Best Hikes in San Juan National Forest, CO

Default image for Treasure Falls Trail, a 0.8-mile trail in Mineral County, CO (US)

0.8 mi
1.3 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Treasure Falls Trail

5.0

Mineral County, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Molas Pass Overlook, a 0.1-mile trail in Silverton, CO (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Molas Pass Overlook

5.0

Silverton, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Andrews Lake Trail, a 0.8-mile trail in Silverton, CO (US)

0.8 mi
1.3 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Andrews Lake Trail

5.0

Silverton, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Abandoned Mineral Creek Mine, a 0.1-mile trail in Silverton, CO (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Abandoned Mineral Creek Mine

3.0

Silverton, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Lime Creek Burn 1879 (Deer Creek Overlook), a 0.1-mile trail in Silverton, CO (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Lime Creek Burn 1879 (Deer Creek Overlook)

3.0

Silverton, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Deadwood Gulch Cascades, a 0.1-mile trail in Silverton, CO (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Deadwood Gulch Cascades

3.0

Silverton, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Coal Creek Falls Viewpoint, a 0.1-mile trail in Silverton, CO (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Coal Creek Falls Viewpoint

3.0

Silverton, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Lime Creek Overlook, a 0.1-mile trail in Silverton, CO (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Lime Creek Overlook

3.0

Silverton, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Mineral Creek Tributary Falls, a 0.1-mile trail in Silverton, CO (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Mineral Creek Tributary Falls

3.0

Silverton, Colorado

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Key Takeaways

San Juan National Forest is located near Silverton, Colorado, offering stunning mountain landscapes and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring historic mining areas.

Visitors should be prepared for varying weather conditions, high altitudes, and potential wildlife encounters.

About San Juan National Forest

Explore the breathtaking beauty of the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado! Discover a variety of easily accessible attractions along the iconic Million Dollar Highway, from cascading waterfalls like Mineral Creek Tributary Falls and Deadwood Gulch Cascades to historic sites like the Abandoned Mineral Creek Mine. Enjoy panoramic mountain vistas at Molas Pass and Lime Creek Overlooks, or embark on a short hike to Andrews Lake, taking in views of snow-capped peaks. Remember to check out Coal Creek Falls viewpoint, and venture a bit further to experience the moderate climb and stunning 120-foot cascade of Treasure Falls Trail. Leashed dogs are welcome at many of these locations, making it a great destination for pet-friendly adventures.

Planning your visit to the San Juan National Forest? Many of these attractions feature short, universally accessible walks and roadside viewpoints perfect for all skill levels. Keep in mind that you'll be exploring at high altitude, so acclimate gradually and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Parking is generally available at each location, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. When exploring the Abandoned Mineral Creek Mine, please observe from a safe distance. Always stay on marked trails to protect the fragile ecosystem and to ensure your safety. And remember to leave no trace, packing out everything you pack in and cleaning up after your furry companions.