Hiking

San Juan National Forest is known for spectacular high elevation hiking and extensive backcountry opportunities. Whether hiking for a day or heading to the backcountry for several nights, the scenery will take your breath away and perhaps you will leave feeling a bit more connected to this gorgeous, but rugged country.

Spotlights

Colorado Trail: From Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail passes through 88 miles of the San Juan National Forest. All the information you need to know before you hit the trail can be found at Colorado Trail Foundation with up-to-date conditions, closures, etc.
Continental Divide Trail (CDT): The CDT travels 3,100 miles from the Canadian to the Mexican border with approximately 152 miles traversing through the Pagosa and Columbine Districts of the San Juan National Forest. Before heading out, visit the Continental Divide Trail Coalition website and make sure to check the closures & alerts to find out if there are any closures, fire bans, or other restrictions affecting the section of trail you’d like to visit.

Resources to Help Plan Your Adventure

Pagosa Trails: Local non-profit that provides detailed information about trails in the Pagosa Springs area.
San Juan Mountains Association: Local non-profit that provides detailed information on the areas most popular trails, alternatives to these popular trails, and how you can help leave-no-trace so all can enjoy
Mancos Trail Group: Local non-profit comprised of an all-volunteer community that maintains local trails and provides updated trail information

Backpacking

Miles of beautiful scenic trails with close-up views of towering mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes, along with peaceful solitude, reward those backpacking on the San Juan National Forest.

San Juan National Forest encompasses four Wilderness areas (Weminuche, South San Juan, Lizard Head and Hermosa) which make the perfect backpacking experience.

Day Hikes

The San Juan National Forest has hundreds of trails, many within a short drive of Durango, Dolores, Mancos, Bayfield, Silverton, and Pagosa Springs. Opportunities for day hikes abound.