San Juan National Forest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
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

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Columbine Lake

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

Columbine Lake
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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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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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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
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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
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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
Apple Orchard Inn

Apple Orchard Inn

3.5 out of 5
7758 County Road 203 Durango CO
The price is ₹16,819 per night from 24 Jan to 25 Jan
₹16,819
₹18,148 total
24 Jan - 25 Jan
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (323 reviews)
SEE THIS REVIEW!!!
warm welcome homely feel doesn't scream corporate at all ,always felt like second home ,Quiet stay comfortable stay

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Apple Orchard Inn
WYLD Glass Caves Durango

WYLD Glass Caves Durango

3.5 out of 5
6440 Co Rd 203 Durango CO
Stay at this golf cottage in Durango. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Durango Hot Springs Spa and Dalton Ranch Golf ...
7.4/10 Good! (25 reviews)
Such a great feel to the place, cute and modern. Loved the robes in addition to walking across the street to the hot springs. Would have like at least a microwave to heat up left overs!

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

WYLD Glass Caves Durango
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.
Pet-friendly Bayfield Cabin w/ Game Room & Hot Tub

Pet-friendly Bayfield Cabin w/ Game Room & Hot Tub

3 out of 5
Bayfield CO
Stay at this cottage in Bayfield. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Vallecito Lake and Lake SImpatico Trailhead ...
Pet-friendly Bayfield Cabin w/ Game Room & Hot Tub
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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