LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
San Juan Backcountry Lodge is located 2 miles outside Silverton, Colorado, in San Juan County. This remote setting puts you in the heart of Colorado’s most dramatic mountain terrain while maintaining convenient access to town amenities.
Finding Us
Address: 2555 CR 33 Silverton Colorado 81433
Coordinates: [GPS coordinates to be added]
Detailed driving directions and access information will be provided upon booking confirmation. Summer access requires a high-clearance vehicle; 4×4 recommended. Winter access is by snowmobile with a required guided escort, which we arrange for you after you book ($250 for up to 6 guests, $500 for 7 to 12).
Nearest Airports
• Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO): 50 miles, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): 66 miles, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
• Telluride Regional Airport (TEX): 35 miles, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (mountain pass, seasonal closures)
• Denver International Airport (DEN): 330 miles, approximately 6 hours
About Silverton, Colorado
Silverton is a historic mining town nestled at 9,318 feet elevation in a spectacular box canyon. With a year-round population under 700, Silverton maintains authentic Colorado mountain character while offering essential services and excellent restaurants.
In-Town Amenities:
• Multiple restaurants and cafes including Handlebars, Brown Bear Cafe, and Avalanche Brewing
• Grocery store and gas station
• Outdoor gear shops
• San Juan County Historical Society Museum
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (summer)
Nearby Adventure Areas
4×4 & Off-Road:
• Engineer Pass Road – 12,800 feet elevation, connects to Lake City
• Cinnamon Pass – 12,640 feet, spectacular alpine scenery
• California Gulch – challenging mining road network
• Alpine Loop Scenic Byway – connects Engineer and Cinnamon passes
Hiking & Backpacking:
• Ice Lakes Basin – stunning turquoise alpine lakes
• Island Lake – popular day hike with wildflowers
• Colorado Trail access
• Multiple 13ers and 14ers within day-trip range
• Weminuche Wilderness Area
Winter Terrain:
• Red Mountain Pass area – advanced backcountry skiing
• Silverton Mountain Ski Area – unguided lift-served backcountry terrain
• San Juan Hut Systems – backcountry ski touring
• Countless avalanche-prone bowls and couloirs (guide required)
Distance to Other Destinations
• Durango: 50 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
• Telluride: 28 miles via mountain pass (1 hour 30 minutes in summer, pass closed in winter)
• Ouray: 23 miles (45 minutes)
• Pagosa Springs: 75 miles (2 hours)
• Mesa Verde National Park: 95 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)