New this year!! Join herbalist and biologist Marija Helt at SJMA's Durango Nature Center to explore local edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants. The pace and distance will be leisurely. WHEN Saturday July 25, 2026, 8:30am - 11:00am WHERE SJMA's Durango Nature Center meet in the parking lot at 8:30am DETAILS Bring snacks and water, and
Join SJMA and educators from Canyons of the Ancients National Monument for a special hike through the moonlit Sand Canyon while learning about how the moon impacts wildlife and humans alike. This trail is usually closed after sunset, so this is a rare chance to see it under a different light. From sunset to moonrise,
Curious about minimalist camping or learning to thrive outdoors with limited gear? This program, in collaboration with Montrose Recreation District, is designed for adults and families ready to deepen their wilderness knowledge and self-reliance. Participants learn how to travel comfortably with just a small pack, tarp, and the Ten Essentials. Instruction includes shelter construction, knots and rigging,
Want to know more about nature? Flora, fauna, geology, clouds, water, you name it: our trusty crew of volunteer naturalists can enlighten you while on a pleasant stroll in the San Juan Mountains. Every Friday from June through August, SJMA is offering this fun, fact-filled, moderate nature hike. We’ll be moving at a “walking” pace
Are you interested in connecting with the landscapes of Ouray? Do you desire more knowledge of the regional plants and animals that inhabit the San Juans? Or do you simply wish for a fun and engaging exploration that you can share with your family? Join SJMA in Ouray for our third exploration hike of the
Join SJMA and local herbalist/biologist Marija Helt for a mushroom and plant walk in La Plata Canyon. When: Wednesday August 5th, 2026 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Where: La Plata Canyon Road (CR 124) near Miners Cabin Campground (Google Maps); Please park at the intersection of CR 124 and the entrance to Miner’s Cabin
Want to know more about nature? Flora, fauna, geology, clouds, water, you name it: our trusty crew of volunteer naturalists can enlighten you while on a pleasant stroll in the San Juan Mountains. Every Friday from June through August, SJMA is offering this fun, fact-filled, moderate nature hike. We’ll be moving at a “walking” pace
Ever notice trees while you're out and about and wish you knew more about them? Join Elli Morris, a tree lover with a Master of Forestry and extensive training in post-disturbance forest restoration, for SJMA’s new Tree Walks & Talks interpretive series. These wanderings will focus on site-specific trees and our relationship with them. From
Want to know more about nature? Flora, fauna, geology, clouds, water, you name it: our trusty crew of volunteer naturalists can enlighten you while on a pleasant stroll in the San Juan Mountains. Every Friday from June through August, SJMA is offering this fun, fact-filled, moderate nature hike. We’ll be moving at a “walking” pace
Join SJMA for an evening of night sky wonder! Luann Andrew, an avid and passionate amateur astronomer, is hosting a series of night sky events at the Nature Center this year. She has been a Park Ranger at Mesa Verde National Park for the last 14 years where she has enjoyed working as a night
SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologists Dave Bouquet and Scott McAllister, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s
Want to know more about nature? Flora, fauna, geology, clouds, water, you name it: our trusty crew of volunteer naturalists can enlighten you while on a pleasant stroll in the San Juan Mountains. Every Friday from June through August, SJMA is offering this fun, fact-filled, moderate nature hike. We’ll be moving at a “walking” pace
SJMA is looking for volunteers to join us on this four-day backpacking trip along the Pine River Trail to complete light trail maintenance. We are lucky enough to be able to utilize llamas to help carry tools and some equipment. The work to be done is between 8-12 miles from the southern trailhead. It involves
Want to know more about nature? Flora, fauna, geology, clouds, water, you name it: our trusty crew of volunteer naturalists can enlighten you while on a pleasant stroll in the San Juan Mountains. Every Friday from June through August, SJMA is offering this fun, fact-filled, moderate nature hike. We’ll be moving at a “walking” pace
Join Mike Foster at SJMA's Nature Center for a late summer bird outing. Expect to find the birds that spend the summer at the center and those who are beginning their southern migration at this point in the year. Walking distance is less than a mile. Leisurely pace. WHEN August 29th, 2026 from 8:00am -
SJMA is partnering with Colorado 14ers Initiative (CFI) for multi-day trail work project. Work will be overseen by CFI. Details will finalized soon. When: Evening of Tuesday, September 1 - morning of Thursday, September 3 September 1st: Camp at Yankee Boy Basin / Mt. Sneffels Trailhead, September 2nd: Work approx. 8.5 hours. Please be ready
CANCELED - the known historically carved trees are no longer standing in the location originally set for the hike Names, dates, and drawings etched into the soft, white bark of Aspen trees stand silent witness to travelers from ages past. Carved by lonely sheepherders, cowboys, and sometimes other anonymous wayfarers, these amateur signposts are more
Join SJMA for an evening of night sky wonder! Luann Andrew, an avid and passionate amateur astronomer, is hosting a series of night sky events at the Nature Center this year. She has been a Park Ranger at Mesa Verde National Park for the last 14 years where she has enjoyed working as a night
Ever notice trees while you're out and about and wish you knew more about them? Join Elli Morris, a tree lover with a Master of Forestry and extensive training in post-disturbance forest restoration, for SJMA’s new Tree Walks & Talks interpretive series. These wanderings will focus on site-specific trees and our relationship with them. From
Due to weather forecast, this event has been canceled. SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologists Dave Bouquet and Scott McAllister, will be in an area of the
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Founded in 1988, the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), promotes the exploration and protection of public lands in Southwest Colorado through stewardship and conservation education for people of all ages.
Cover photo credit: Mason Cummings
P.O. Box 2261 (mailing)
15 Burnett Court (physical)
Durango, CO 81302
970.385.1210
info@sjma.org
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