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San Juan Mountains Elopement Locations
These San Juan Mountains Elopement Locations are some of my favorite locations in Colorado! The San Juan Mountain Range is one of the most distinct and unique mountain ranges in Colorado. They stretch from southwest Colorado to northwest New Mexico. They’re known for their lush green and red mountainsides along with their gray rocky peaks ranging from dark gray to light gray. They have some of Colorado’s bluest lakes. And it’s known for some of the best off-roading trails in the state. Plus with towns like Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton you really can’t go wrong with choosing the San Juan Mountains as an elopement destination.
From easily accessible locations where you can just step out of your vehicle and be at the destination to epic hikes and backpacking spots. The San Juan mountains have everything you can possibly imagine for an adventurous elopement location. I’ve written this list of over 30 locations as a guide for those thinking about eloping in Colorado’s Southwest region. You will find locations ranging from easily accessible with a 2WD vehicle and no hike all the way to harder-to-reach locations via either a 4×4 trail or a hike.
The Towns of the San Juan Mountains
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado is one of the most iconic towns in the state. It’s like it’s own little world. Its packed with epic adventures year round and surrounded by some of the most gorgeous terrain in the state, the San Juan Mountains. Telluride has world class skiing and riding (including heli drops into the backcountry) in the winter. Plus every outdoor enthusiasts dream list of summer adventures like hiking, backpacking, paddle boarding and 4x4ing in the most gorgeous mountain range in the state.
Ridgway
In my mind, Ridgway is the gateway to the San Juans. It’s not until you start getting closer to Ridgway do you begin to see the infamous 14er, Mt. Sneffels. It’s a tiny little town with a beautiful river and park area that runs right through the middle of it. It’s got great tubing in the summer time and a few good restaurants that are worth checking out.
Ouray
Ouray is known at the “Switzerland of Colorado” and the second you pull into town you’ll see why. It’s got that old wild west movie vibe. Ouray is a great central hub for local hikes and 4×4 trails. The town boasts a few cool restaurants and several hot springs lodges.
Silverton
Silverton feels like the SxS capital of the state. The land between Ouray and Silverton (and everywhere else around them) is covered in epic trails to ride. Silverton is another town straight out of a wild west movie. It’s doesn’t have any hotels but it does have an RV park and plenty of epic places to disperse camp. The hikes around Silverton are some of my favorite in the SJs.
Durango
Durango is South of Silverton on 550, just before you hit New Mexico. It’s an awesome and colorful little town with the Animas River running right through it. You can take the Silverton to Durango trail for a gorgeous ride through the San Juan Mountains. You’ll pass through Chicago Basin, a popular backpacking area that is only accessible via the train. Durango is a little bigger of a town and offers more modern amenities like hotels, restaurants and big chain grocery stores. The San Juan River runs through town where you can find tubers, kayakers, and white water rafters.
Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs is just a little east of Durango. It’s famous for it’s geothermal hot springs and accompanying hot springs resort. It’s an often popular town for mountain goers because of it’s direct access into the San Juan Mountains.
Lake City
Lake City is a small little town on the east of the San Juan Mountains. It’s on the other side of California Pass from Silverton & Ouray. Here you’ll find the trailhead for multiple 14ers including one of the easiest and most beautiful, Handies Peak.
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Easily Accessible Elopement Locations in the San Juan Mountains | 2WD or AWD
San Sophia Overlook
- Venue at the top of San Sophia Gondola near the top of Lift 7 at Telluride Ski Resort
- Easily accessible walk to the location upon getting off the gondola
- Available to be reserved starting at $5000 for weddings and $2000/hour for elopements or photos on the overlook
- Booking info here
- Nearest town: Telluride
- Note- photos & elopements can be happen elsewhere near the overlook on National Forest lands with no reservation. Just not on the overlook itself without a reservation.
Million Dollar Highway
- Highway 550 runs from Ouray to Silverton to Durango with million-dollar views of Aspen trees that turn beautiful gold & red colors in the fall
- This highway has several locations that are easily accessible from it – this photo only being one that is closest to Ouray.
- Hire me as your elopement photographer to learn more!
- Nearest towns: Silverton, Ouray, Durango & Ridgway
Last Dollar Road
- In the Uncompahgre National Forest between Ridgway and Telluride, Colorado
- 18-mile unpaved road capable in most vehicles unless wet
- Great spot for Fall elopements
- has dispersed camp spots along it
- 4×4 vehicle with a lift is recommended to access most spots on the road- but if you’re brave and willing to send it I’ve drive this road in my Chevy equinox before. 😉
- More info
- Nearest towns: Ridgway & Telluride
Molas Lakes
- In the San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado
- Just one mile off the Million Dollar Highway on an unpaved road
- Views of the Weminuche Wilderness
- Campsites are available for rent as well as a few dispersed, first come- first serve sites nearby
- Nearest town: Silverton
Alta Lakes & Gold King Basin
- In the Uncompahgre Forest near Telluride
- Has dispersed campsites that are first come first serve
- Can rent the Alta Lakes Observatory for a more luxurious elopement experience
- Nearest town: Telluride
Trout Lake
- 15 miles from downtown Telluride on Highway 145
- Can fish, kayak, and SUP on the lake
- Swimming is allowed
- Has reserved & first come first serve camping nearby at Matterhorn and Priest Lake campgrounds as well as dispersed camping in the area
- Nearest town: Telluride
Top of the Pines
- A wedding venue in Ridgway, Colorado that boasts vast open views of Mt. Sneffels and the surrounding mountains
- If you have more than 20 guests this venue is perfect to rent for your wedding
- More info
- Nearest town: Ridgway, Ouray & Telluride
Amphitheater Campground
- Located in Ouray, Colorado
- Has reserved campsites and first come first serve
- Gorgeous views, super close to town, and hiking & 4×4 trails
- Reservation information
- Nearest town: Ouray
Hiking Elopement Locations with Lakes & Waterfalls
Bear Creek Falls
- 5.1 mile out and back trail with just under 1100′ elevation gain (rated moderate but pretty easygoing)
- monumental mountain views the entire way
- trail winds through a beautiful tall Aspen tree forest
- can be easily combined with Little Hawaii
- Nearest town: Telluride
Little Hawaii
- slot canyon-like formations with a creek and brightly colored rocks
- a once-secret spot along Bear Creek Trail
- best at sunrise before the crowds come
- must stand in the creek
- Nearest Town: Telluride
Bridal Veil Falls
- 2 mile out and back trail with 830′ elevation gain in Telluride
- largest waterfall in Colorado
- multiple waterfalls along the trail below Bridal Veil Falls
- my favorite trail ever and just perfect in August!
- Nearest Town: Telluride
Blue Lakes
- Lower, Middle and Upper Blue Lakes in Telluride, Colorado
- 3.3 miles and ~1600 feet gain to the lower lake (pictured)
- 8.7 miles out and back to all three lakes with ~2500 feet gain
- perfect location for a backpacking elopement with campsites at the lower lake in the trees and near the middle and upper lakes above tree line
- Can access Mt Sneffels (14er) from here.
- Nearest town: Ridgway & Telluride
Highland Mary & Verde Lakes Loop
- 8.1 mile loop trail with 2,234′ elevation gain
- gorgeous views the entire way with multiple waterfalls
- beautiful wildflowers in July and August
- views of Electric and Vestal Peaks (prominent and distinct 13ers)
- can be done as an out and back to just Highland Mary lake (pictured)
- Nearest town: Silverton
Columbine Lake
- 8.3 mile out and back trail with 2,933′ elevation gain
- above tree line, here you’ll find the bluest lake in Colorado
- perfect location for a backpacking elopement as the hike is strenuous
- the trail winds through a gorgeous forest and then opens into a basin as you climb up and over a saddle before descending down to the lake
- Nearest Town Silverton
Ice Lake & Island Lake
- 7.7 mile out and back with 2,680 feet gain
- gorgeous views the entire way with multiple blue/teal lakes and an island
- perfect for a backpacking elopement as you can camp at either lake
- there is also first come first serve camping near the trailhead and just down the road
- this is very close to South Fork Mineral Falls as a great side adventure
- Nearest town: Silverton
South Fork Mineral Creek Falls
- two-tiered waterfall surrounded by red rocks
- easy 1-mile hike near Silverton, Colorado
- creek crossing along the trail
- perfect for a camping elopement
- a great addition to a hiking elopement to Ice Lake or Island Lake
- Nearest town: Silverton
Mystic Falls
- less populated and gorgeous falls near Telluride, Colorado
- 4WD needed to access the trail
- must follow written trail directions as there is no downloadable map
Elopement Locations with 4×4 Adventures
American Basin
- a gorgeous basin filled with wildflowers in July
- at the trailhead for Handies Peak (14er)
- easy hike to Sloan Lake from the basin
- Nearest town: Lake City
Yankee Boy Basin
- near Ouray, Colorado
- high clearance 4×4 vehicle needed
- waterfalls, wildflowers & wildlife
- Nearest town: Ouray
Governor’s Basin
- near Ouray, Colorado
- high clearance 4×4 vehicle needed
- completely above tree line
- waterfalls nearby
California Pass
- chain of 4×4 roads connected Ouray to Silverton & Lake City
- high clearance 4×4 vehicle needed
- above tree line
- can paddleboard, kayak or pack raft the lake (small hike in)
Bullion King Lake
- 4×4 road near Silverton, Colorado
- high clearance 4×4 vehicle needed
- can paddleboard or kayak
Clear Creek Lake
- near Silverton, Colorado
- 4×4 road by the Ice and Island Lake trailhead
- waterfalls nearby
Hiking Elopements Locations with Mountain Peaks & 14ers in the San Juan Mountains
Handies Peak (14er)
- Trailhead is in American Basin
- One of the easiest and most gorgeous 14ers in the state (Mt Sneffels is #1)
- You pass Sloan Lake on the way to the Handies Peak
Mount Sneffels (14er)
- A peak between Ouray, Ridgway & Telluride
- Accessible from Blue Lakes Trailhead or Yankee Boy Basin (4WD high clearance needed to go to the upper trailhead)
- Can be coupled with backpacking to Blue Lakes, Camping, or an evening in Ouray at the Hot Springs.
- One of my bucketlist 14ers. The views looks top notch.
Uncompahgre Peak (14er)
- A peak near Lake City
- You turn off the road that goes to American Basin to drive up Nellie Creek
Intimate Wedding & Elopement Venues
in the San Juan Mountains
Alpino Vino (winter only)
Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass – lodging & chef included
