San Juan National Forest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Purgatory Resort Snowy Panorama
Hidden in the high country above Silverton CO is Island Lake, In a days hike you can see both Island Lake and the Ice Lakes basin, the best views in southwest Colorado. 

#BVSblue
From the Ridgeline below Three Needles Peak at 13,200' yo can look west and see the other Blue Lake of Colorado. the hike up through Porphyry Basin upper and lower lakes are quite special. "Not the Blue lake at Mt Sneffels"
Fall is coming and the storms on the mountains of the San Juans are just beginning. A favorite location is this old cabin caught between rainstorms, behind are the Twightlight peaks on the right and the Vestal Range on the left.
I was on the trail from Ice Lake to Island Lake when the clouds were starting to come up and I could already hear thunder in a distance. Only a few spots were still lit up by the sun. Luckily Ice Lake was one of them. 

#GreatOutdoors

Where to stay in San Juan National Forest

Panoramic view of beautiful Ice lake near Silverton, Colorado on rocky mountain peak and panorama reflection of summer landscape with nobody and green grass blue sky

Columbine Lake

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Columbine Lake and surrounding area, you can visit Lake of the Pines and Purgatory Resort.

Columbine Lake
West Cimarron River with coxcomb redcliff and fortress mountains in the back at sunset

San Juan River Village

If you're spending some time in San Juan River Village, San Juan River is a top sight worth visiting.

San Juan River Village
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Pagosa Highlands

While Pagosa Highlands may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Stevens Reservoir.

Pagosa Highlands
Moon Rising over Williams Reservoir in Colorado

Lake Hatcher Park

While Lake Hatcher Park isn't home to many top sights, Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Stevens Reservoir are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lake Hatcher Park
Panoramic image of The narrow gauge railroad locomotive under power between Durango and Silverton in Colorado

Dalton Ranch

If you're spending some time in Dalton Ranch, Animas River and Dalton Ranch Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Dalton Ranch
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Twin Creek Village

While Twin Creek Village isn't home to many top sights, Pagosa Springs Golf Club and Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts are some notable places to visit nearby.

Twin Creek Village
Spacious 7BR House with Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard

Spacious 7BR House with Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard

Durango CO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Great host.Amazing house — very clean and charming, with lots of amenities, toys, entertainment, a jacuzzi, and fully equipped kitchen accessories.The kids loved it.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Spacious 7BR House with Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard
Large Family Home with Acreage in Beautiful Animas Valley [CO Lic. 02872172-000]

Large Family Home with Acreage in Beautiful Animas Valley [CO Lic. 02872172-000]

Durango CO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions James Ranch and Dalton Ranch Golf ...
Large Family Home with Acreage in Beautiful Animas Valley [CO Lic. 02872172-000]
Apple Orchard Inn

Apple Orchard Inn

3.5 out of 5
7758 County Road 203 Durango CO
The price is £149 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£149
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this B&B in Durango. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and Dalton Ranch Golf Club are ...
Apple Orchard Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Classic Colorado Cabin on the Florida River - 20 Minutes to Downtown Durango

Classic Colorado Cabin on the Florida River - 20 Minutes to Downtown Durango

Durango CO
Stay at this cabin in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Lemon Reservoir and Horse Thief Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
Everything as advertised! Beautiful stay.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Classic Colorado Cabin on the Florida River - 20 Minutes to Downtown Durango
Spacious 7BR House with Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard

Spacious 7BR House with Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard

Durango CO
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Great host.Amazing house — very clean and charming, with lots of amenities, toys, entertainment, a jacuzzi, and fully equipped kitchen accessories.The kids loved it.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Spacious 7BR House with Hot Tub, Pool Table, Yard
PET FRIENDLY, cozy, quiet, cabin; river in the backyard STARLINK; VRP-25-0076

PET FRIENDLY, cozy, quiet, cabin; river in the backyard STARLINK; VRP-25-0076

Pagosa Springs CO
Stay at this cabin in Pagosa Springs. Enjoy a fitness centre, a garden and patios. Popular attraction Crater Lake Trail is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
This place is amazing! Friendly dogs and great scenery. The perfect place to just get away from it all. Peaceful, secluded, and not too far from things you want to do. Avoid the crowds and condos. Come here if you really want to enjoy your stay from home!!

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

PET FRIENDLY, cozy, quiet, cabin; river in the backyard STARLINK; VRP-25-0076
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near San Juan National Forest

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