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Free Traveling Guides » States » Colorado » Greater ColoradoSan Juan National Forest
The San Juan National Forest, situated in southwestern Colorado, covers almost the entire southern portion of the San Juan Mountains. This U.S. National Forest encompasses an area of over 1,800,000 acres (7290 sq-km) in Conejos, Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Rio Grande, Montezuma, Mineral, San Miguel, and San Juan Counties. The magnificent San Juan Forest bounds the Rio Grande National Forest to the east and the Uncompahgre National Forest to the north. The Forest comprises of two alpine wilderness areas; the Piedra Area and the Weminuche & South San Juan. The famous historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad also cuts through the National Forest. This Forest was created by Theodore Roosevelt by proclamation on June 3, 1905.
The San Juan National Forest is a natural and cultural retreat that encourages the hiker, fisherman, historian, anthropologist, mountain biker, kayaker, and skier alike. The diverse topography of the Forest features cataracts, alpine lakes, canyons, and waterfalls. This sort of terrain is apposite for casual hikers as well as for serious mountain climbers. The latter can take up the challenge of climbing several 14,000-foot (4.2 km) peaks in the surrounding Needle Mountains, one of the roughest ranges in the United States. The alpine meadows and high spruce stands in the forest are interspersed with rockslides, barren areas, and several large areas of sharp granite extrusions.
The San Juan Forest area was formerly inhabited by an ancient Indian civilization. This is evident from the archaeological ruins that can be seen scattered throughout the forest. The Forest also offers a number of picnic sites and campgrounds. The major attraction for skiers is the Purgatory Ski Area north of Durango. Fishing for trout is other major recreational activity in the Forest. Fishing in swift streams, high mountain lakes, and reservoirs such as Vallecito, McPhee, Lemon, and Williams Creek Lake offer great challenges. Hunters hunt mule deer, bear, elk, bighorn sheep, grouse, mountain lion, turkey, and ducks. The San Juan Forest is a natural paradise and is definitely worth a visit.
- Address: 15 Burnett Court,
Durango, CO 81301
- Telephone: (970) 247-4874
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