Hikes in San Juan Mountain Range
The San Juan Mountains of Colorado and northern New Mexico are a breathtaking collection of rugged peaks and serene alpine valleys that make for the perfect setting for a wonderful hiking excursion. This high and rugged subrange of the Rockies features 14 of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners, meaning that there is no shortage of amazing alpine terrain waiting to be explored.
In addition to dramatic mountain peaks, the landscape here is characterized by coursing rivers and vast swathes of woodlands, mostly made up of the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. When combined with the booming adventure towns of Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton, there are countless opportunities to explore the Colorado wilderness in the San Juan Mountains.
15 Fantastic Hiking Routes In the San Juan Mountains
Whether you are looking to summit as many challenging fourteeners as you can or are simply content with strolling through tranquil forests and peaceful alpine meadows, the San Juan Mountains offer a wide range of hiking routes that are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Planning a hiking excursion in an unfamiliar territory can be a bit challenging, so we’ve gone ahead and put together the below list of 15 amazing hiking routes in the San Juan Mountains that we think you will enjoy:
- Piedra Falls Trail: The Piedra Falls Trail is a short and fairly easy hiking route near Pagosa Springs, Colorado that will lead you along the banks of the Piedra River to take in the natural beauty of a cascading waterfall.
- Black Bear Pass Trail: This hike follows along a pretty rough and rugged off-road vehicle route that will take you through a strikingly beautiful mountain pass for views of Telluride and the stunning Bridal Veil Falls.
- Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes Hike: A challenging route with wonderfully scenic views, the Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes Hike will lead you through forests and meadows to reach a series of lakes beneath the looming presence of Mount Sneffels.
- Lake Nighthorse Trail: Another quick and easy hiking route, this family-friendly trail will lead you along the shores of a beautiful lake for views across the water.
- Piedra River Trail: A longer hike along the winding banks of the Piedra River, this route will lead you through the forest for views of the surrounding landscape and chance to spot some wildlife.
- Chicago Basin Hike: While this hike may be long and challenging, it does offer some absolutely breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscape, including the serene Twin Lakes and three nearby fourteeners.
- Columbine Lake Trail #509: Another hiking route that leads up to a stunning alpine lake, this trail will see you traverse a series of 16 switchbacks, as you gain elevation and take in the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Ice Lake Basin Hike: The Ice Lake Basin Hike is a tough adventure, but it offers hikers the chance to climb up into the San Juan Mountains for views of several alpine lakes, as well as the summits of Golden Horn, Vermillion Peak, and Fuller Peak.
- Ophir Pass Road Hike: While the surrounding terrain is fairly rugged, this hike utilizes an off-road vehicle trail to quickly cut across the dramatic landscape of a mountain pass while taking in the stunning views in all directions.
- Island Lake via Ice Lakes Trail: Another great trail leading up into the picturesque Ice Lakes Basin, the upper portion of this route breaks off in a different direction to visit the charming shores of Island Lake.
- Handies Peak Hike: A fairly steep climb up a rugged fourteener, the Handies Peak Hike is one of the easier fourteener routes when it comes to the nature of the terrain and its relatively short and direct route to the summit.
- Uncompahgre Peak Hike: This exceptional hiking route is challenging, but it will lead you up to the highest highest point in the San Juan Mountains and the 6th highest in the entire state of Colorado.
- Rainbow Hot Springs Hike: A fairly long hike through relaxed riverside terrain, this adventure offers the chance to soak your aching bones in a series of thermal pools at the endpoint of the trail.
- Mount Sneffels via Yankee Boy Basin Hike: Featuring some scrambling over loose scree slopes, this rugged hiking route will take you through the Yankee Boy Basin to reach the summit of a rugged fourteener known as Mount Sneffels.
- Lizard Head Trail: This beautifully scenic hiking route won’t take you right up to the summit of Lizard Head, but it will take you just below it before traversing another ridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
When is the Best Time to Hike in the San Juan Mountains?
The best time to explore the rugged landscape of the San Juan Mountains for a fun hiking excursion is during the summer months after the ski season is over, the threat of avalanche conditions has gone away, and the hiking trails are mostly dry and free of snow. During the May-October window, most of the snow along the trails will have melted to reveal lovely alpine valleys and dramatic mountain peaks that have waited all winter to be climbed; however, some of the trails at higher elevations will only be accessible for a brief amount of time between July and August.
Other Outdoor Activities in the San Juan Mountains
While hiking is one of the more popular activities in the San Juan Mountains during the summer, there are countless other exciting excursions to try out in the area, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and many more. When the landscape freezes over in the winter and the region is covered in a blanket of snow and ice, the focus of outdoor activities shifts largely to skiing and snowboarding on the rugged mountain slopes, as well as other pastimes like snowshoeing.
Fantastic Adventure Tours Near the San Juan Mountains
Exploring the stunning terrain of the San Juan Mountains is an amazing experience, and for some people, planning that adventure is all a part of the journey; however, if you have never been to the area and aren’t sure how to go about planning an action packed adventure it can be a tricky thing to navigate. If you are looking to explore the wild mountain landscape and take in the stunning alpine scenery of Colorado without the difficulties of planning every aspect of your journey, check out one of these spectacular adventure tours in Colorado and leave the planning to the professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the San Juan Mountains
Where are the San Juan Mountains?
The San Juan Mountains are a subrange of the Rocky Mountains, and can be found in the southern Part of Colorado and northwestern New Mexico.
What is the highest elevation in the San Juan Mountains?
At 4,631 m, Uncompahgre Peak is the highest point in the San Juan Mountains.
How many fourteeners are there in the San Juan Mountains?
14 of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners can be found in the San Juan Mountain Range of southwestern Colorado.
Find other spectacular Hiking regions in the Colorado
Best Hikes in San Juan Mountain Range
Handies Peak from Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch
Hiking up to Handies Peak from Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch is a spectacular adventure that is only meant for experienced hikers, but offers stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through Grizzly Gulch, before making the final ascent of Handies Peak across some loose rocks for beautifully scenic views of the American Basin. The road leading into the trailhead is a bit rough, and while a normal vehicle can make it in with some caution, it is best to have a 4x4 high clearance vehicle.
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Mount Sneffels from the Upper Parking Lot
The hike to Mount Sneffels from the Upper Parking Lot is a shortened version of a longer journey, but make no mistake, this is a tough route that will be sure to get your heartrate up. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill along loose scree slopes, before ascending the summit through rocky terrain for incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers should take note that in order to reach the road leading into the upper parking lot it will require a 4x4 high clearance vehicle and experience with off-road driving.
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Pass Creek and Coal Creek Loop Trail
Hiking the Pass Creek and Coal Creek Loop Trail is an amazing experience in Colorado that will take you through a variety of terrain with scenic views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill along wooded slopes and traverse alpine meadows, all while taking in the views of nearby peaks like Engineer Mountain. Don’t forget to bring bear spray and make plenty of noise along the trail to prevent a potentially dangerous encounter.
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Bear Creek Trail
The Bear Creek Trail is a long hiking route in the San Juan Mountains that will allow you to reconnect with nature and get some peace and quiet outdoors. While out hiking the trail, you will make a steep initial climb, before meandering alongside Bear Creek and taking in the beautiful woodland views. Hikers should take note that bears are sometimes seen in the area, so make sure to bring bear spray and exercise all necessary precautions when on the trail.
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Cave Basin Trail
The Cave Basin Trail is a spectacular hiking route in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will take you through a variety of terrain types to reach a beautifully scenic viewpoint. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through forests, meadows, and rocky terrain, before arriving at a vista overlooking Dollar lake and the surrounding landscape. The trail can be a bit hard to follow towards the upper end of the hike, so bring a GPS if you are concerned about losing your way.
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Cimarrona Creek Trail #586 Short
The Cimarrona Creek trail #586 Short is a beautifully scenic and physically challenging hiking route in Colorado that will take you uphill for stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way through woodlands and open meadows in order to reach the rugged lower slopes of Cimarrona Peak and an interesting rock arch. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots with good support, as the trail is fairly steep and rugged throughout.
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Archuleta Trail and Big Meadows Trail
The Archuleta Trail and Big Meadows Trail is a fantastic hiking adventure in the San Juan Mountains that provides beautifully scenic views of a nearby reservoir and river. While out on the trail, you will make your way along the shores of Big Meadows Reservoir, before hiking alongside the South Fork of the Rio Grande for views over the rapids. Be sure to wear proper hiking boots and watch your footing while traversing the narrow trails on the edge of the rushing river.
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Lake Fork Trail #716
The Lake Fork Trail #716 is a great outdoor adventure in the San Juan Mountains that will take you to the scenic shores of a backcountry lake. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse forest pathways and walk through beautiful meadows, before arriving at the peaceful edge of Big Lake. Although there are a few steep climbs along the route, this is a fantastic hike that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
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Middle Frisco Trail
The Middle Frisco Trail is a wonderful adventure in the San Juan Mountains that will take you uphill alongside a creek to reach a series of alpine lakes. While out on the trail, you will follow along the winding banks of Middle Fork San Francisco Creek, steadily gaining elevation before arriving at the beautifully scenic shores of the San Francisco Lakes. This is a long journey with a fair amount of elevation gain, so be sure to bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking boots with good support.
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Limekiln Peak Trail
The Limekiln Peak Trail is a fun afternoon hiking trip near Del Norte, Colorado that will take you through some hilly desert terrain with pleasant views. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through the desert hills and cliffs to the southeast of the town, looping around and visiting a small hilltop summit for sweeping views across the Colorado landscape. Hikers should take note that this area is popular with mountain bike enthusiasts, so keep an eye out and remember to share the trail with passing bikers.
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Spur Line Trail
The Spur Line Trail is a fun multi-use route near Durango, Colorado that will take you through a relatively flat stretch of terrain with pleasant views of the surrounding landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way through the open grasslands and take in the views of nearby hills, before looping around on the return. As this route is primarily a mountain bike route, be sure to keep to the side of the trail and allow others enough room to safely pass by.
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First Fork Trail
The First Fork Trail is a fantastic adventure in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will take you through the forest to reconnect with the beauty of nature. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along the winding banks of First Fork Red Creek and relax in the tranquil forest setting filled with beautiful aspens. Remember to bring bear spray and make plenty of noise along the trail.
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Madden Peak Hike
The Madden Peak Hike is a wonderfully scenic, albeit tough, journey into the San Juan Mountains that will produce some gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks. While out on the trail, you will work your way uphill through the forest, before traversing the false summit and pushing on to the true summit of Madden Peak. Hikers should take note that the road leading into the trailhead is a bit rough and will require a high clearance vehicle to safely traverse.
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Sailing Hawks Loop Trail
The Sailing Hawks Loop Trail is a quick and easy adventure in Durango that will take you along the forested mountainside for pleasant views. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill along the lower slopes of Animas City Mountain, traversing the rocky and tree-covered terrain before looping around on the return leg. This area is often populated with mountain bike enthusiasts, so remember to share the trail and allow others to safely pass.
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Skyline Trail from Jenkins Ranch Road
Hiking the Skyline Trail from Jenkins Ranch Road is a great outdoor experience in Durango, Colorado that offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through a steep series of switchbacks, before taking in the views of the San Juan Mountains and making a very steep descent downhill.Hikers should take note that the turnoff for the trail to descend the hillside can be easy to miss, so bring a GPS if you can to help with navigation.
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The Ridge Trail
The Ridge Trail - also known as Raiders Ridge Trail - is an amazing hiking route in Durango, Colorado that features challenging terrain and scenic views. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse the steep and rugged terrain of Raiders Ridge, while experiencing beautifully scenic views of Durango and the surrounding area. Be sure to bring a GPS or study the trail map at the beginning of the hike, as some of the junctions along this route are poorly marked.
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Meadow Loop via Horse Gulch Trail
The Meadow Loop via Horse Gulch Trail is a great hiking route in Durango that will take you uphill for some pleasant views of the surrounding landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill alongside Horse Gulch, before completing a short loop around a meadow that offers some views of the Durango scenery. This trail is also used by mountain bike enthusiasts, so remember to share the path and keep an eye out if you are hiking with young children or dogs.
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Twin Buttes and Lightner Creek Loop Trail
The Twin Buttes and Lightner Creek Loop Trail is a great hiking route in Durango, Colorado that features some challenging sections of terrain and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. While out hiking the trail, you will loop around the lightly-forested terrain surrounding Twin Buttes and take in views of nearby Perins Peak, before completing the final leg of the hike back into the trailhead. As this trail is primarily utilized by mountain bike enthusiasts, hikers should try and stick to the right side of the path in order to leave room for them to safely pass by.