San Juan National Forest, CO

Travel 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

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 Purgatory Resort and Lake of the Pines.

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 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.

Lake Hatcher Park
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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.

Twin Creek Village
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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.

Pagosa Highlands
Apple Orchard Inn

Apple Orchard Inn

3.5 out of 5
7758 County Road 203 Durango CO
The price is ₩268,269 per night from Feb 7 to Feb 8
₩268,269
₩289,469 total
Feb 7 - Feb 8
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 ...
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 Oct 17, 2025

Apple Orchard Inn
WYLD Glass Caves Durango

WYLD Glass Caves Durango

3.5 out of 5
6440 Co Rd 203 Durango CO
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and Dalton Ranch ...
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 Mar 5, 2025

WYLD Glass Caves Durango
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
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

Cities near San Juan National Forest