San Juan National Forest - Colorado

Located in southwestern Colorado on the western slope of the Continental Divide, the San Juan National Forest is a treat for history buffs. The forest covers an area of 1,869,931 acres and boasts everything from alpine lakes, canyons, meadows and waterfalls, to unusual geologic formations and historic mines.

Skiers come to San Juan for the Purgatory Ski Area, a perfect spot to enjoy a ski vacation. History buffs will be pleasantly surprised that San Juan National Forest has great Anasazi ruins as well as the remains of mining boom ghost towns and you can go riding on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Outdoor types should definitely check out the Needle Mountains, a mecca for mountain climbers looking for a wilderness challenge. And if you're looking for a more low-key, scenic experience, try the San Juan Skyway and the Colorado Scenic Byway, through the towering San Juan Mountains to the rolling vistas and ancient ruins of the Four Corners area. With all of this plus great trout fishing in high mountain lakes and numerous campgrounds and picnic sites through the forest, it is hard not to have a superb time here at San Juan National Forest.