San Juan National Forest
Vast wilderness with stunning peaks, alpine lakes, and vibrant fall colors. Explore via scenic drives or historic train.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
San Juan National Forest
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast wilderness with stunning peaks, alpine lakes, and vibrant fall colors. Explore via scenic drives or historic train.
"Unreal alpine lakes, gorgeous, rugged mountains, and thick, dense forest. "
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Many roads require 4WD/high-clearance vehicles. Rent a truck or Jeep for best access!
🧥 Pack Layers for Weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Be prepared for sun, rain, and even snow, especially in fall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango
Ride a historic steam train through breathtaking mountain scenery to the charming mining town of Silverton.
Weminuche Wilderness
Southwest Colorado
Explore Colorado's largest wilderness area, offering pristine alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and dense forests.
Hidden Waterfalls
Various locations
Discover secluded waterfalls surrounded by pines and red rock cliffs, a true nature's secret.
Dispersed Camping
Throughout the forest
Enjoy mountain views, cold creeks, and colorful fall foliage from numerous dispersed camping spots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Fall Colors
Vehicle Essentials for Off-Roading
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Many roads require 4WD/high-clearance vehicles. Rent a truck or Jeep for best access!
🧥 Pack Layers for Weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Be prepared for sun, rain, and even snow, especially in fall.
🌲 Leave No Trace Principles
Respect the wilderness. Pack out everything you pack in to preserve its beauty.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download maps for navigation before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Many roads require 4WD/high-clearance vehicles. Rent a truck or Jeep for best access!
🧥 Pack Layers for Weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Be prepared for sun, rain, and even snow, especially in fall.
🌲 Leave No Trace Principles
Respect the wilderness. Pack out everything you pack in to preserve its beauty.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download maps for navigation before you go.
📸 Capture the Views
The San Juans offer incredible photo opportunities year-round. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the San Juan National Forest for its breathtaking natural beauty, from rugged mountains and alpine lakes to vibrant fall colors. Many highlight the incredible scenic drives and the unique experience of the Durango & Silverton train. While the beauty is undeniable, some note that certain areas require specialized vehicles for access.
"We were there at the end of September, and the leaves were just brilliant. Did some ATV trail riding and hiking, all breathtaking views. The weather was perfect, and we hope to go back next year."
Douglas Hohulin
"Absolute beautiful drive. I love going through here during fall but the winter is so stunning. Watch out, it can snow a lot!!!! Check the weather before driving through but even in rough snowy weather, still a gorgeous drive!"
Genevieve North
"My favorite National Forest! Unreal alpine lakes, gorgeous, rugged mountains, and thick, dense forest and not as many crowds as the more popular national parks"
Anthony Napoli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The San Juan National Forest is vast, with multiple access points. Major gateways include Durango, Pagosa Springs, and Cortez. Driving is the primary way to access different areas. For scenic drives, consider the San Juan Skyway, a designated All-American Road.
For exploring the more remote and scenic areas, a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle like a truck or Jeep is highly recommended. Rental cars may not be suitable for many forest roads.
Public transportation is limited within the forest itself. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a unique way to experience a portion of the forest and reach Silverton. +1
The closest major airport is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), which serves Durango. From there, you'll need to rent a car to access the forest.
Yes, the San Juan Skyway is a spectacular 233-mile loop that travels through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offering breathtaking views and access to various points of interest within the forest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no entrance fee or permit is required to enter San Juan National Forest for day use. However, specific activities like overnight camping in developed campgrounds or wilderness permits for certain areas might have fees or require reservations.
San Juan National Forest is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, access to certain roads and facilities may be limited or closed seasonally due to weather conditions, especially in winter.
Day hiking is typically free. Fees apply to developed campgrounds. For dispersed camping, there are no fees, but you must follow Leave No Trace principles.
Tickets for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad can be purchased online through their official website or in person at their station in Durango. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
The Weminuche Wilderness, as part of the National Forest, does not have an entrance fee. However, wilderness regulations apply, and it's always good practice to check with the Forest Service for any specific requirements or recommendations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The forest offers a vast network of trails. Popular choices include those leading to alpine lakes, waterfalls like the one featured on TikTok, and sections of the Colorado Trail. The Weminuche Wilderness has numerous challenging and rewarding hikes. +2
Absolutely! The San Juan National Forest is a prime destination for backpacking, with options ranging from multi-day treks in the Weminuche Wilderness to shorter overnight trips. Remember to practice Leave No Trace and be prepared for variable conditions.
You might encounter elk, deer, black bears, bighorn sheep, and various smaller mammals and birds. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Yes, numerous alpine lakes and streams within the San Juan National Forest are stocked with trout and offer excellent fishing opportunities. A Colorado fishing license is required.
Scenic drives like the San Juan Skyway offer numerous pull-offs with stunning vistas. High mountain passes and alpine lakes also provide incredible panoramic views of the rugged peaks and valleys.
📸 📸 Photography
The San Juan Mountains offer endless photographic opportunities. Look for dramatic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, vibrant fall colors, historic trains, and hidden waterfalls. The San Juan Skyway provides access to many scenic overlooks.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most flattering light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but can work well for capturing the turquoise colors of alpine lakes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive mountain landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light conditions and long exposures of waterfalls.
While not as common as in national parks, some local outfitters in towns like Durango may offer guided photography tours, especially during peak seasons like fall. It's worth checking with local tourism boards.
Beyond the stunning landscapes, consider capturing the historic Durango & Silverton train, old mining relics, wildflowers in summer, and the dramatic winter snowscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For day trips, consider shorter, accessible hikes to waterfalls or scenic picnic spots. Many areas offer beautiful views without requiring strenuous climbs. Ensure you have plenty of snacks and water, and be mindful of altitude, especially if coming from lower elevations. The forest is a great place for kids to connect with nature, but always supervise them closely, especially near water or wildlife.
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Roaders
It's crucial to have the right vehicle – a high-clearance truck or Jeep is often necessary. Always check trail conditions before heading out, as many roads can become impassable after rain or snow. Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding off-road vehicle use and always practice Leave No Trace to protect the environment.
📸 Photographers
For landscape photographers, the San Juan Skyway offers numerous pull-offs with stunning panoramic views. Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hour) provide the best light. Remember to pack appropriate gear, including wide-angle lenses and a tripod, and be prepared for changing mountain weather.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the San Juan Skyway
Travelers often recommend dedicating at least two to three days to fully appreciate the Skyway, allowing for stops at various overlooks, short hikes, and exploration of charming mountain towns. Be aware that sections of the Skyway, particularly the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray, are steep, winding, and can be challenging for those unaccustomed to mountain driving. It's crucial to check road conditions, especially outside of summer, as snow can close higher passes.
Along the route, you'll encounter historic mining towns, remnants of the region's rich past, and access points to numerous trailheads for hiking, biking, and off-roading within the San Juan National Forest. The changing seasons offer different spectacles, with vibrant fall colors being a major draw in early autumn.
Backpacking and Hiking in the Weminuche Wilderness
For those planning a backpacking trip, it's essential to be well-prepared. Trails can be strenuous, and weather can change rapidly. Popular starting points include trailheads accessible from the Durango area and near Wolf Creek Pass. Popular destinations within the wilderness include Chicago Basin, known for its access to multiple 14,000-foot peaks, and various high-altitude lakes.
When hiking or backpacking, always practice Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all trash, staying on designated trails where possible, and being mindful of wildlife. Bear canisters are recommended for food storage. It's also wise to inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Experience
The excursion typically includes a layover in Silverton, allowing passengers about two hours to explore the town's shops, museums, and historic buildings. This provides a glimpse into the area's mining heritage. The train operates year-round, with special themed rides like the Polar Express during the holiday season, and scenic excursions throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular dates or specific seating classes. The journey is a full-day adventure, so be prepared for a long but rewarding experience. It's a fantastic way to see parts of the San Juan National Forest without needing a high-clearance vehicle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit