San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest covers a total area of approximately 1.9 million acres of land that is located in southwestern Colorado and near urban areas like Durango, Cortez, and Pagosa Springs. The protected forest land was dedicated as a national forest on June 3, 1905, and is currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The main roads that can be used to access the forest include US 160 and US 550.

Once you get to San Juan National Forest, you will be awed by many attractive features some of which include three large reservoirs (Lemon, McPhee, and Vallecita), and Treasure Falls which is a 105-foot drop of Fall Creek. You will also find six wilderness areas in the forest as well as the Chimney Rock Archeological Area which includes the 1,000-year old ancestral home of the Puebloan people. 

Besides the lures mentioned above, you can also choose from one of several recreational activities including hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, boating, canoeing, water-skiing, mountain biking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, rock climbing, OHV riding, snowmobiling, and interpretive programs. These activities are facilitated by the forest’s amenities which include eight group camps, 39 campgrounds, dispersed camping, boat ramps, trails, lookout towers, scenic drives, and picnic grounds.

If you have a doggie, you can bring them into the forest, but you will have to ensure that you conform to the management’s rules. Some of the main rules to pay attention to include the following. First, you must keep your dog leashed (the leash must be a maximum of only six feet). 

If your dog is not leashed, then they must be in a secured enclosure. These rules are intended to protect the forest’s resources and more specifically the plant and animal species that reside in the forest. Furthermore, you should ensure that you maintain basic pet etiquette which includes cleaning up after your dog at all times.