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Natural Arch La Garita Colorado

Natural High on Natural Arch

December 9, 2022 By //  by Matt Thomas

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Seemingly, Colorado’s got a breathtaking natural landmark around every turn in the Rockies. However, some are more unique than others, like the Natural Arch close to Del Norte in La Garita, a rural village in the San Luis Valley.

The amazing giant rock ring is a sight to behold. It’s located in the La Garita Wilderness, which encompasses a massive 129,626 acres in size within the Rio Grande and Gunnison national forests.

You can visit this incredible natural landmark year round, though the forest road back is not plowed in the winter and the area can get a decent amount of snowfall. 2WD, low-clearance is suitable for non-winter driving, but 4WD and/or snow tires are recommended if you’re looking to change it in the snowy season.

You can park at the base of the Natural Arch, within about a quarter of a mile hike uphill to reach it. It’s easy going and the sights become more spectacular the higher you gain. 360° views afford you lots to see, including the staggering Sangre De Cristo Mountains, part of the Continental Divide, and miles and miles across the San Luis Valley.

Other sights in the Penitente Canyon area include numerous petroglyphs, hikes, rock climbing, a campground, and a nifty Trading Post serving the best burgers in the San Luis Valley. The closest real town is Del Norte, which offers a small amount of lodging, shopping, and dining, including a microbrewery, Three Barrel Brewing.

Getting to Del Norte’s Natural Arch

You’ll see a sign for La Garita off Highway 112 about five miles north of Del Norte. It’s 11.5 miles from 112 to the Natural Arch.

After turning from 112 on County Road 33, follow for 6 or 7 miles, then take a left on Forest Road 660, you’ll see a sign for Natural Arch/Old Woman Creek/FR 660. It’s also marked A32 by a road sign. Follow that to Forest Road 659, marked by a Natural Arch sign, and take a right. Follow that back to the parking area and the trailhead.

Natural Arch Rio Grande National Forest
Natural Arch in Rio Grande National Forest.
Natural Arch Colorado
Beneath the Arch.
Natural Arch Mesa Sunset
Sunset over the mesa.
Natural Arch Sangre De Cristo Mountains Sunset
Snowcapped Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background.
Natural Arch La Garita Colorado
On top of the Arch.
Natural Arch Colorado Sunset
Looking west toward the sunset.
Natural Arch Saguache County
Heading up.
Natural Arch Colorado Sunset
Looking back down.
Natural Arch Colorado Summit
Summit!
Natural Arch Colorado Feet Up
Soaking it in.
Natural Arch La Garita Colorado
Heading back down.
Natural Arch Colorado Pine Tree
AlPine tree.
Natural Arch La Garita December
Downward.
Natural Arch Colorado Descent
Still descending.
Natural Arch Colorado Snow
Path I took up.
Natural Arch Rio Grande National Forest Twilight
Through the arch.
Natural Arch Colorado Twilight
Twilight moon.
Downtown Del Norte Colorado
Downtown Del Norte.
Saguache County Forest Road 660
Left on Forest Road 660.
Saguache County Road A32
Forest Road 660/RD A32.
Penitente Canyon Colorado Alpenglow
Alpenglow.
Natural Arch Road Sign
Right on Natural Arch Road.
Natural Arch Saguache County Forest Road 659
Right on Forest Road 659.
Natural Arch Saguache County
Back to the Arch.
Natural Arch Colorado December
Hiking up to the Arch.
Natural Arch Rio Grande National Forest
Base of the Arch.
Natural Arch

Matt Thomas

About Matt Thomas

Matt is an avid writer and explorer, who loves to showcase this wild, wondrous world. His favorite place to be is right here in the Centennial State.

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