Fremont's Christmas Camp

Experience firsthand the remote wilderness that became the scene of General John C. Fremont's disastrous fourth expedition. While exploring possibilities for a transcontinental railroad route through the San Juan Mountains in the winter of 1848-49, the men were caught in severe weather. Imagine waist-deep snow, dwindling food supplies and primitive tools, and you'll get a sense of the struggle that took place as they forged their way into the new territory. Begin your hike at Cathedral Campground, named for the nearby cliffs, and walk in 4.5 miles to the historic sites of Fremont's Christmas and December 27th camps.