Hermosa Creek Special Management Area - San Juan National Forest

The forest identified for inclusion in the Old-Growth Forest Network is a contiguous 1,100 acres of mixed conifer and ponderosa pine old growth - mixed conifer is found on the north and northwest facing slopes, and ponderosa pine on the south and southeast facing slopes. The forest is located in the Hermosa Roadless Area which is being considered in Congress for special designation. The Roadless Area encompasses nearly 142,000 acres and is bisected by Hermosa Creek. The west side of the Hermosa Creek drainage, (nearly half of the area), is being considered for Wilderness designation. The eastern half, which contains the Hermosa Creek Trail, would be retained for multiple use recreation including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and motorcycle use.  The Hermosa Area contains rugged country and old-growth forests can be found throughout, but these particular stands are located right along the Hermosa Creek Trail, within easy hiking distance from the Lower Hermosa Trailhead.