San Juan County

San Juan County is an administrative division in southwestern Colorado that covers portions of the San Juan Mountains with high peaks, valleys, and dense forests. The terrain includes rugged mountain landscapes used by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

The county was established in 1876 during Colorado's silver rush, when miners founded settlements and developed extensive mining operations across the region. This mining activity shaped the economic and physical development of local communities for decades.

The San Juan County Fair brings together local residents for agricultural exhibitions, livestock competitions, and traditional craft demonstrations every summer.

The area is accessible through several mountain passes that may require varying travel times depending on the season. Visitors should familiarize themselves with weather conditions and bring properly equipped vehicles for alpine roads.

The area contains several abandoned ghost towns and mining structures from the 1800s, including defunct rail lines and processing facilities. These remains offer tangible traces of the intense mining era that reshaped the landscape.

Location: Colorado

Inception: 1864

Capital city: Silverton

Shares border with: Ouray County, La Plata County, Hinsdale County, Montezuma County, Dolores County, San Miguel County

Website: http://sanjuancountycolorado.us

GPS coordinates: 37.77000,-107.67000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05