The San Juan Mountains Association, in cooperation with the San Juan National Forest Ranger Districts, are excited to announce our list of free summer interpretive hikes for the 2026 summer season.
From geology, to history, to flowers, to birds, and hikes of varying difficulties, there’s something for everyone. Hikes are offered throughout the summer. The following list are hikes offered in the Pagosa area or within an easy drive.
There are many more hikes offered throughout the San Juan National Forest besides what’s on this list, so check out our events page to sign up for any of these exciting and educational field trips.
“Read the Weeds” – Invasives Identification Hike
JUNE 4
Learn to identify some of the unwelcomed invasive weeds species that are taking root in the Pagosa area. This is an educational walk along the 4-Mile Trail, focused on helping participants understand how non-native weeds displace native flora and impact wildlife, as well has how to stop their spread.
“Spring Songs – Audubon Bird Walk” – Birdwatching Hike
JUNE 11
This is a walk to seek flight! Join us as we seek out the feathered creatures with whom we share our forest. Audubon Rockies and Weminuche Audubon Society again join us in SJMA Pagosa’s 2026 Interpretative Hike Season, as they host this leisurely bird I.D. walk tracing the old historic Wolf Creek Road grade. We expect plenty of birds back in the neighborhood with the spring migration, so join us, amateurs and pros alike, on this exciting hike!
“Riverwalk, Hot Springs, & ‘Rez’ Hill” – Geology Hike
JUNE 18
Visit the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring and leam when it formed and why it’s there. Your guide will explain it’s volcanic origins as we walk along the beautiful San Juan River Trail in downtown Pagosa. Then it’s up Reservoir Hill to take in amazing views of the San Juan Mountains and Pagosa Peak.
“Pagosa Early Summer Wildflowers and Edible/Medicinal Plants” – Flora Hike
JUNE 25
From poisons, to portions, to potions, wildflowers are not just pretty to look at. Come marvel at both the beauty and the bounty spreading across our summer landscape, and discover the many uses of our local plant life. We’ll be walking along the Piedra Falls Trail with wild plants expert Lake MuCullough, owner of Earthsense Herbals, on this fun and educational ramble through the forest!
“Trail as Old as Time – Ancient Rocks of the Vallecito Valley” – Geology Hike
JULY 16
The Spanish name Vallecito (“Via-seeto”), meaning “Little Valley”, is an apt name for this valley hike, yet the views along the way are anything but little. Following Vallecito Creek, the trail begins easy, flat and meandering, then begins to climb through a deep canyon with ponderosa pines, aspens, and conifers. Along the way, your geologist guide will explain the rich geologic history of the area, and guests will view some of the oldest rocks in the San Juans.
“Patterns in Our World” – Nature’s Art and Journaling with C.S.U. Extension
JULY 23
Join us for a peaceful morning strolling the landscape, admiring how nature unfolds in beautiful and artistic patterns all around us, along with nature journaling to remember the day.
“Volcanics of the San Juans; A Ramble to Rock Lake” – Geology Hike
AUG. 20 Geology with an AL-titude along the Continental Divide Trail! Starting at an elevation of over 11,700 ft., we’ll be going high to escape the summer heat as we hike a portion of the famous CDT Trail from Lobo Overlook to picturesque Rock Lake. Learn about the origin of the San Juan Mountains created by the largest volcanic eruption by volume ever in North America. Amazing views of the San Juans persist throughout the hike.
“Written in Bark – Aspens & Arborglyphs of the San Juans” – History Hike
SEPT. 10, SEPT. 24, OCT. 8
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 than just antique graffiti, with many of them bound in the history and traditions of a bygone era. Local Arborglyph enthusiast/presenter Peggy Bergon leads hikers into various locations throughout the forest in search of these fascinating artworks on living wooden canvas.
“Hard Evidence: Marine Fossils at 8000 Ft?” – Geology Hike
SEPT 17
Walk through Ponderosa Pine meadows of the Coyote Hill Trail system to a beautiful overlook of Pagosa Peak. During this hike, we’ll go off trail and climb to some ridge-forming limestone outcrops in the Mancos formation that contain marine fossils and numerous calcite crystals. Learn why this area was covered by an inland sea for 30 million years during the Cretaceous period.