San Juan National Forest Travel Guide

Tourist 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
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

Where to stay in San Juan National Forest

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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 Lake of the Pines.

Columbine Lake
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
7BR Luxury with Amazing Amenities, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard, Close to Town/Ski

7BR Luxury with Amazing Amenities, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard, Close to Town/Ski

Durango CO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
The house was great

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

7BR Luxury with Amazing Amenities, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard, Close to Town/Ski
Large Family Home with Acreage in Beautiful Animas Valley [CO Lic. 02872172-000]

Large Family Home with Acreage in Beautiful Animas Valley [CO Lic. 02872172-000]

Durango CO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions James Ranch and Dalton Ranch Golf ...
10/10 Exceptional! (149 reviews)
Absolutely amazing location and home. We had 15 people ranging from 12-80 years old and the house accommodated us perfectly. Easy access to Purgatory and downtown Durango. Definitely hope to stay here again!

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

Large Family Home with Acreage in Beautiful Animas Valley [CO Lic. 02872172-000]
Luxury on the River, Spacious Home Nestled in the Woods w/ Private Hot Tub, Yard

Luxury on the River, Spacious Home Nestled in the Woods w/ Private Hot Tub, Yard

Durango CO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions James Ranch and Durango Hot Springs ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
Beautiful property on lots of land, perfect for our family reunion for Thanksgiving week. We had 2 grandparents with our 3 children, their spouses and 10 grandchildren. Ages 2 through 75. Comfortable bedrooms, well stocked kitchen, huge living room, gorgeous property for the kids to throw and kick ...

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Luxury on the River, Spacious Home Nestled in the Woods w/ Private Hot Tub, Yard
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.
7BR Luxury with Amazing Amenities, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard, Close to Town/Ski

7BR Luxury with Amazing Amenities, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard, Close to Town/Ski

Durango CO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
The house was great

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

7BR Luxury with Amazing Amenities, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard, Close to Town/Ski
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
Durango Mountain Dream Views!!! Gorgeous Interior! Ski-in Ski-Out

Durango Mountain Dream Views!!! Gorgeous Interior! Ski-in Ski-Out

Durango CO
Stay at this ski condo in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and ski-in/ski-out access. Popular attractions Purgatory Resort and Lake of the Pines ...
10/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
Beautiful place for our family. Loved the ski in and out convenience and lots of room. Best location and easy check in and out. Even had a Christmas tree!

Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025

Durango Mountain Dream Views!!! Gorgeous Interior! Ski-in Ski-Out
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

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