San Juan Mountains
San Juan Mountains are a dramatic high-elevation massif straddling southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico. Known for wino-shaped peaks, historic mining towns like Silverton and Telluride, and expansive glacial valleys, they offer world-class hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby gateways include Durango to the north and Ouray and Silverton to the east.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Southwest Colorado |
| Subregion | Colorado Plateau |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | San Juan County |
| District | San Juan Mountains |
| City | Durango |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 37.75 |
| Longitude | -107.7 |
| Maps |
12:55 PM LOCAL TIMEThe San Juan Mountains are a geologically complex and visually striking range spanning southwestern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico. They reach elevations over 14,000 feet (4,300 m) and are carved by remnant glaciers, high mountain passes, and rugged cirques. Vertically, they descend from alpine summits to subalpine and montane zones; hydrologically, they underpin several tributaries of the Colorado and San Juan rivers. The region is steeped in historical mining, leading to towns like Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride which serve as cultural hubs and access points for outdoor recreation. Activities vary with season: winter offers expert-level skiing and snowboarding, while summer unlocks multi-day hikes, road trips, and via ferrata routes. The landscape supports diverse wildlife including elk, marmot, and mountain goat, and offers a range of visitation experiences from valley-floor forests to high mountain tundra. Always check current conditions and accessibility before travel.
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