Junction Creek Campground & Colorado Trail•San Juan National Forest

00:00     Title
00:15     Pinkerton Hot Springs
01:15     Molas Lake Park & Campground
04:40     Little Molas Lake Winter Recreation Area
08:15     Cascade Creek & Flume
12:50     Hermosa Creek Campground
17:10     Junction Creek Campground
19:05     Fin
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Seeking relief from the summertime heat in the San Juan Mountains is always a good idea. In the mile high elevations, the daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable level and the nights are guaranteed to be cool. The tall pine forests provide plenty of shade and there is nearly always a cool breeze. There is plenty of mother nature to experience and there is always a surprise around every corner. Camping in the mountains allows visitors to get in touch with the natural earth rhythm, which helps to divine problems that cause stress back home in the modern world. These are all positive wave makers, but in reality it is the hiking, picnicking and the opportunities to plain old goof off that makes a summer camping trip in the mountains well worthwhile!

Camping definitely is a viable accommodation option in the San Juan National Forest. There are campgrounds located near metropolitan areas, so stocking up on supplies during an extended stay can be easy to do. During busy holiday weekends, camping may end up being the only accommodation option, because the motels in towns like Durango can easily be at full capacity. There are many national forest camping areas around Durango and the Junction Creek Campground is one of the most convenient. 

The San Juan National Forest surrounds Durango and the Junction Creek Campground is located just west of the historic downtown area. All it takes is following a few side roads to find this little campground that sits high above the city. Many trails run through this area and this is a mountain biker’s paradise. The Junction Creek Campground is also where access to the Colorado Trail can be found. The Colorado Trail is part of the very lengthy Continental Divide Trail system, so long distance thru hikers can often be seen along the side of the road on the way downtown. 

The Junction Creek Campground has facilities, picnic tables and chargrill pits. When visiting the San Juan National Forest campgrounds it is important to understand the posted rules. Wildfires are an ever present danger, so the fire prevention rules must be strictly adhered to, even if it means eating cold meals on high risk days. Not feeding the wildlife and bear proof food storage is also required. 

During holiday weekends the campgrounds can fill up quick, so it is best to make reservations ahead of time. National Forest campsites in Colorado are usually managed by a caretaker and reservations can be made online.  With the conveniences of historic Durango being next door, Junction Creek certainly is a prime time camping spot!