Special Places
The San Juan National Forest abounds with natural and cultural treasures. Five distinct life zones range from elevations near 5,000 feet to above 14,000 feet.
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Wilderness Areas
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 and the newly designated Hermosa Wilderness. These special areas are lands to be protected and preserved in their natural condition, without permanent improvements or habitation.
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Scenic Byways
Whether you are interested in paved highways or backcountry roads, you can find a route through the San Juan National Forest that provides spectacular mountain views. The San Juan Skyway and the Alpine Loop are just two of the beautiful drives available to those wanting to explore in their vehicles.
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Chimney Rock National Monument
The Chimney Rock National Monument encompasses 4,726 acres of the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Chimney Rock represents one of the largest Pueblo II (900-1150 AD) communities in southwestern Colorado and is considered a Chacoan cultural “outlier.”
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Jersey Jim Lookout
Live a little bit of history and enjoy an incredible view in Southwestern Colorado with an one- or two-night stay at the Jersey Jim Lookout Tower. Formerly used to detect fires, the live-in tower rises from an aspen-lined meadow in the San Juan National Forest at almost 10,000 feet above sea level.
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Hermosa Creek Watershed
A grass-roots collaborative community effort resulted in the Hermosa Creek Watershed Management Plan. The Plan divides the watershed into a Special Management Area (SMA) and a Hermosa Creek Wilderness area. Different types of recreation are allowed in the different areas.
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Piedra Area
The Piedra Area, named for the Piedra River that dominates the mountainous landscape, encompasses 61,535 acres of the San Juan National Forest. This area is managed to maintain its existing wilderness character and potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Therefore, any other motorized or mechanized (bikes) vehicles and equipment are not allowed in the Piedra Area.