San Juan County, Colorado

Black Bear Pass (el. 12,840’), officially known as Forest Service Road 648, is an infamous 4WD road that runs between U.S. Highway 550 (between Silverton & Ouray) and Telluride, CO. From the pass downhill through the Ingram Basin to Telluride, the road is one-way and features switchbacks and ...

I've been visiting Telluride, CO for the last 20 years, and I'd never once heard of this place. Mystic Falls is not marked on any map I've ever seen. And even some locals seem to have never heard of it. So I feel like I lucked out on this last trip to Telluride when a friend found a blog post and...

Note: Camping is permitted around the lake. There are approximately 20 undeveloped campsites. For more information, head to the US Forest Service website. Camping Facilities20 campsites that are completely undevelopedCamping is permitted at only the designated campsitesPortable toilets are avail...

Alta Ghost Town is located about 10 miles from Telluride on Alta Lakes Road. Take the rugged dirt road approximately 2 miles until the ghost town appears on the left. Hike up the short trail to view the remnants of the old mining town with many of the buildings still standing, including the impre...

Spending much of the trek above tree line, Hurricane Pass is situated at 12,730 feet above sea level and offers up views of Poughkeepsie Gulch (a more extreme off-road trail) and sapphire blue mountain lakes, such as Lake Como. One of the most beautiful roads in the lower 48 states, Hurricane Pas...

Placer Gulches 4WD trail is a gorgeous route offering scenic vistas of the San Juan Mountains and traverses an area rich with mining history. This area provides gorgeous wild flowers in the peak season of late July/ early August. Some of the best preserved mine structures in Colorado can be found...

Leaving from Durango, head north on Florida Road/CR 240. From the intersection with County Road 250 (the last stoplight), drive about 8 miles until you reach Colvig Summer Camp. Turn northwest here. The road will soon narrow and turn to dirt - continue straight. 1 mile further, there will be a la...

The Via Ferrata is an incredible way to enjoy Telluride from above. If you and your group have rock climbing experience this will be right up your alley. If no experience rock climbing there are guided options with great shops from town that will help you along this route. Hike up to Bridal Veil...

Park at the Pandora Mill just east of Telluride and lace up your footwear of choice. At 1.2 miles to the base of the falls with 850 feet of gain, this can make for a great thigh burning hike or run. The trail is a gravel road that eventually passes a gate to further trails up the Bridal Veil Ba...

Bear Creek Trail, which leads to Grizzly Mine, is located just 2 miles outside of Ouray, Colorado on Highway 550 immediately following the first tunnel. There's two parking lots, a large one and a small one, the trail leads from the small parking lot over the tunnel and highway. There are no bath...

The ghost town of Animas Forks, CO is located in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 11,200 feet. There are several original buildings remaining. The best way to explore the region is by Jeep or other high-clearance 4×4. The cabins began being built by prospectors in 1873. Three rivers meet...

The trail begins at the south end of Pine Street in Telluride, and proceeds 2.5 miles up the Bear Creek Canyon trail with an elevation gain of about 1,000'.Be sure to stay to the left at the divide with the Wasatch Trail.At the waterfall there is a small use trail that contours up to the right an...

Only 5 minutes from the center of Telluride, Cornet Creek Falls is the perfect hike for those seeking a serene mountain escape without having to go far away from the center of all the action.From town, head up North Aspen Street towards the Jud Wiebe Trailhead. Once arrived, continue straight up ...

The Jud Wiebe can be accessed from two trailheads:  1) The top of North Aspen St (opposite direction of the Gondola) and across the bridge on the left (where this adventure starts) 2) North Oak St - hike up Tomboy Road and head to the left at the sign for the Jud Wiebe trail Street parking is ava...

The Falls Creek Loop is a 4.1 mile trail in the San Juan National Forest, just outside of Durango, Colorado. Lots of side trails jut out from the main trail, and it is easy to lose your way. Take the middle trail at the first split, and keep following the main splits. You will find yourself on a ...

The easier drive to the Silver Creek / Grizzly Gulch trailhead is reached by traveling south from Lake City and turning right onto County Road 30. Although parts can be rough and the shelf road around the base of Sunshine Peak may cause a tighter grip on the steering wheel, in dry conditions a hi...