Colorado · Hiking · La Garita Wilderness · Near South Fork

Machin Basin

15.6 mi
loop
2,750 ft
climb
13,072 ft
high point
Loop
route

Is Machin Basin open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Rio Grande National Forest. It doesn't name Machin Basin, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Rio Grande National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Machin Basin is a hard hike in Colorado's La Garita Wilderness, part of the Saguache Ranger District of the Rio Grande National Forest. The route is a loop of about 15.6 miles, with a total elevation gain of 2,750 feet, taking you from a low point of about 10,352 feet to a high of about 13,072 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced and open to horses. The trip is rated hard, and it is a year-round route. Plan on about 6.5 hours for the loop. Bikes are not allowed, so the ride is for hikers and horseback riders. Several other trails sit close by. Wheeler Loop is about a mile away, and La Garita Sd. and Halfmoon Creek are each within about a mile and a half. For an overnight base, Hansen Mill Campground is roughly 6.7 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Hansen Mill Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 6.7 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Blimpie

    Fast food

    On your way back · 18 mi
  • If it rains

    Creede Underground Mining Museum

    Museum

    Museum · 8.5 mi from South Fork

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More in South Fork

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.