Hikes in San Juan Mountain Range

The Opal Lake Trail is a laidback adventure in Colorado that will lead you through a scenic stretch of woodland terrain to arrive at the shores of a beautiful lake. While out hiking the trail, you will climb slightly uphill through aspen groves and meadows, before arriving at the shores of Opal Lake to enjoy some stunning mountain views. This is a fantastic adventure that is suitable for all ages and skill levels, including families with children.

The Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks Hike is a breathtaking, albeit challenging, adventure in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will take you to the summit of two fourteeners. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way uphill through a scenic basin, before completing the steep ascent of Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks for some incredible alpine views. Hikers should take note that this is a very difficult route that features exposed sections of trail and is only recommended for experienced climbers.

The Silver Lake Trail is a challenging hiking route in the San Juan Mountains that will take you through some alpine terrain to reach the shores of the lake. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through a forested and rocky valley alongside the Arrastra Creek, where you will eventually arrive at the shores of Silver Lake below the summit of Little Giant Peak. Hikers should take note that this is a difficult route featuring a good amount of elevation gain, so be sure to wear proper footwear, check the weather forecast, and bring any necessary gear and supplies to safely traverse the trail.

The Sheep Creek Hot Springs Hike is a great family-friendly adventure in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will lead you through the forest to a series of hot springs. While out hiking the trail, you will meander through the forest and follow along the winding banks of the Piedra River, before arriving at the lovely riverside hot springs. Don’t forget your swimsuit if you are hoping to take a relaxing dip in the thermal pools!

The Coal Bank Pass to Engineer Mountain Summit Hike is a difficult route in Colorado that will take you up a rugged peak for breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. While out hiking the trail, you will climb high above Coal Bank Pass through forests and alpine meadows, before making the rocky ascent of the peak. Hikers should take note that this is a challenging trail that features rough and rocky terrain, making it suitable for experienced hikers only.

The Shallow Creek Trail is a laidback adventure in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will lead you through a gulch alongside Shallow Creek. While out hiking the trail, you will climb gently uphill to the northwest along the winding banks of Shallow Creek, enjoying the views of the surrounding trees and valley landscape before making the return journey. The easy-going nature of this trail makes it perfectly suitable for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

The Baldy Peak Hike is a great adventure in the San Juan Mountains that will take you up to the summit for incredible views of the surrounding area. While out on the trail, you will pass through some forest terrain, before climbing up the slopes of the mountain and pushing on to the summit for panoramic views. Hikers should take note that bears are often spotted in the area, so be sure to bring your bear spray and make plenty of noise along the trail.

The Duck Lake Trail is a fantastic hiking route in Colorado that will take you through the San Juan Wilderness to reach the shores of a charming lake. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through a dense stretch of forest and scenic meadows, before the final push up to Duck Lake. Hikers should take note that the road leading up to the trailhead is quite rough and will require a 4x4 high clearance vehicle. Alternatively, you can park at the nearby Elk Creek Campground and walk in.

The Big Meadows Reservoir Trail is an amazing family-friendly hiking route in Colorado that will lead you through some easy-going terrain along the shores of a beautiful lake. While out hiking the trail, you will pass through stretches of open and forested terrain, as you enjoy scenic views across the surface of Big Meadows Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. This is a great hike to pair with a fun weekend of camping at the nearby Big Meadows Campground.

The Sharkstooth Pass Trail is a short but challenging hiking route in the San Juan Mountains that will lead you up to a pass at 3,638 m. While out on the trail, you will hike through a serene woodland landscape, before breaking free of the tree cover on the steep but scenic climb up to Sharkstooth Pass. Hikers should take note that the road leading into the trailhead is very rugged and should only be attempted with a 4x4 high clearance vehicle during dry weather.

The Hermosa Creek Trail is a long-distance hiking route in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will take you along the winding banks of a forested creek. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along Hermosa Creek as it flows through a forested gulch, offering plenty of time to take in the natural beauty surrounding you. Hikers should take note that this is a one-way trail, so be sure to make arrangements for a pick up at the end point of the hike, or else you will need to backtrack the full 29.6 km.

Hiking the Boggy Draw Trail is a laid back experience in Colorado that will take you through some beautifully scenic stretches of woodland terrain. While out on the trail, you will pass through forests and meadows that will be filled with beautiful wildflowers during the summer months, before traversing a few rocky and sandy sections that aren’t overly technical. This is a great route if you are a beginner hiker that is looking for a bit of a longer trail.

Hiking the Elk Creek Trail is a fantastic experience in Colorado that will take you along the banks of a scenic creek set in the San Juan Mountains. While out on the trail, you will pass through serene stretches of woodland terrain and wildflower-strewn meadows, as you take in the natural beauty and sounds of flowing water from Elk Creek. Hikers should make sure to bring bear spray in order to prevent a potentially dangerous encounter.

The Animas Mountain Trail is a fantastic hiking route in the city of Durango, Colorado that will take you uphill for views overlooking the Animas River Valley. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along a well-maintained trail that gradually climbs up the forested mountainside, before arriving at the scenic summit viewpoint. Hikers should take note that this trail is closed from December 1st to April 15th for habitat protection.

The Fourmile Falls Hike is a breathtaking adventure near Pagosa Springs that will take you through the forest alongside a creek to visit a series of waterfalls. While out hiking the trail, you will pass through densely wooded areas and beautiful meadows, before taking in the amazing views of Fourmile Falls as it cascades down a rock face surrounded by stunning mountain views. Be sure to set out early for this hike, as it is heavily trafficked and parking will quickly become limited.

The Castle Rock via Elbert Creek Trail is a fantastic hiking route in the San Juan Mountains that offers incredible views of the surrounding area. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way up the steep and forested mountainside, before looping around to the east for the final push to the summit of Castle Rock and stunning views of the valley. Take note that this trail can get quite muddy after periods of wet weather, so be sure to wear appropriate hiking footwear for the conditions.

The Blue Lakes Pass via Yankee Boy Basin hike is a tough, yet beautifully scenic adventure that will produce some exceptional views of the San Juan Mountains. While out on the trail, you will make your way uphill through the basin while taking in the views of the imposing Mount Sneffels, before reaching the pass as it sits perched above the Blue Lakes. Hikers should take note that the trailhead for this hike can only be accessed with a 4x4 high clearance vehicle. If you do not have one you will need to park further down the road and tack on the extra distance.

The Colorado Trail to Gudy’s Rest is a fantastic hiking route near Durango, Colorado that will take you through the forest to reach a wonderfully scenic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will make your way through a vast stretch of woodland terrain alongside the backs of Junction Creek, before traversing a series of switchbacks on the way to the viewpoint known as Gudy’s Rest. While there is one relatively steep stretch of trail near the viewpoint, the majority of the route makes for an easy-going adventure.

The Deep Creek Trail is an amazing hiking route near Telluride, Colorado that will take you up above the valley for views of nearby peaks. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through strikingly beautiful aspen forests and alpine meadows, before taking in the views across the valley and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Hikers should take note that this trail can become quite busy during peak hours, so be sure to arrive early to secure parking.

The Geyser Trail is a great family-friendly route in Colorado that will take you uphill through the forest to reach the location of a natural geyser. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way up a wooded slope through a plentiful amount of birch trees, before taking in the views of the bubbling geyser. If you are looking for a secluded adventure in the San Juan Mountains, then this is an ideal trail.