The best walks and hikes in San Juan County
4.9
(110)
2,452
hikers
56
hikes
Hiking in San Juan County, Colorado, offers access to the rugged San Juan Mountains, a prominent subrange of the Rockies. The landscape features dramatic alpine scenery with high peaks, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Extensive woodlands within the San Juan National Forest provide diverse environments for trails, including vast wildflower meadows during specific seasons. The region is defined by its rugged peaks, alpine valleys, and glacial lakes.
Best hiking trails in San Juan County
- The most popular hiking route is…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
24
hikers
7.00km
02:49
850m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
33.0km
11:48
1,000m
950m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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11
hikers
35.6km
12:43
1,060m
1,590m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
11
hikers
15.5km
06:20
1,020m
570m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
12
hikers
6.67km
02:28
240m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
2
hikers
5.01km
03:07
680m
10m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
2
hikers
4.85km
01:37
40m
160m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
2
hikers
12.7km
03:55
320m
810m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
3.02km
00:50
50m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16.7km
05:28
540m
1,190m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around San Juan County
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Tips from the Community
Little Molas Lake is a small body of water found off the Colorado Trail. At 11,000 feet, the lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains. There is a picnic area along the banks of the lake, so it is a great place for a break to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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Take a good look at Engineer Mountain, with its peak resembling a volcanic plug from a massive eruption 25–30 million years ago, sitting above a broad base. From the south, it looks like a balanced pyramid.
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This junction is a meeting point of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Heading northbound, the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail will overlap for 317 miles.
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Celebration Lake is home to tons of axolotls! They are most active in the afternoon when the water is warmer. The lake is accessible by car, so you might have to share this spot with car campers. But no worries, there are plenty of options to pitch your tent.
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The Colorado Trail is the only long-distance trail to let you stop a train in the middle of the wilderness. Take the short spur trail to Elk Park where you can flag down the train to take you into Silverton. The usual rate is 35 Dollars, but it is up to the conductor to charge less or even nothing.
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Molas Pass sits a few yards below where the Colorado Trail passes the US 550 highway. Walk south 250 feet to the spur trail to the parking area and find Molas Overlook, a pit toilet, and parking at an elevation of 10,910 feet.
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Mid-August the meadows and trail sides were a-bloom with Mountain Gentian, Fringed Gentian, and Agueweed (a species of dwarf gentian. Fireweed, lilac Fleabane, white Achillea were also in bloom. Views to the west include Engineer Mountain, Grand Turk, Bear Mountain, Sultan Mountain and more. Beautiful!
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Little Ice Lake is nestled in the basin just next to towering rock walls. A short trail takes you to its shore where you can take a break.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in San Juan County, Colorado?
San Juan County, Colorado, offers a wide variety of hiking experiences with over 35 trails recorded on komoot. These routes navigate the rugged San Juan Mountains, providing access to dramatic alpine scenery.
Are there hiking trails for all skill levels in San Juan County?
Yes, San Juan County caters to various skill levels. You'll find 4 easy trails perfect for a leisurely stroll, 22 moderate routes for a good workout, and 11 challenging hikes for experienced adventurers seeking high-elevation ascents.
Can I find hikes that lead to alpine lakes in San Juan County?
Absolutely. The San Juan Mountains are dotted with pristine alpine lakes. For example, the Columbine Lake Trail leads to its namesake lake. Other notable lakes in the area include Ice Lake, Little Molas Lake, and Island Lake.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls in San Juan County?
Yes, you can experience beautiful waterfalls on hikes in San Juan County. The Cascade Falls via Cascade Creek Trail is a great option. Additionally, Clear Creek Waterfall is another natural monument in the region.
What kind of views can I expect on hikes in San Juan County?
Hikers in San Juan County can expect breathtaking views of rugged peaks, expansive alpine valleys, and dense woodlands within the San Juan National Forest. Many trails offer panoramic vistas, especially during the wildflower season when meadows burst with color.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in San Juan County?
Yes, there are several easier trails suitable for families. For instance, the Spud Lake Trail (aka, Potato Lake) is a moderate option that is relatively shorter and offers scenic beauty, making it a good choice for a family outing.
Are there any circular hiking routes in San Juan County?
Yes, you can find circular routes in the area. The Highland Mary Lakes loop — Silverton is a popular moderate trail that allows you to experience diverse mountain terrain and alpine lakes in a loop format.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in San Juan County?
The best time to hike in San Juan County, Colorado, is typically from late spring through early fall. During this period, the alpine meadows are vibrant with wildflowers, and the weather is generally favorable for exploring the high-elevation trails. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but many hiking trails may be inaccessible due to snow.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in San Juan County?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from nearly 50 reviews. Reviewers often praise the dramatic alpine scenery, the pristine glacial lakes, and the diverse environments found within the San Juan National Forest.
Are there any historical or natural landmarks to explore near the trails?
Beyond the trails themselves, San Juan County offers several natural landmarks. You can visit Ice Lake or Animas River, both popular highlights. The region's mining history also means you might encounter remnants of old mines, such as on the Silvercloud Mine — Silverton trail.
What is the typical elevation gain on hikes in San Juan County?
Hikes in San Juan County, being in the rugged San Juan Mountains, often involve significant elevation gain. For example, the Columbine Lake Trail has an elevation gain of over 730 meters, while the Engineer Mountain via Pass Trail climbs over 650 meters. Even moderate trails can present a good challenge.
Most popular routes in San Juan County
Most popular attractions in San Juan County
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