The San Juan Mountains in Colorado are a breathtaking and rugged region in the southwestern part of the state, known for their dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and scenic drives. This mountain range is home to the San Juan National Forest, offering endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re exploring the charming mountain town of Ouray, Colorado, driving the iconic Million Dollar Highway, or trekking to turquoise alpine lakes like Ice Lake Trail, the San Juans are a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. From wildflower-filled meadows to jagged summits, this region is truly a hiker’s paradise. Browse the trail guides below to find your next adventure in the San Juan Mountains.
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Ultimate Guide to the 3 Via Ferratas in San Juan Mountains, Colorado (Ouray & Telluride)
Explore all 3 of Colorado San Juan Mountain’s via ferratas—Ouray, Gold Mountain, and Telluride—with guides, tips, and route comparisons.
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Mystic Falls, Colorado: How to Find This Hidden Waterfall Near Telluride
This elusive Telluride waterfall is worth the effort—here’s everything you need to know, including driving and trail directions and tips.
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15 Best Things to Do in Ouray, Colorado
Ultimate guide to exploring Ouray CO, aka the Switzerland of America. There’s fun adventures for explorers of all levels and stunning views.
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Important Trail Closure: Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado is Closed for Summer 2025
The popular Blue Lakes Trail in Ridgway, Colorado will be temporarily closed for summer 2025! 🚨 The National Forest Service has issued a temporary closure for NFS Trail 201 (Blue Lakes Trail) for reconstruction starting June 2, 2025. It is in effect until Dec 31, 2025 unless rescinded but it’s expected to remain closed through […]
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Telluride Via Ferrata in Colorado: Everything You Need to Know
Get trail details, safety tips, gear recommendations, and everything you need for this epic via ferrata adventure in Telluride Colorado.
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3 Best Easy Hikes in Telluride You Can’t Miss in Summer
Discover the best hikes in Telluride! Explore stunning alpine lakes, waterfalls, and scenic trails perfect for a summer adventure in the San Juan Mountains.
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Red Mountain Colorado: How to Explore Beyond Red Mountain Pass in San Juan Mountains
Skip Red Mountain Pass on the Million Dollar Highway—take this off-road route for a better view of Red Mountain’s vibrant peaks and stunning scenery in Ouray, Colorado
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Cornet Creek Falls Hike In Telluride to a Waterfall
Cornet Falls is a half mile hike located close to the town of Telluride. The beautiful, red rock waterfall is great for a quick hike
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Hope Lake Trail near Telluride, Colorado
Lake Hope in the San Juan Mountains is a moderate 2.8 mile hike with 1100 ft of elevation gain. It gets steep but the vibrant blue alpine lake is worth it
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South Mineral Creek Falls: How to Find This Hidden Gem in the San Juan Mountains
This is one of the best waterfalls in Colorado near Silverton. The flat, 0.8-mile out and back trail leads to a stunning turquoise waterfall.
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Navajo Lake Trail near Telluride Colorado: Less Popular Wildflower Hike
Navajo Lake is a less common alpine lake hike in the San Juan Mountains but this 9.5 mile out and back trail has many columbine wildflowers and a turquoise lake
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Siegal Mountain 13,281 ft in the San Juan Mountains: A Must-hike to a Hidden Gem
If you like alpine lakes and easy peaks with no crowds, this needs to be on your summer hike list. Short hike to a Colorado 13er & blue lake
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New Via Ferrata Colorado: Gold Mountain Via Ferrata in Ouray
Gold Mountain is the newest via ferrata route in Ouray Colorado. Climb the second longest suspension bridge with the optional hardest pitch in the US. It’s open to all levels from May-Oct.
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Blue Lakes Trail in Southwest Colorado: Best Hike Near Telluride (Update for 2025 closure & 2026 permits)
Blue Lakes Trail in the San Juan Mountains is a must-do for all nature loves. The moderate-level hike goes to three stunning alpine lakes but Lower Blue Lake is the most turquoise lake. This is easily one of the best bang-for-your-buck hike.
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Ouray Via Ferrata: Everything You Need to Know to Climb Unguided
Everything you need to know to climb the via ferrata in Ouray Colorado unguided. Add this adventure to your next San Juan Mountain trip.
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Hematite Lake Trail in the San Juan Mountains
Hematite Lake is a beautiful green-turquoise alpine lake in San Juan Mountains. It is a short but steep hike, gaining 2,200 ft in 1.7 miles.
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Hike Red Mountain 3 in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
Red Mountain 3 in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is a short hike, doable for all levels. Explore the colorful San Juan Mountains which resemble Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
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Learning to Ice Climb in the Switzerland of America
My first-time ice climbing and the struggles with a fear of heights
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Backpacking to Island Lake in San Juan National Forest
Hike to Ice Lake Basin to see turquoise lakes in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest. The Ice Lake Trail can be done as a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip.
