San Juan National Forest
 

Special Places

 

 The San Juan Public Lands abound with natural and cultural treasures. Five distinct life zones range from elevations near 5,000 feet to above 14,000 feet. Several of Colorado’s famous “14’ers” can be found in the Weminuche and Lizard Head Wilderness Areas. The San Juan also includes the South San Juan Wilderness Area.

Cultural resources run the gamut from historic mining ghost towns and mills to Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and pit houses. Some heritage sites offer guided tours; others are unmarked treasures you may happen across in the backcountry.

Highlighted Areas

Alpine Loop

The 65-mile Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway winds through the alpine terrain of the San Juan Mountains, connecting the towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. Recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and mountain bikes.

For more information on the Alpine Loop go to the BLM Alpine Loop page.


Chimney Rock Archeaological Area

The Chimney Rock Interpretive Program, managed and staffed by the National Forest Service and volunteers ofthe Chimney Rock Interpretive Association, conducts daily guided walking tours and operates the Visitor Center from May 15 to Sept. 30. For more information, go to:  wwww.chimneyrockco.org/mainnew.htm


Jersey Jim Lookout

The Jersey Jim Lookout Tower [PDF, 6 pages, 830 KB] can be rented for one- or two-night stays from late May to mid October, weather permitting. The current rental rate is $40 per night. Rental fees are used to maintain the facility. Additional contributions are welcomed. Reservations can be made by calling (970) 533-7060 between 1 – 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, starting the first business day of each March (callers are advised to be aggressive in their dialing - the entire season is often booked in a couple of days that week).

Other Special Places
Areas & Activities