San Juan County - 29 Attractions You Must Visit

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About San Juan County

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

Types of Attractions in San Juan County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in San Juan County

Animas Canyon

Animas Canyon

Outdoors- Other

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.

Bonita Peak

Bonita Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Bonita Peak is one of the many summits in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Bonita Peak is the highest point in the Silverton Caldera, a large volcanic crater that formed about 33 million years ago. The summit is covered in trees and vegetation, and there are several small lakes in the area. Bonita Peak is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and fishermen. There are several trails that lead to the top of the peak, and the views from the summit are breathtaking.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

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.

Coal Bank Pass

Coal Bank Pass

1 Day Treks

Mountain Passes

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.

D&SNG Silverton Bridge

D&SNG Silverton Bridge

Bridges

Old Ruins

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.

Engineer Mountain

Engineer Mountain

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Fuller Lake

Fuller Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors- Other

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.

Fuller Peak

Fuller Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Hermosa Creek

Hermosa Creek

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Hermosa Creek is a beautiful stream that flows through San Juan County. The creek is well known for its clear water and abundant trout population. Fly fishermen from all over the world come to the Hermosa Creek to try their luck at landing a trophy fish. In addition to being a popular spot for fishing, the Hermosa Creek is also a popular destination for hiking, camping, and picnicking. The creek flows through a scenic canyon that is full of beautiful wildflowers in the springtime.

Highland Mary Lakes

Highland Mary Lakes

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors- Other

The Highland Mary Lakes are a group of three high-altitude lakes located in San Juan County. The lakes are situated at an elevation of 12,600 feet, and they are surrounded by mountain peaks that rise to even greater heights. The lakes are fed by snowmelt and runoff from the surrounding mountains, and they are home to a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout. It is a popular destination for hikers, fishermen, and nature lovers, and they offer spectacular views of the surrounding Rockies.

Jagged Mountain

Jagged Mountain

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Jagged Mountain is one of the most popular destinations in San Juan County. The mountain is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as a number of scenic overlooks. The summit of Jagged Mountain offers views of the nearby 14ers, including Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. In addition, the mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and eagles. Jagged Mountain is accessible via a number of different trailheads, and there are also a number of camping options in the area.

Jones Mountain

Jones Mountain

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Jones Mountain is a beautiful and popular hiking destination in San Juan County. The mountain is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as stunning views of the surrounding area. Jones Mountain is also a popular spot for picnicking, camping, and bouldering. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, Jones Mountain has something to offer everyone. So next time you're in San Juan County, be sure to add Jones Mountain to your list of places to explore.

Jura Knob

Jura Knob

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Outdoors- Other

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Molas Pass

Molas Pass

Mountain Passes

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.

Old Hundred Gold Mine

Old Hundred Gold Mine

Outdoors- Other

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.

Porphyry Basin

Porphyry Basin

Outdoors- Other

The Porphyry Basin is a large area of mineralized rocks in San Juan County. The basin contains a variety of copper, molybdenum, and silver deposits, as well as some uranium and coal. The basin is approximately 3,000 square miles in size and is located at an elevation of 8,000-10,000 feet. The basin is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and mountain lions. human activity in the basin includes mining, ranching, and recreation.

Potato Lake

Potato Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors- Other

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.

Poughkeepsie Gulch

Poughkeepsie Gulch

Outdoors- Other

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Poughkeepsie Gulch is a narrow and steep-sided gulch located in San Juan County, Colorado. The area is known for its mining history, and the gulch was once the site of several large mines. Today, the area is popular with hikers and campers, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The gulch is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, peregrine falcons, and bighorn sheep. Poughkeepsie Gulch is a beautiful and unique place that is well worth a visit.

San Juan National Forest

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.

Map of attractions in San Juan County

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