Durango and the greater Southwest Colorado area are a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering an incredible range of recreation opportunities amidst awe-inspiring landscapes. With 43% of Colorado’s land designated as public land, the state is home to 11 National Forests and 40+ designated wilderness areas. Some of these wilderness areas are right in our backyard, providing locals and visitors alike with easy access to the natural beauty and adventure that define our region.
San Juan National Forest
Encompassing over 1.8 million acres of land, the San Juan National Forest is the second largest National Forest in Colorado, following White River National Forest. Founded in 1905 by Theodore Roosevelt, it has been managed by the US Forest Service since its inception. It includes both high desert and true alpine peaks, offering a wide range of recreation possibilities. Hiking, biking, backpacking, horseback riding, climbing, off-roading, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, are popular activities in this expansive area. Although the headquarters for the San Juan National Forest is in Durango, there are field offices in Bayfield, Dolores, and Pagosa Springs. The San Juan National Forest also borders Mancos, Silverton, and Telluride.
Southwest Colorado Wilderness Areas
Within the United States, there are 803 Wilderness Areas. These 111.7+ million acres are spread out across the National Forests and provide crucial habitats for wildlife and are home to many natural resources. Colorado has 44 areas, four of which are located within the San Juan National Forest. Also managed by the US Forest Service, they protect the many species found here, facilitate wildfire mitigation, and maintain trails for recreational use.
Weminuche Wilderness
The Weminuche (pronounced wem-in-ooch) is the largest wilderness area in Colorado at just under 500,000 acres, and is located in the San Juan National Forest. The Continental Divide splits the Weminuche into two parts; the other section falling within the Rio Grande National Forest. The Weminuche is home to popular peaks including 14ers such as Eolus, Windom, and Sunlight. Some visitors access this area via the Durango & Silverton Train.
South San Juan Wilderness
The South San Juan Wilderness spans 158,790 acres and is also split in two by the Continental Divide to the San Juan National Forest and Rio Grande National Forest. A whopping 32 lakes feed into the area’s rivers including the San Juan River. Elevations reach 13,300 feet above sea level, providing excellent views of towering peaks contrasted against the lush valleys. Just east of Pagosa Springs, this is also the most southern wilderness area in Colorado.
Lizard Head Wilderness
Spanning 41,496 acres, the Lizard Head Wilderness is aptly named for the volcanic structure Lizard Head, which resembles a lizard’s head. Closest to Telluride, the Lizard Head Wilderness is split in between the San Juan National Forest and the Uncompahgre (pronounced Un-come-pah-gray) National Forest to the north. This area also includes three 14ers: El Diente, Mount Wilson, and Wilson Peak.
Hermosa Wilderness
One of the newer and smaller wilderness areas, the Hermosa Wilderness is 37,236 acres just north of Durango. The Hermosa Creek Watershed, a part of the larger Animas River Watershed, is a crucial part of Southwest Colorado. This area was affected by the 416 Fire in 2018 which burned 54,000 acres, and was expertly handled by our fire protection district with no property loss.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a vast expanse of protected land in Colorado, especially those in close proximity to Durango. These spaces are not just a source of recreation but also vital to preserving the natural beauty and wildlife that make our region special. Whether you are planning your next outdoor adventures or seeking to learn more about these remarkable areas, we’re here to help. Please reach out with your questions or let us assist you in making the most of these breathtaking public lands - your next adventure awaits!
