This turnoff leads to Penitente Canyon, while quite secluded, one of Colorado’s premier rock climbing areas. The area includes Penitente, Rock Garden, Sidewinder, and Witches Canyons with a high concentration of world class routes.
Along with unparalleled rock climbing, the newly reworked trail systems offers 17 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking to enjoy among twisty rock canyons and towering boulders. You’ll ride through some of the country’s most fascinating history and geology. Twenty-seven million years ago, the largest volcanic eruption ever recorded blew the country apart and formed the La Garita Caldera. This void is 22mi wide and 47mi long. The outline of this giant caldera can be challenging to find, but evidence of it’s existence is all around you. Fish Canyon tuff, the rock blown out by the explosion forms the canyon walls.
Humans have visited this area for over 1000 years. From prehistoric groups to Utes and Jicarilla Apaches, people have added to the area’s rich history. Hispanic settlers used oxcarts to haul wood from the mountains – you can still see the wagon ruts carved into the soft volcanic tuff rock along the Penitente Canyon Loop Trail by the action of conastoga wagon wheels. The area was named after the religious brotherhood, Los Hermanos Penitentes, who worshiped in the area years ago.
From U.S. 285, turn west onto Saguache County Road G. After 6 miles, you will pass the La Garita Trading Post. Go another 1/2 mile to a Y intersection: take the left fork (Cty Rd 38A).
The entrance to the recreation area is another 1/2 mile on your right.