San Juan National Forest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Purgatory Resort Snowy Panorama
Purgatory Resort Snowy Panorama
Hidden in the high country above Silverton CO is Island Lake, In a days hike you can see both Island Lake and the Ice Lakes basin, the best views in southwest Colorado. #BVSblue
From the Ridgeline below Three Needles Peak at 13,200' yo can look west and see the other Blue Lake of Colorado. the hike up through Porphyry Basin upper and lower lakes are quite special. "Not the Blue lake at Mt Sneffels"
Fall is coming and the storms on the mountains of the San Juans are just beginning. A favorite location is this old cabin caught between rainstorms, behind are the Twightlight peaks on the right and the Vestal Range on the left.

Where to stay in San Juan National Forest

Panoramic view of beautiful Ice lake near Silverton, Colorado on rocky mountain peak and panorama reflection of summer landscape with nobody and green grass blue sky

Columbine Lake

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Columbine Lake and surrounding area, you can visit Purgatory Resort and Electra Lake.

Columbine Lake
West Cimarron River with coxcomb redcliff and fortress mountains in the back at sunset

San Juan River Village

If you're spending some time in San Juan River Village, San Juan River is a top sight worth visiting.

San Juan River Village
Panoramic image of The narrow gauge railroad locomotive under power between Durango and Silverton in Colorado

Dalton Ranch

If you're spending some time in Dalton Ranch, Animas River and Dalton Ranch Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Dalton Ranch
Moon Rising over Williams Reservoir in Colorado

Lake Hatcher Park

While Lake Hatcher Park isn't home to many top sights, Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Stevens Reservoir are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lake Hatcher Park
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Twin Creek Village

While Twin Creek Village isn't home to many top sights, Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts are some notable places to visit nearby.

Twin Creek Village
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Pagosa Highlands

While Pagosa Highlands may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Stevens Reservoir.

Pagosa Highlands
Apple Orchard Inn

Apple Orchard Inn

3.5 out of 5
7758 County Road 203 Durango CO
The price is 4.803.710 ₫ per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
4.803.710 ₫
5.183.333 ₫ total
9 Feb - 10 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this B&B in Durango. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and Dalton Ranch Golf Club are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (323 reviews)
SEE THIS REVIEW!!!
warm welcome homely feel doesn't scream corporate at all ,always felt like second home ,Quiet stay comfortable stay

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Apple Orchard Inn
WYLD Glass Caves Durango

WYLD Glass Caves Durango

3.5 out of 5
6440 Co Rd 203 Durango CO
Stay at this golf cottage in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and Dalton Ranch Golf ...
7.4/10 Good! (25 reviews)
Such a great feel to the place, cute and modern. Loved the robes in addition to walking across the street to the hot springs. Would have like at least a microwave to heat up left overs!

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

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WYLD Glass Caves Durango
See all 1,230 properties in San Juan National Forest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pet-friendly Bayfield Cabin w/ Game Room & Hot Tub

Pet-friendly Bayfield Cabin w/ Game Room & Hot Tub

3 out of 5
Bayfield CO
Stay at this cottage in Bayfield. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Vallecito Lake and Lake SImpatico Trailhead ...
Pet-friendly Bayfield Cabin w/ Game Room & Hot Tub
See all properties in San Juan National Forest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Purgatory Ski Area featuring snow, a luxury hotel or resort and mountains

Purgatory Resort

Hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort, a top ski area in Durango. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Purgatory Resort
Vallecito Lake in Southwest Colorado.; Shutterstock ID 704644411; Purchase Order: -

Vallecito Lake

5/5(1 review)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Vallecito Lake during your travels in Bayfield. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Vallecito Lake
Hidden in the high country above Silverton CO is Island Lake, In a days hike you can see both Island Lake and the Ice Lakes basin, the best views in southwest Colorado. #BVSblue

Island Lake

Explore the great outdoors at Island Lake and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Silverton. Amble around this quaint area's riverfront or seek out the ski slopes.

Island Lake
Treasure Falls in San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Treasure Falls

Explore the great outdoors at Treasure Falls, a lovely green space in Pagosa Springs. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront or seek out the ski slopes.

Treasure Falls
Fall is coming and the storms on the mountains of the San Juans are just beginning. A favorite location is this old cabin caught between rainstorms, behind are the Twightlight peaks on the right and the Vestal Range on the left.

Molas Pass

4/5(1 review)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Molas Pass and enjoy the ski slopes in Silverton. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Molas Pass
The Historical North Piedra Stock Driveway Trail is next to the Piedra River. Early autumn colors and dramatic vistas await the visitors too Colorado.

Piedra River Trail

Explore the great outdoors at Piedra River Trail, a lovely green space in Bayfield. Amble around the area's forests or seek out its hiking trails.

Piedra River Trail

Cities near San Juan National Forest

Pagosa Springs featuring water sports, a river or creek and a small town or village

Pagosa Springs

Adobe

Ouray

spectacular vallecito reservoir and surrounding mountain peaks on a sunny summer day in the san juan national forest, near durango, colorado

Bayfield

View of Creede, Colorado, USA from the Bachelor Historic Loop. Driving the loop passes old abandoned mining structures and beautiful scenery. #LifeAtExpedia

Creede