San Juan National Forest
San Juan National Forest offers rugged peaks and alpine valleys across southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico, with activities from day hikes to backcountry camping.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Colorado Plateau |
| Subregion | Southern Rocky Mountains |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Archuleta County, La Plata County, San Juan County |
| District | San Juan Basin |
| City | Durango |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 37.2 |
| Longitude | -107.6 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMESan Juan National Forest stretches across more than 8,300 square kilometers of southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico, combining high mountain terrain, glacial-carved valleys, and historic mining district landscapes. Dominant features include the San Juan Mountains — a craggy range of granite peaks and alpine lakes — and the south-flowing rivers and forested slopes of the upper Animas and San Miguel valleys. Popular destinations such as Silverton and the Purgatory Resort area provide access to skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, while remote corridors like the Bear Creek Trail and the Graf Trap Trail reward serious backcountry travelers. The region’s wildflowers, tundra, and seasonal glacier runoff support species like marmot and mountain bluet, and it forms part of larger protected networks that include nearby national parks and wilderness areas.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM