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In S.W. Colorado, wilderness closer than you might think

The Weminuche Wilderness comprises nearly half-a-million acres of untrammeled woods, mountains, meadows, streams and lakes. Although a fair chunk of that area burned last year, many of its e...

Adopt a Road program reaches 14 years of success

Many of us travel on roads within the San Juan National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios area to get to the beautiful places we love. In fact, San Juan Public Lands cover m...

San Juan Mountains Association serving up fun this summer

This summer, San Juan Mountains Association will continue established partnerships with San Juan National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office and BLM Canyons of the ...

Are you prepared for wildfires?

For the last 12 years, Southwest Colorado has celebrated Fire Prevention and Education Month every April or May, and this year is no exception. With the number, size and destruct...

It’s mud season in the San Juan Mountains

By Mark Winkworth San Juan Mountains Association Mud season – or shoulder season, also known as spring in the San Juans – can last from April all the way through June d...

Crepuscular creatures and animal sleeping habits

Crepuscular creatures abound in Southwest Colorado. They live in the high mountains, sage plains, ponderosa forests, desert canyons and everywhere in between. They ar...

Slow down, look, listen to enjoy winter wonderland

Southwest Colorado offers many recreational activities in the winter. From ice climbing to skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, you can do it all in our little corner of the w...

History comes alive with local education project

The San Juan Mountains Association and the La Plata County Historical Society are collaborating for a second season to conduct a heritage education project to increase community awareness of...

Enjoy hunt, but leave no trace in backcountry

By Alan Peterson San Juan Mountains Association Hunting is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful public lands in Southwest Colorado. But to keep it beautiful, remember...

Pikas: Cute little furry indicators that the climate is changing

As you start hiking through the talus, watching the clouds gather overhead, you hear it. A very distinct squeak. Did your dog find a squeaky toy hidden in the rocks? Probably not. ...

Summertime means butterflies, flowers

As summer moves along, more wildflowers are taking to bloom. They are a feast for our eyes and also produce delicious nectar that provides a feast for many of nature’s creatures. Look carefu...

Homeowners’ wildfire-preparedness efforts pay off

No one likes to see a wildfire threaten homes. When it does happen, though, it can be rewarding for the homeowner who has taken time to become more wildfire-prepared. Such is the...