'34"W |