San Juan County, Colorado

San Juan County is the second-least-populous county in Colorado, with Silverton serving as its only incorporated town. Located high in the San Juan Mountains, the county is surrounded by rugged peaks, alpine valleys, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Outdoor adventure is a major attraction, with Silverton Mountain offering challenging skiing and snowboarding in winter. The famous Million Dollar Highway passes through the county, winding through steep mountain terrain and offering spectacular views along one of Colorado’s most scenic routes.

San Juan County combines the history of the Old West with expansive wilderness. Historic mining sites and remnants of the region’s mining past can be found throughout the mountains, while hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities draw visitors throughout the year. Remote, rugged, and rich in history, San Juan County delivers some of Colorado’s most dramatic alpine scenery.

CategoryDetails
County NameSan Juan County
County SeatSilverton
EtymologyNamed after the San Juan Mountains, which were named by Spanish explorers for Saint John
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesSilverton
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 550
FIPS Code08-111
Total Area (Land and Water)388 square miles (land: 387 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Ouray County (North), Hinsdale County (East), La Plata County (South), Montezuma County (Southwest), Dolores County (West), San Miguel County (Northwest)
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone (MST/MDT)
PopulationApproximately 800
StateColorado
Coordinates37.8113° N, 107.6636° W
Major LandmarksSan Juan National Forest, Weminuche Wilderness, Animas Forks Ghost Town, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
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