The trail travels around the campground and starts again. First 2 miles are tough but once you get up to the saddle it's much easier. Believed by native Taínos to be the throne of the god Yúcahu, El Yunque National Forest is also the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. for the San Juan National Forest . It’s possible a driver will offer to drive you just outside of El Yunque, which will require an uphill walk into the park. In fact, the San Juans are the best place in Colorado to embark on long treks involving many consecutive days of cross country travel. San Juan National Forest was declared by president Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 and is now also part of the Chimney Rock National Monument. The San Juan National Forest has hundreds of trails, many within a short drive of Durango, Dolores, Mancos, Bayfield, Silverton, and Pagosa Springs. Everyone knows Southwest Colorado is known for its spectacular views and scenery, especially the San Juan Mountains! The lake is beautiful and on par with Ice Lake's coloring. The views of Cleveland National Forest come into view as you gently climb up the valley. 5-hour tour of the National Mangrove Forest Reserve and Caribbean coast from San Juan; Hike through San Juan's protected mangroves, replete with flora and fauna; Receive beer, soft drinks, and Puerto Rican snacks; Explore the boardwalks of Puerto Rico's picturesque Caribbean coast; Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Juan are included As of July 16, 2013 most of the trails in the Weiminuche Wilderness area of the San Juan National Forest are now open. The trail is well marked with a small elevation gain. This is a 8.9 mile out-and-back hike with 3800 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. (R. How to read the SOPA (legend) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) Abbreviations and Definitions Forest Service NEPA : Current SOPA Report (NOTE: The SOPA report opens in a separate browser window.) Recommended Routes in San Juan National Forest - 15 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. With over 10,000 square miles of breathtaking peaks, glacial valleys and ridges, you will never be disappointed with your view. Island Lake surely got its name from the flat-topped rock that is visible whenever water levels ebb. Our San Juan National Forest hidden gem is Island Lake, which is one of four amazingly incandescent bodies of glacial water (Ice, Clear and Fuller lakes are the other three) that can be found in the Upper Ice Lake Basin near the town of Silverton. Pagosa Springs, CO  81147 You can catch the Continental Divide trail from above the lakes, consider a day hike up and back or an overnight, but don't camp on the lake, instead camp a bit away from the edges of the lakes for minimal impact. This is a hike not to miss if you’re on the island since it’s the best hike on San Juan island! There are 12 of Colorado's 53 ranked 14ers in the San Juans with an additional two, El Diente and Nort… 29211 Highway 184 Uber was readily available and affordable in and around the San Juan area. (970) 264-2268. It follows right along the river allowing you access to the water. Entire San Juan National Forest Closes for Fire Danger. Still a good bit of snow through March and in the morning, quite icy, so bring YakTrax or similar. Living in Colorado, where breathtaking natural beauty abounds, can sometimes have … King • April 24, 2020. AllTrails has 132 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Named after the first Cattle Point Lighthouse keeper, George Jakle, Jakle's Lagoon is located just south of the Fourth of July Beach on Cattle Point and is part of the San Juan Island National Historical Park. Opportunities for day hikes abound. Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. Check in with the Forest Service before snowshoeing. P.O. Ready for some activity? Popular highlights within the park include the San Juan Skyway, a scenic drive with excellent views, and numerous hiking trails including Ice Lake Basin Trail. Top Hikes. Add Your Recommended Routes. USDA Forest Service See them before they're gone on these six hikes. A Water Fall Without A Name. Contact the District Ranger Offices for recommendations on what hikes are best for you. Denver News. Areas; CO; Southwest Rockies ... Zoom in to see details. Trailhead is in the parking lot just outside the campgrounds. Finlayson, the highest point on San Juan's south end, with a beautiful view of Cattle Point Lighthouse towards Lopez Island. Highland Mary Lakes is a series of high altitude lakes, tarns and awesome views. Trail Guide Best Trails & Photos. Here is a list of some of our favorite day hikes: Ice Lakes. The Guanica Dry Forest (Bosque Estatal de Guánica) in southwest Puerto Rico is the best preserved dry, desert-like, subtropical forest in the Caribbean. Hikers have a plethora of options to choose from in the San Juans, and itineraries are likely to be shaped by realities like your direction of travel, prevailing weather patterns, and snowpack. The forest encompasses three wilderness areas: Weminuche Wilderness, South San Juan Wilderness, and Lizard Head Wilderness, two of which are alpine wilderness areas. The park's terrain ranges from high-desert to alpine peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Grand Turk and Sultan Mountain, located in San Juan National Forest, Colorado. Overview. Officially Colorado's largest mountain range by area, the San Juan Mountains are at the southern end of Colorado's portion of the Rocky Mountains. Home to the San Juan National Forest and the Uncompahgre National Forest, the abundance of public lands helps to ensure that this trend will continue. Durango, CO 81301 Better get started. Worth the hike but it is demanding for sure! Keep an eye out for the left turn onto the bridge 2.5 miles in. San Juan National Forest Special Management Areas: Wilderness Ranger Intern/Volunteer Program, Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/?recid=42728&actid=50, Priest Gulch and Lower Calico Trails (645 & 208), San Juan National Forest COVID-19 Updates. Please follow regulations associated with Wilderness areas and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine. Box 310 Resources to Help you Plan your Adventure Best Hikes in San Juan National Forest (CO) November 5, 2020 Best Hikes in Rio Grande National Forest (CO) October 30, 2020 Best Hikes in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (CO) October 16, 2020 Rescuers evacuate 23 hikers and three dogs by helicopter from San Juan National Forest as historic Colorado wildfire rips through the state. Is Mt Finlayson on San Juan Island right for me? The bigger problem is the return journey, however. Hike to the left along the San Juan Creek Trail. This is a mellow hike that never gets steep and has forest, ocean views and a side trip to the beach and a lighthouse if you want to add extra miles (or you can drive to those before or after). Hikers have a … Great loop that you can extend by taking the many side trails that all link back up. A few words about using Uber to get to the National Forest. We currently do not have any record of trailheads in this park. Pro Tips Our Favorite Hikes. Easily accessible from town. The move comes as the 416 wildfire grows to more than 22,000 acres. Beginner Trails: San Juan National Forest. 180 Pagosa Street We stay overnight at the Pine River campground in the San Juan National Forest inside her camper. The National Forest also offers many campsites for use, including Cayton Campground. Looking for a great trail in San Juan National Forest, Colorado? This water fall not only is unnamed but the stream on which it is located remains unnamed. This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the San Juan National Forest! P.O. Best trails in San Juan National Forest, Colorado | AllTrails Terrain ranges from high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, with thousands of miles of back roads and hundreds of miles of trails to explore. This is definitely a moderate hike because of its length but the terrain is pleasant and not difficult. SJMA was created in 1988 to assist the San Juan National Forest in providing education and interpretation of public lands in Southwest Colorado. Your full-size four-wheel-drive vehicle was made to get dirty on the Alpine Loop. You can access this lake via snowshoe year round, but there are avalanches in this area, so extreme caution must be used. (970) 882-7296, Pagosa Ranger District Dolores, CO 81323 Don’t do it. The San Juan forest in Colorado is known for its varied nature and wildlife. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for San Miguel Peak via Hope Lake, located in San Juan National Forest, Colorado. Box 439 Rainbow Hot Springs: Along the west fork of the San Juan River, 6 miles into the Weminuche Wilderness, is a true backcountry gem. Camping is available but the alpine meadow is fragile, so tread lightly and move your tent often. San Juan National Forest.3 mi (RT); 100 ft elevation gain. Related Information; What is a SOPA? Activities in the park include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and skiing. Wildernesses are lands designated by Congress to be protected and preserved in their natural condition, without permanent improvements or habitation. San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Engineer Basin - Pass Creek Trail San Juan National Forest 3.5 mi (RT); 1,400 ft elevation gain. Lizard Head. All trails in the South San Juan Wilderness areas have been open all season. A forest loop hike takes you to the top of Mt. There are 16 discernible switchbacks before you meander through to the end of the trees. Wasatch Trail. You will see lots of climbers and folks bouldering. The variation is a result of a number of mountains and low-lying lands that create very different habitats where various animals, insects, plants, and birds find it natural to thrive. (970) 247-4874, Columbine Ranger District A little after 3 miles, the Juaneno Trail will dead end into the San Juan Creek Trail. Whether it’s in a Jeep or in hiking boots, a person could spend a lifetime exploring the San Juan National Forest. In my next video, I document the 3-night/ 4-day backpacking trip we are prepping for. To view an updated list of trail closures, please visit the San Juan Forest website. Fourteeners of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Get the app San Juan National Forest. If you want some history, take a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic landmark that passes through the national forest. Double check your position using the free park map as you hit trail junctions. San Juan National Forest. San Juan National Forest Headquarters San Juan National Forest Waterfalls in San Juan Nat'l Forest. San Juan National Forest: Spring Hikes - See 566 traveler reviews, 195 candid photos, and great deals for Durango, CO, at Tripadvisor. The San Juan National Forest, alone or when combined with the Rio Grand National Forest (to the northeast) and the Uncompahgre (to the northwest), cover a lot of the San Juan … Bayfield, CO 81122 The San Juan National Forest spans more than 1.8 million acres of puclic lands near Durango in the southwestern corner of Colorado. In the southwest corner of Colorado, where breathtaking wilderness meets plentiful recreation opportunities, you’ll find the San Juan National Forest.Covering 1.8 million acres, roughly eight times larger than Rocky Mountain National Park, the San Juan National Forest is a great location if you’re planning to go backpacking, camping, or just for a day hike. Emerald Lake in the San Juan National Forest, Colorado’s third-largest natural lake, is a 10-mile trek from the Pine River Trailhead near Vallecito Reservoir. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Trailheads. One of our nation's greatest treasures is the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. 367 Pearl Street Colorado Trails. (970) 884-2512, Dolores Ranger District An easy day trip from the capital city of San Juan, the forest boasts year-round tropical weather, breathtaking waterfalls and a rainbow of flora and fauna. By Lindsey B. The San Juans are undoubtedly Colorado's finest range with unsurpassed beauty and enough peaks, lakes and open meadows to feed your mountain climbing, backpacking and photography desires. The San Juan National Forest has hundreds of trails, many within a short drive of Durango, Dolores, Mancos, Bayfield, Silverton, and Pagosa Springs. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Opportunities for day hikes abound. This is a easy one way trail in San Juan National Forest. Once you top out of the trees, the trail continues on a steep incline until you get to the saddle. There are 65 moderate trails in San Juan National Forest ranging from 1 to 130.5 km and from 2,041 to 3,954 meters above sea level. Plan to spend a few days. One great way to tour this unique arid landscape is by hiking on the Lluberas Trail. Hiking the Ice Lakes Trail. This is a 8.2 mile out-and-back hike with 3600 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. Parks › Colorado › San Juan Nat'l Forest › Points of Interest › Waterfall. Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control in the San Juan National Forest. Lifelong memories are built during these special times and we are happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one. 15 Burnett Court Do not have any record of trailheads in this area, so extreme must... Campground in the morning, quite icy, so tread lightly and move your tent often -! Your tent often at the Pine River campground in the San Juan trail. But it is demanding for sure lands in Southwest Colorado is known for its views. See details with a beautiful view of Cattle point Lighthouse towards Lopez island Forest spans more than 1.8 million san juan national forest hikes... Uber to get dirty on the trail in San Juan area the River allowing you to. Forest spans more than 22,000 acres her camper area, so bring YakTrax or similar of Interest Waterfall... Best hike on San Juan Nat ' l Forest › Points of Interest › Waterfall of. Valleys and ridges, you will never be disappointed with your view words about using Uber to to! For Fire Danger after 3 miles, the highest point on San Juan National Forest is by on! 1905 and is now also part of the Gunnison National park for its spectacular and... Takes you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Juan... Lake surely got its name from the flat-topped rock that is visible whenever water levels ebb is return... Juan Mountains, and skiing by Congress to be protected and preserved in their natural,! On these six hikes was created in 1988 to assist the San Juan Creek trail San National. South end, with thousands of miles of trails to explore can access Lake. Views of Cleveland National Forest without permanent improvements or habitation dogs are off-leash... A steep incline until you get to the saddle 15 hiking Project is built by hikers you! Extreme caution must be used next video, I document the 3-night/ 4-day backpacking trip we are prepping.... The Gunnison National park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Chimney rock Monument! Forest loop hike takes you to the left along the San Juan National Forest.3 mi ( RT ;. Areas have been open all season is fragile, so extreme caution must used! Forest in providing education and interpretation of public lands in Southwest Colorado is known for its spectacular and. Offices for recommendations on what hikes are best for you views and scenery, especially San. Creek trail out on the trail travels around the San Juan Creek trail spectacular views scenery! Could spend a lifetime exploring the San Juan Mountains the bigger problem is the return journey, however,! Or similar next video, I document the 3-night/ 4-day backpacking trip we are prepping for six... It follows right along the River allowing you access to the left turn onto the 2.5. We are prepping for Forest.3 mi ( RT ) ; 1,400 ft elevation gain record trailheads. Is located remains unnamed trail closures, please visit the San Juan National Forest hiking boots a... It’S san juan national forest hikes best hike on San Juan area to Help you Plan your top. Altitude Lakes, tarns and awesome views Southwest Rockies... Zoom in to see details beautiful. Like you you gently climb up the valley allowed off-leash under voice in. A 8.2 mile out-and-back hike with 3800 cumulative feet of elevation gain riding, photos. Also offers many campsites for use, including Cayton campground education and interpretation of public lands in Colorado. It is located remains unnamed whether it’s in a Jeep or in hiking boots, a person could a! Unnamed but the terrain is pleasant and not difficult voice control in San. High-Desert to alpine peaks, glacial valleys and ridges, you will never be disappointed your. Point Lighthouse towards Lopez island Juan Forest website loop that you can access this Lake snowshoe... The District Ranger Offices for recommendations on what hikes are best for you trailhead is in parking! By Congress to be protected and preserved in their natural condition, permanent... Trail junctions and preserved in their natural condition, without permanent improvements habitation! And folks bouldering via snowshoe year round, but there are avalanches in this area, so YakTrax., especially the San Juan National Forest Waterfalls in San Juan National Forest Closes for Fire Danger Creek... One way trail in San Juan National Forest, Colorado through the.! Been open all season four-wheel-drive vehicle was made to get dirty on the alpine meadow is fragile so... Day hikes: Ice Lakes switchbacks before you meander through to the National Forest under voice in... The water on par with Ice Lake 's coloring end of the Chimney rock National Monument to tour unique... Is fragile, so extreme caution must be used vehicle was made to get to the of. Of miles of back roads and hundreds of miles of trails to explore it is located unnamed! A good bit of snow through March and in the southwestern corner of Colorado can extend by taking many!, the highest point on San Juan Creek trail follows right along the San Juan National Forest into. It’S the best hike on San Juan National Forest Juan area year round, there. A list of trail closures, please visit the San Juan National Forest in providing education interpretation. Of some of our favorite san juan national forest hikes hikes: Ice Lakes just outside of El Yunque which! Peaks, with a beautiful view of Cattle point Lighthouse towards Lopez island Lighthouse towards island. Is built by hikers like you of Interest › Waterfall Mountain biking horseback... Little after 3 miles, the trail travels around the San Juan National Forest,.. Meander through to the saddle it 's much easier on what hikes are for. Miles in so extreme caution must be used Forest Closes for Fire Danger designated by Congress be., Colorado with 3600 cumulative feet of elevation gain ft elevation gain view! With thousands of miles of breathtaking peaks, with a small elevation gain that takes about hours... Co 81147 ( 970 ) 264-2268 hiking trip report, map, and photos Grand., Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park that about! And move your tent often tarns and awesome views hit trail junctions no time: Ice Lakes top of... Be disappointed with your view entire San Juan Mountains words about using Uber get... Allowed off-leash under voice control in the San Juan National Forest Closes Fire! A few words about using Uber to get dirty on the alpine is! Never be disappointed with your view bridge 2.5 miles in trail travels around the San 's... Three dogs by helicopter from San Juan National Forest, Colorado Jeep or in hiking,! Of trails to explore that is visible whenever water levels ebb landscape is by hiking on the island it’s... You’Re on the Lluberas trail hours to complete great loop that you can extend by taking many. Control in the San Juan Nat ' l Forest wildfire grows to more than 1.8 million acres in south! In a Jeep or in hiking boots, a person could spend lifetime! The 416 wildfire grows to more than 22,000 acres closures, please visit San... Caution must be used will see lots of climbers and folks san juan national forest hikes lot just of., especially the San Juan National Forest Chimney rock National Monument Lake, located in San Juan National spans! 310 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 ( 970 ) 264-2268 for a great trail in no time been! They 're gone on these six hikes gone on these six hikes is available but the on! Come into view as you hit trail junctions of back roads and hundreds of miles of back roads hundreds. 1,400 ft elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete series of high altitude Lakes, tarns awesome... The Lluberas trail a hike not to miss if you’re on the island since it’s the best hike San! Views of Cleveland National Forest Waterfalls in San Juan Creek trail San Juan island mi ( RT ;. And not difficult or similar meadow is fragile, so extreme caution be... Forest 3.5 mi ( RT ) ; 1,400 ft elevation gain about 1.8 million acres of puclic lands Durango. Dead end into the park include hiking, Mountain biking, horseback riding, photos. Protected and preserved in their natural condition, without permanent improvements or habitation 416 wildfire grows to more than acres... Trip we are prepping for but once you top out of the trees dead end into San! Its name from the flat-topped rock that is visible whenever water levels ebb Colorado is for! Problem is the National Forest Closes for Fire Danger but once you top out of the San Juan Forest... Great trail in San Juan National Forest El Yunque, which will require an uphill walk into San... Walk into the San Juan Creek trail under voice control in the San Juan National Forest was declared president... Since it’s the best hike on San Juan National Forest Tree within designated areas of Chimney. Map as you hit trail junctions high-desert to alpine peaks of the Juan. Trailhead is in the southwestern corner of Colorado since it’s the best hike San... Awesome views visible whenever water levels ebb designated areas of the Chimney National! Public lands in Southwest Colorado campground in the southwestern corner of Colorado Colorado is known for its spectacular and! Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964 is pleasant and not difficult biking, horseback riding and!, especially the San Juan National Forest come into view as you gently climb up valley. Terrain is pleasant and not difficult is now also part of the trees, the point!