Kendall Mountain Recreation Area - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is located in San Juan County. The area includes a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There are also several picnic areas and camping sites available. This is a popular spot for wildlife watching, as the area is home to a variety of animals including deer, elk, bears, and mountain lions. The recreation area is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing in the winter months.

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Hotels near Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Checkout accommodations closest to Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Things to Do at Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy the outdoors in San Juan County, Colorado. There are plenty of things to do here, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. The recreation area is located near the town of Silverton, so it's easy to get to. There are also several hotels and restaurants nearby if you need a break from the outdoors. And, of course, there are plenty of stunning views to take in while you're here. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing picnic spot, Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is sure to have something for you.

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History of Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is located in San Juan County, Colorado. The recreation area was established in 1976 and is named after George W. Kendall, who was a pioneer in the development of the area. Kendall Mountain is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and picnicking. There are several trails that wind through the recreation area, and the views from the top of Kendall Mountain are stunning. In addition to the beautiful scenery, the recreation area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the many lakes and streams that are located within the recreation area. With its breathtaking views and diverse wildlife, Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is a perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Best Time to Visit Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

The best time to visit Kendall Mountain Recreation Area in San Juan County, Colorado is during the summer months. From June through August, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The area also comes alive during this time of year, with wildflowers blooming and wildlife out and about.

Tips for Visiting Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

  1. Make sure you have the proper gear. hiking boots, a sunscreen, insect repellent, and water.
  2. For an easier hike, take the Kendall Mtn Trail. It is 1.5 miles to the top of the mountain and has an elevation gain of 1,149 feet. Start early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
  3. For a more challenging hike, try the Pass Creek Trail. It is 4 miles to the top of the mountain and has an elevation gain of 2,087 feet. This trail is more difficult due to its longer length and higher elevation gain. Again, start early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
  4. Be sure to hike back down the mountain before dusk as there are no lights on the trails and it can be difficult to see in the dark.
  5. If you see any wildlife while you're hiking, don't approach them as they may be fearful of humans and become aggressive. Instead, enjoy watching them from a distance and snap some photos if possible.
  6. Respect closure signs. Certain areas of Kendall Mountain may be closed for safety reasons or to protect wildlife habitat - please respect these closures and only hike on designated trails.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

  1. Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is located in San Juan County, Colorado. The recreation area is situated on a mesa top and offers views of the nearby mountains and valleys. 
  2.  In the winter, the recreation area is popular for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. 
  3. Kendall Mountain was originally used as a mining site in the late 1800s. 
  4.  In the 1970s, Kendall Mountain was designated as a recreation area by the U.S Forest Service. 
  5. One of the most popular trails is the 1-mile hike to Lower Amethyst Lake, which takes hikers through a field of colorful wildflowers in early summer. 
  6. In September, the recreation area hosts the Annual San Juan Mtn Bike Festival, which includes races and rides for all levels of cyclists. 

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of time needed to explore Kendall Mountain Recreation Area will vary depending on your interests and goals. However, a reasonable amount of time to allocate would be 3-4 hours. This will give you enough time to hike to the summit of Kendall Mountain and enjoy the panoramic views, as well as explore the surrounding area. 

How to Reach Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

To reach Kendall Mountain Recreation Area, take Highway 550 north from Durango. The turn-off for Kendall Mountain Road is located approximately 12 miles from Durango. Follow Kendall Mountain Road for 2 miles to the top of the mesa. Please be aware that the road is unpaved and may be difficult to navigate in wet weather.

Entrance Fee of Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Kendall Mountain Recreation Area. However, there are fees for camping and picnicking.

Opening Hours of Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area is open year-round from dawn to dusk. 

Attractions Near Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Silverton

Silverton

0.68km from Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Silverton is a town in San Juan County, Colorado. It is the county seat and former capital of the silver-mining district of northwestern San Juan County, which produced more than $300 million worth of silver at its peak in the late 1870s. Silverton no longer exists as an incorporated municipality, but still maintains a small town feel with many Victorian-era wooden homes and commercial buildings. The town is a popular destination for tourists visiting the nearby San Juan Mountains and so more.

D&SNG Silverton Bridge

D&SNG Silverton Bridge

2.68km from Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad's Silverton Bridge is a steel truss bridge that spans the Animas River in San Juan County, Colorado. The bridge was built in 1893 to connect the town of Silverton with the rest of the D&RGW railroad network. At the time of its completion, it was the highest railroad bridge in the world, with a height of 365 feet above the river. Today, the Silverton Bridge is still an important part of the D&RGW network, carrying both freight and passenger trains.

Sultan Mountain

Sultan Mountain

5.01km from Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Sultan Mountain is located in San Juan County, Colorado. The mountain is a popular destination for hiking and camping, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Sultan Mountain is home to a variety of plant and animal life, and is a popular spot for bird watching. The mountain is also home to a number of historical sites, including an old mining town. Visitors to Sultan Mountain can explore the many trails, go bird watching, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views.

Old Hundred Gold Mine

Old Hundred Gold Mine

6.46km from Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

The Old Hundred Gold Mine is located in San Juan County, Colorado. The mine is a former underground gold mine that operated from 1872 to 1991. The mine is now a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can take tours of the underground tunnels and see the equipment used in the mining process. The Old Hundred Gold Mine is also home to a museum, which displays artifacts from the mining era. The mine is open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Animas Canyon

Animas Canyon

6.64km from Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Animas Canyon is a scenic canyon located in San Juan County, Colorado. The canyon is home to a variety of plant and animal life, and it is a popular destination for hiking and camping. The Animas River flows through the canyon, and there are numerous hiking trails that wind along the river. The canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. In addition to its natural beauty, Animas Canyon also has a rich history.

Silverton Mountain Ski Area

Silverton Mountain Ski Area

8.2km from Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

silverton mountain ski area is located in the san juan county. it is a part of the san juan national forest. the ski area is situated on the west side of silverton mountain. the silverton mountain has a total of 29 trails and 13 lifts. the longest run in the ski area is 2.6 miles long. there are 4 terrain parks in the ski area. the base elevation of the ski area is 9,318 feet and the summit elevation is 12,400 feet. silverton mountain receives an average of 300 inches of snowfall every year.

Discover More Attractions in San Juan County, Home of Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

San Juan County

San Juan County

29 attractions

San Juan County, located in the southwest corner of Colorado, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The county is home to several popular National Parks and Monuments, including Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Hovenweep National Monument. In addition, the San Juan Mountains offer ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. Thanks to its abundant natural beauty, San Juan County is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado. In fact, the county w

Location of Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

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