San Juan National Forest, CO

Travel Guide

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.

I was on the trail from Ice Lake to Island Lake when the clouds were starting to come up and I could already hear thunder in a distance. Only a few spots were still lit up by the sun. Luckily Ice Lake was one of them.

#GreatOutdoors

Visit San Juan National Forest

Where to stay

Things to do

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

5/5(1 area review)

While Columbine Lake might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lake of the Pines and Purgatory Resort.

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.

Pagosa Highlands

5/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Pagosa Highlands, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Stevens Reservoir.

Moon Rising over Williams Reservoir in Colorado

Lake Hatcher Park

While there might not be top attractions in Lake Hatcher Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Stevens Reservoir.

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.

Twin Creek Village

4/5(1 area review)

Though Twin Creek Village might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts.

Apple Orchard Inn

7758 County Road 203 Durango CO

₩276,423

₩298,268 total

Mar 22 - Mar 23

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 ...

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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

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 ...

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.

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Popular places to visit

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

Purgatory Resort

4.5/5(187 reviews)

Ski, sled and snowboard in winter and bike, hike and ride on horseback in summer at this resort in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

Vallecito Lake

4.5/5(44 reviews)

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.

Island Lake

4/5(1 review)

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.

Treasure Falls

4.5/5(85 reviews)

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.