San Juan Mounts are highest peak of southwest Colorado. They are covered with green pine trees. June is the driest month of the year when there is greenery everywhere. The weather changes during early July with rain and thunderstorm and till January you can experience snow on the highest peak.
Summer is the right period to go for a vacation. You will not only view natural beauty from close, but also walk on trails to see wildlife and green leaves with blooming spring flowers. San Juan National Woodland covers half of the southern San Juan Mountains. This forest was created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. In 2012, President Obama designated a portion of San Juan Forest as Chimney Rock Monument.
San Juan National Forestry is closest to nature. It divides Uncompahgre National Forest from north and Rio Grande Forest from east. It contains two wild areas, South San Juan and Weminuche, where human activities are less and therefore wildlife can be seen more. If you want to explore nature properly, the one day isn’t enough. There are many activities like fishing, hunting, camping that can be enjoyed near the National forests.
Thus, look for a proper resort or hotel that can give you all luxury, but also keep you near nature. Ouray Chalet Inn, also known as Switzerland of America, is close to nature because Ouray is where you can view highest mountain peak at the center. The Chalet provides proper room for single, family and friends, along with free parking service. It is close to local restaurants, museums, forests, and outdoor activities, which give you the privilege to walk down the trail and enjoy nature along with it. With proper food, convenient location, incredible views, proper amenities, and friendly staff, what else is needed?
San Juan Mountain ranges were known for gold plus silver mining. The volcanic rocks were loose and got eroded easily which gave them a rugged appearance. These forces also pushed high minerals like gold and silver towards surface which made mining easier for humankind. It was only in 1990s that were mining was stopped after environmental disaster in Summitville mine.
However, there were certain areas that were not capable for mining because of their wilderness. It is around 488,000 acres of area on the San Juan Mounts. This wilderness can be experienced from the Durango as well as Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. However, to enjoy it nicely you need to spend nights camping in remote lakes and under the peaks.
Here are some exciting activities that can be enjoyed in the dense forests –
- Rainbow Hot Springs consists of three pools with natural hot springs, 6 miles from Weminuche.
- Chicago basin Trail Loop is a three days trip. You wither get dropped by train from Durango to Needleton and then 6 mile of hike to Chicago Basin or you get dropped at Elk Park and then 30 mile of hike from there.
- Emerald Lake, as the name suggests, contains bluish-green water. You can set up a camp and enjoy the sunset.
There are many things to explore on San Juan Mountain along with the National Forest. Don’t come with limited days. If you want to feel the beauty visit at least for a week.