San Juan County: The Rugged Roof of the Rockies

Ascend to the pinnacle of mountain living in San Juan County, Colorado. Known as the "Switzerland of America," this region is the highest county in the United States by mean elevation. Anchored by the historic Victorian mining town of Silverton, San Juan County is not for the faint of heart—it is a destination for the true mountain adventurer. For the horse property buyer, this is a specialized market. You won't find year-round grazing ranches here; instead, you will find high-altitude basecamps, historic mining claims, and summer retreats that serve as the launching pad for the most spectacular pack trips in North America.

Summer Grazing and Mining Claims

Owning horse property in San Juan County is a seasonal affair defined by breathtaking beauty. With Silverton sitting at 9,318 feet, winters are deep and long, but the summers offer cool air and wildflowers that defy description. Real estate here often consists of patented mining claims and remote parcels surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. These properties are ideal for setting up a summer wall tent camp or building a rugged cabin where you can keep a string of horses during the warmer months (June through September).

The terrain is vertical and dramatic. Riders here don't look for flat arenas; they look for access. Owning land here means having a deeded foothold in a landscape that is almost entirely public, giving you a private gate into the high country that few others possess.

The Ultimate Pack-Trip Destination

This is the domain of the backcountry horseman. San Juan County offers direct access to the Weminuche Wilderness—Colorado's largest wilderness area. From your property, you can ride the Continental Divide Trail, explore the headwaters of the Animas River, or traverse the famous Alpine Loop. The trails are rocky, steep, and technical, rewarding experienced riders with views of 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks in every direction.

The culture of the county is steeped in history. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad still steams into town daily, a reminder of the area's mining roots. The community is small, tight-knit, and resilient, comprised of people who deeply respect the power and beauty of the mountains.

Why Invest in San Juan County?

San Juan County offers an escape from the modern world that is absolute and uncompromising.

• Scarcity: With very little private land available amidst the National Forest, owning a parcel here is a rare asset.
• Climate: Escape the summer heat completely; highs rarely exceed 75 degrees, making it a paradise for horses and riders in July and August.
• Adventure: This is the premier location for big game hunting, offering access to high-country elk and mule deer herds.

Browse our rare and rugged listings of San Juan County horse properties below to find your summer headquarters at the top of the world.