20 Attractions to Explore Near San Juan National Forest

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Engineer Mountain

Engineer Mountain

0.85km from San Juan National Forest

Engineer Mountain is one of the many peaks in the San Juan Mountains, which is notable for its symmetrical cone-shaped peak, which is a popular hike for visitors to the area. It is also home to a number of old mines, which are now popular tourist attractions. Engineer Mountain is located in San Juan County, Colorado, and is part of the San Juan National Forest. The peak rises to an elevation of 12,968 feet.

Coal Bank Pass

Coal Bank Pass

2.98km from San Juan National Forest

Coal Bank Pass is a high mountain pass located in San Juan County, Colorado. The pass is traversed by a road that connects the town of Silverton with the town of Ouray. The pass is named for the coal deposits that are found in the area. The road over the pass is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The pass is open year-round, but it can be treacherous in winter due to the heavy snowfall.

Potato Lake

Potato Lake

4.89km from San Juan National Forest

Potato Lake is a beautiful spot located in San Juan County, Colorado. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing. Potato Lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout, pike, and bass. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. In addition to its natural beauty, Potato Lake is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of an old mining town.

Jura Knob

Jura Knob

5.1km from San Juan National Forest

The Jura Knob is a prominent mountain peak in San Juan County. It is notable for its rocky, irregular summit and for its commanding views of the surrounding area. The peak is popular with climbers and hikers, who often use it as a base camp for exploring the nearby regions. The Jura Knob is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. In recent years, the mountain has become increasingly popular with backcountry skiers.

Purgatory Resort

Purgatory Resort

6.87km from San Juan National Forest

A majestic ski resort located in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. It offers 105 trails, including 5 terrain parks, over 1,500 skiable acres, and 12 lifts, including one six-person and two high speed quad lift. Facilities at the resort include condos that are rented out by their owners to vacationing tourists, a nightclub/bar at the bottom of the ski slopes by the chair lifts, a shuttle that goes back and forth from the resort to the nearby town of Durango.

Twilight Peak

Twilight Peak

7.88km from San Juan National Forest

Twilight Peak is a popular destination for hiking and camping. The peak is named for its position near the edge of the continental divide, where the sun sets early in the evening. Twilight Peak is also home to several glaciers, including Bancroft Glacier and Sunset Glacier. The summit of Twilight Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes.Wildflowers are abundant in the meadows near the peak, and wildlife includes elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions.

Snowdon Peak

Snowdon Peak

10.71km from San Juan National Forest

Snowdon Peak is the highest point in San Juan County. The peak is located in the San Juan National Forest and has an elevation of 12,933 feet. Snowdon Peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The peak can be accessed via a number of trails, and there are several camping sites located nearby. Snowdon Peak is a beautiful spot to experience the natural beauty of Colorado and is well worth a visit for any outdoor enthusiast.

San Miguel Peak

San Miguel Peak

10.88km from San Juan National Forest

San Miguel Peak is the highest point in San Miguel County. with an elevation of 14,093 feet. The peak is located in the San Juan Mountains, about 10 miles north of the town of Telluride. The area around the peak is popular for hiking, camping, and backpacking. There are several trails that lead to the summit, ranging from easy to difficult. The summit offers stunning views of the mountain range and the surrounding valleys.

Molas Pass

Molas Pass

11.02km from San Juan National Forest

Molas Pass is a high mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The pass is located on the continental divide at an elevation of 10,910 feet above sea level. It is traversed by U.S. Highway 550 between the towns of Silverton and Ouray in Ouray County. The pass is named for the abundance of molas, a type of sunflower, that grow in the area. The pass provides access to the San Juans from the north side and is a popular starting point for hikes into the Weminuche Wilderness.

Fuller Peak

Fuller Peak

11.63km from San Juan National Forest

Fuller Peak is a mountain in San Juan County, Colorado. It is located in the San Juan Mountains, west of the town of Silverton. The peak is named for geologist John C. Fuller, who surveyed the area in the late 19th century. Fuller Peak is a popular destination for hiking and backpacking, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The peak is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.

Vermilion Peak

Vermilion Peak

12.07km from San Juan National Forest

Vermilion Peak is a mountain in San Miguel County. It is the highest point in the Chicago Basin, and is part of the San Juan Mountains. The mountain was named for its reddish-brown color, which is caused by iron oxide in the rocks. The summit of Vermilion Peak can be reached via a trail that leads from the Needle Creek Trailhead. The trail is approximately eight miles long, and takes most hikers about four to five hours to complete.

Fuller Lake

Fuller Lake

12.32km from San Juan National Forest

Fuller Lake is a man-made body of water created in the early 1900s by damming the Fuller River. The lake is used for irrigation and recreation, and is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The Fuller River flows into the lake from the north, and out of the south end of the lake. The lake is located in a canyon, and has steep cliffs on its north and south sides. There are several campgrounds and picnic areas along the shores of the lake, as well as a boat launch.

Golden Horn

Golden Horn

12.65km from San Juan National Forest

The Golden Horn is a mountain peak in the San Miguel county of Colorado. Standing at an elevation of 12,943 feet, it is the highest point in the state. The peak is located in the San Juan National forest and is part of the Weminuche Wilderness. The Golden Horn gets its name from its golden-hued cliffs, which attract climbers from all over the world. In addition to its stunning views, the peak is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and elk.

Electra Lake

Electra Lake

13.84km from San Juan National Forest

Electra Lake is a private, man-made reservoir located roughly 23 miles north of Durango in La Plata County, Colorado. The reservoir's maximum capacity is 29,800 acre⋅ft. The lake is open to the public for fee use during the summer months.

Sultan Mountain

Sultan Mountain

13.96km from San Juan National Forest

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.

Animas Canyon

Animas Canyon

14.62km from San Juan National Forest

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.

Ulysses S. Grant Peak

Ulysses S. Grant Peak

14.76km from San Juan National Forest

Ulysses S. Grant Peak is the highest point in San Juan County, Colorado. The peak is located in the San Juan Mountains, just south of the town of Silverton. The peak was named for Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. Grant served as Commanding General of the Union Army during the American Civil War and was later elected President. The peak has an elevation of 14,093 feet and is located in the federally-designated Weminuche Wilderness Area.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake

15.16km from San Juan National Forest

Clear Lake is a small, natural lake located in San Juan County, Colorado. The lake is fed by several small creeks and springs, and it is surrounded by evergreen trees and meadows. Clear Lake is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and hiking, and it is also home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and birds. The lake is located at an elevation of 9,600 feet, and it has a maximum depth of 30 feet. clear water that reflects the mountains and sky.

Pigeon Peak

Pigeon Peak

15.77km from San Juan National Forest

Pigeon Peak, elevation 13,978 ft, is a summit in the Needle Mountains, a subrange of the San Juan Mountains in the southwestern part of the US State of Colorado. This Peak is notable both for its absolute height and for its local relief. It is the 57th highest independent peak in Colorado, narrowly missing the well-known list of fourteeners. The standard route is not technically difficult, but it is long and requires a little-hiked wilderness approach.

Lizard Head Pass

Lizard Head Pass

15.79km from San Juan National Forest

Lizard Head Pass is located in San Miguel County, Colorado. The pass is situated between the towns of Telluride and Rico, and provides access to the Lizard Head Wilderness area. The pass is named for the Lizard Head peak, which is visible from the pass and is a popular destination for climbers. The pass itself is fairly easy to hike, with a gradual ascent and a few switchbacks. However, the trail can be extremely rocky in places, so hikers should be sure to wear proper footwear.

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Know more about San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest, Colorado 81301, USA

The San Juan National Forest is located in the southwest corner of Colorado, bordering both the Lizard Head Wilderness and the Weminuche Wilderness. It is the largest forest in Colorado, stretching over 1.8 million acres. The San Juans are home to 12,000 foot peaks, alpine lakes and meadows, old-growth forests, and sprawling valleys. With such a variety of terrain, it's no wonder that the San Juans are a popular destination for hikers, campers, hunters, and fishermen alike.