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USGS Quads in order of passage. 1. Wolf Creek Pass, 2. South River Peak, 3. Palomino Mountain, 4. Cimarrona Peak , 5. Little Squaw Creek, 6. Granite Lake, 7. Weminuche Pass , 8. Rio Grande Pyramid, 9. Storm King Peak, 10. Snowdon Peak

As you approach Wolf Creek Pass from Pagosa Springs there is a dirt road to the left that takes you 2-miles to a microwave station.  I have found this road blocked by snow in early July.  The trail head is behind the microwave station.

CAUTION - IF YOU LEAVE PAGOSA SPRINGS AND TRAVEL TO THIS TRAIL HEAD YOU WILL HAVE CLIMBED NEARLY 5000 FEET IN LESS THAN 1-HOUR.  STRENUOUS EXERCISE COULD RESULT IN ALTITUDE SICKNESS. MOVE SLOW.

Fortunately the hike starts downhill from 11,800-feet but I still got a severe headache on my first trek on this route when I pushed it in my excitement. 

Rock Lake is a small but pretty lake and there is a spring that I have never found.  Try down stream as I never thought to look that direction.   Otherwise filter water from the lake.

Archuleta Lake is a popular spot for outfitters and hikers coming up from the Rio Grande forest side.  There is plenty of room but no solitude.  After you climb 600-feet back up to the divide you will be pretty much above tree line for the next couple of days.  Look for elk in the valleys.

What I have labeled Camp 3 has no geologic ID except that the trail has dropped below tree line and it is possible to find a small springs below the trail.  Otherwise there is no easy water between Archuleta and Peidra Pass.  This is the trouble with hiking the divide trail.

At South River Peak you reach an elevation of 12,840-feet and can drop your pack to climb to over 13,000.  I sit and enjoy the view.  The trial up the mountain from this side is a great switchback trail but down the far side is rocky.   We once saw 6 bull elk on the snow pack at the top next to the trail before we started up.

Peidra Pass has a creek diversion dam to take water from the San Juan water shed to the Rio Grande water shed.  Nothing here to write home about.
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The Window from the South
The Window and Rio Grande Pyramid from the North
Looking west on the Elk Creek water shed - from elevation 12,800'
Cascade flowing into Elk Creek
Beaver Pond on Elk Creek about 3.5 miles from the railroad