Abajo Mountains
Abajo Mountains in SW Colorado are a high desert rim of sandstone and basalt, with lush meadows, subalpine lakes, and access to remote backcountry trails.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Southwestern United States |
| Subregion | Colorado Plateau |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | San Juan County |
| District | Abajo Mountains |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 37.5 |
| Longitude | -109.5 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMEAbajo Mountains, also known locally as the Bar D or Yellowjacket Hills, are a rugged highland range rising from the desert of southwestern Colorado. Composed primarily of sandstone and basalt, the range features dramatic profiles, alpine lakes, and extensive trail systems for hiking and riding. Key access points and trailheads are near the towns of Monticello, Utah and Mesa, with routes leading over passes into the canyon country of southeastern Utah and into the adjacent Ute Mountain Reservation. Visitors come for backcountry hiking, fishing in high lakes, wildlife viewing, and summer camping, with tundra-like summits and stark, colorful ridges that contrast with lower desert plateaus. The region's weather is highly variable—plan for sudden storms, high winds, and rapid elevation changes—making multi-day trips and overnight planning essential.
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