The month of May in Southwest Colorado reveals some of the most celebrated characteristics of spring – blooming foliage, warmer temperatures and increased runoff. The change of season invites planning of outdoor adventures. As you begin to mark your calendar, don’t forget to stop by one of San Juan Mountains Association’s 13 bookstore locations across the San Juan region. While you’re there, you can speak with our helpful Visitor Information Services specialists who will help you find answers to your questions. Plan your route by purchasing topographical maps from companies such as Latitude 40, National Geographic and Apogee Mapping. Learn more about the plants and animals that share your adventure destinations’ habitat using one of our educational guides, such as “Wildflowers of Durango Trails” by Karen Marie Hwang. Interested in hiking or backpacking the Hardrock 100 route? We carry “Map of the Mountains of Silverton, Telluride and Ouray,” by Packrat Publishing Maps.
SJMA bookstores are full of items that will help you leave no trace and recreate with care so that our public lands remain wild and intact for those who will follow in our footsteps. We carry backcountry waste management kits from PACT Outdoors. Pick up a lite bathroom kit for your next through hike. If you’re going somewhere that has a high visitation rate in a condensed area, such as Chicago Basin or the Ice Lakes basin, pick up a pack out bathroom kit. It comes with everything you need to be a champion of leave-no-trace principles, including an inner and outer bag and a deodorizing, dehydrating “poop powder” that makes less of the mess.
Did you know that our bookstores also have an amazing collection of gifts and souvenirs? Some of the highlights include our Smokey Bear collection. Get your smokey on with a Smokey hat to keep your face protected from the Sun or rep those Smokey socks to show your friends you’re cool about fire safety. Looking for nature inspired wear to show your support of public lands? Be sure to check out our upcoming order of hats, T-shirts and stickers featuring a stunning watercolor painting by Durango’s own Hannah Wilson that commemorates the Weminuche Wilderness’ 50th anniversary or purchase one of our San Juan National Forest shirts to remember the cherished time you spent recreating in the mountains of Southwest Colorado. Need a comforting gift for your loved ones near and far? Our stuffed animal collection makes a perfect gift for the children or children-at-heart in your life.
When you support San Juan Mountains Association’s bookstores you are contributing to the support of our public lands. SJMA’s three guiding principles are to explore, learn and protect. Our bookstores began operations in 1988 and have been the foundation of our mission to help the public explore our cherished public lands. We use the revenue we generate across all of our bookstores to support and enhance our other missions, which include conservation education and hands-on stewardship. Plus, our friendly staff are knowledgeable and experienced and can answer questions ranging from dispersed camping locations to 4x4 trail conditions so that you are prepared for your next adventure.
Chase LaCroix, SJMA's Operations Director, was born and raised on the Western Slope of Colorado and is an alumni of Fort Lewis College. He is passionate about our public lands and enjoys rafting, skiing, and camping with his family.
