About the San Juans

America’s Greatest Mountain Range…

The San Juans claim one impressive geographical fact - no other mountain range in North America contains more territory above 10,000 feet. It has been home to the Utes, prospectors, miners, road builders, railroad builders, settlers, entrepreneurs, and recreationalists for generations. Lyndon Lampert, Editor of San Juan Mountains Journal, says, “Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a San Juans native, you probably feel the same wonder in the San Juans that we do.” Hikers, bikers, fishermen, photographers, geologists, biologists, lepidopterists, and other explorers of nature choose their path via foot, motor, kayak, and off road vehicles to capture unforgettable memories. Lake City is nearby five “Fourteeners” which are mountains soaring to 14,000 feet and above. These peaks include Handies, Sunshine, Redcloud, Uncompahgre, and Wetterhorn. We also have “Thirteeners” such as Crytal, Matterhorn, Coxcomb and Wildhorse Peaks.

Trout fishing is unsurpassed with both lake fishing in the second largest natural lake in Colorado, Lake San Cristobal. and is prime during summer months. When the lake thaws in late April to early May, anglers may reel in giant 10 - 30 pound makinaw (lake trout) as they cruise near the shore. River fishing in the Lake Fork of the Gunnison, is also popular with catches of wild browns in Cebolia Creek and Henson Creek. There are 28 miles of public waters and along Hwy 149 you may park and fish ten feet from your car. Family fishing is a favorite at Deer Lakes with a bonus as moose linger nearby.

Lake San Cristobal was formed by the Slumgullion Earthflow over 700 years ago. This geologic feature is an excellent example of “mass wasting.”  A huge mass of volcanic rock collapsed from the mountainside and flowed into the main valley two miles south of Lake City where it spread laterally to form Lake San Cristobal. The older flow of Slumgullion is presently being overridden by a new flow moving 3 to 20 feet per year.  It’s distinctive red and yellow colors are evident from the Slumgullion Pass on into the lake. The Windy Point Scenic Overlook provide views of the flow, along with truly magnificent, panoramic vistas of Hinsdale County’s fourteeners.