The San Juan Mountains is a stunning region of Western Colorado and my personal favorite part of Colorado. It is a hiker’s paradise, featuring colorful and breathtaking trails around Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, and the iconic Million Dollar Highway. From the vibrant turquoise waters of Ice Lakes Trail to serene alpine lakes and panoramic vistas, the San Juans offer endless adventure and unparalleled beauty. Find your next hike below.
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
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
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.
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
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
New Via Ferrata Colorado: Gold Mountain Via Ferrata in Ouray
Gold Mountain is the newest via ferrata route in the San Juan Mountains of Ouray Colorado and has the second longest bridge in the US. It’s open to all levels – read on to learn more about what a via ferrata is and my experience with a fear of heights.
Blue Lakes Trail in Southwest Colorado
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learning to Ice Climb in the Switzerland of America
My first-time ice climbing and the struggles with a fear of heights
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.