San Juan National Forest Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the southwestern part of Colorado, San Juan National Forest is a natural haven that offers visitors a chance to connect with the great outdoors. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to lush forests, this national forest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

One of the highlights of San Juan National Forest is its stunning mountain ranges, which provide ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The majestic peaks of the San Juan Mountains, including the iconic 14,000-foot peaks of Weminuche Wilderness, lure adventurers seeking breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping thrills. From conquering challenging trails to enjoying serene alpine meadows, the mountains of San Juan National Forest offer a playground for all skill levels.

For those seeking a less strenuous adventure, the forest is also home to a network of scenic drives that wind through picturesque landscapes. The San Juan Skyway, a designated All-American Road, takes visitors on a 236-mile loop through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offering awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. From towering peaks to cascading waterfalls, this scenic drive is a feast for the eyes.

San Juan National Forest is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage. The area has a long history of Native American presence, and visitors can explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites that provide glimpses into the past. The Chimney Rock National Monument, a sacred site for ancestral Puebloans, offers guided tours that shed light on the lives and traditions of the ancient inhabitants.

Furthermore, the forest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with its diverse ecosystem supporting a wide array of animal species. Elk, deer, black bears, and mountain lions are among the creatures that call this place home. Birdwatchers will also delight in the opportunity to spot a variety of avian species, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

Alternative names: Area: 7254.25 mi²Elevation: 9915 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°28'54"N, 107°44'24"W

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ColoradoUnited States

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San Juan National Forest Top Attractions

San Juan National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

San Juan National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Treasure Falls, Hesperus Mountain, Rico Town Hall, Graham Peak. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Park • View point
Treasure Falls
Treasure Falls is a waterfall in the San Juan Mountains, within Mineral County, Colorado. It is located in the San Juan National Forest, off U.S. Highway 160, about 15 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Hesperus Mountain
Hesperus Mountain is the highest summit of the La Plata Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The prominent 13,237-foot thirteener is located in San Juan National Forest, 13.2 miles northeast by east of the Town of Mancos in Montezuma County, Colorado, United States.
City hall
Rico Town Hall
Rico Town Hall or Rico City Hall is a multi-purpose building in the tiny mountain mining town of Rico, Colorado. Rico was formerly the county seat of Dolores County, and the city hall was built as the Dolores County Courthouse in 1892 by a "Mr.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Graham Peak
Graham Peak is a prominent mountain summit in the San Juan Mountains, a range of the Rocky Mountains System in southwestern...
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain pass
Wolf Creek Pass
Wolf Creek Pass is a high mountain pass on the Continental Divide, in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It is the route through which U.S. Highway 160 passes from the San Luis Valley into southwest Colorado on its way to New Mexico and Arizona. The pass is notable as inspiration of a C. W. McCall song.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Lone Cone
Lone Cone is a prominent mountain summit at the western end of the San Miguel Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Horse Mountain
Horse Mountain is a prominent mountain summit in the San Juan Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 9,952-foot peak is located in San Juan National Forest, 15.8 miles west by north of the Town of Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County, Colorado, United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Elliott Mountain
Elliot Mountain is a prominent mountain summit in the San Miguel Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 12,346-foot peak is located in San Juan National Forest, 3.5 miles north-northwest of the Town of Rico in Dolores County, Colorado, United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Sharkstooth Peak
Sharkstooth Peak, 11,691', is a mountain in the Rocky Mountains in Montezuma County, Colorado.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Sultan Mountain
Sultan Mountain, elevation 13,373 ft, is a peak of the San Juan Mountains range in San Juan County, southwestern Colorado. It is located southwest of the town of Silverton.
Dam
Lemon Dam
The earthen dam is a project of the United States Bureau of Reclamation and was completed in 1963, at 284 feet high and 1,360 feet long at its crest.
Romanesque architecture
Dey Building
The Dey Building is a building in Rico, Colorado, USA, that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its importance as a significant local commercial building, and for its Romanesque Revival style.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Lavender Peak
Lavender Peak is a high mountain summit in the La Plata Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,233-foot thirteener is located in San Juan National Forest, 13.5 miles northeast by east of the Town of Mancos in Montezuma County, Colorado, United States.
37°26'16"N • 107°9'43"W
Debs School
The Debs School is an historic rural schoolhouse that was built in 1926 in Hinsdale County, Colorado. It is located near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. It has also been known as Upper Piedra School, 5HN642, and the Debs Community Building. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Dam
Electra Lake
Electra Lake is a privately owned reservoir in La Plata County Colorado. Owned by Xcel Energy, Electra Lake provides water storage for the Tacoma Hydro Generating Station. The reservoir's maximum capacity is 29,800 acre⋅ft.
37°41'35"N • 108°1'44"W
William Kauffman House
The William Kauffman House is the only historic brick or masonry house in Rico, Colorado. Built in 1891 during the mining boom that drove Rico's population to 4,000, the house was the residence of the Kauffman family until 1915.

Day trips

San Juan National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of San Juan National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Box Canyon (Ouray), Cliff Palace (Mesa Verde National Park), Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum (Dolores).

37 milesN
Nature, Natural attraction, Canyon
Box Canyon, Ouray
Nestled within the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains in Ouray, Colorado, Box Canyon is a breathtaking natural attraction that beckons visitors with its unique geological formations and cascading waterfall. This hidden gem is a testament to the power of water...
46 milesSW
Ruins, Historical place, Museum
Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park
Nestled within the rugged landscape of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Cliff Palace stands as a testament to the ingenuity and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited the region. This archaeological treasure, one of the most significant in the...
44 milesW
History museum, Natural history museum, Museum
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, Dolores
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Dolores, Colorado, the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum serves as a gateway to the rich cultural heritage of the region. This museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the Ancestral Puebloans...
37 milesN
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Canyon
Uncompahgre Gorge, Ouray
Nestled in the rugged heart of the San Juan Mountains, the Uncompahgre Gorge is a stunning natural wonder located near the charming city of Ouray, Colorado. This magnificent gorge, carved by the relentless force of the Uncompahgre River, offers visitors a glimpse into...
30 milesN
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Bridal Veil Falls, Uncompahgre National Forest
Bridal Veil Falls is a 365-foot waterfall at the end of the box canyon overlooking Telluride, Colorado. Hiking and off-road trails pass by the falls and it has a hydroelectric power plant at its top.

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Best Time To Visit San Juan National Forest

Learn when is the best time to travel to San Juan National Forest weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in San Juan National Forest?

The top attractions to visit in San Juan National Forest are:

What is the best time to visit San Juan National Forest?

May, June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.