Picnicking in the San Juan Mountains
A Reason for Every season
The San Juan Mountains offer some of the most picturesque scenery in the country, perfect for a picnic or celebration of any kind, during any season. We’ve outlined the best reasons for each the season to picnic in the San Juans below. Whether you’re hoping to relax in a field of wildflowers in the summer or snowshoe to a great winter picnic spot, we’re ready to make sure you have everything you need for a great time! By embracing the beauty and adventurous spirit year-round, you immediately increse your time outside enjoying the beautiful place Durango Picnic Co. is lucky to call home.
Summer: High Elevation Picnicking (June-August)
Why plan a Summer picnic?
Summer can feel short-lived in the San Juan mountains, which is all the more reason to get out and enjoy a picnic in the high elevations! Enjoying a carefully curated picnic among the wildflowers of June and July is an experience unlike any other. Don’t walk to a summer picnic – run!
Where to picnic near Silverton and Southwest Colorado in the Summer?
The high peaks above Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride are some of our favorite summer picnic spots. The Highland Mary Trail (Silverton, CO), Engineer Meadows (between Durango and Silverton), and Alta Lakes (Telluride) are some of our favorite picnic spots.
What should I pack for a Summer picnic?
Summer at high elevations requires sunscreen and a hat. Although it may not seem necessary, it’s also a good idea to pack a jacket or more specifically a raincoat, as the weather can shift in a heartbeat. Be prepared to picnic earlier in the day, as afternoon storms can put a damper on picnic plans if you’re not prepared.
Best Food for a Summer picnic:
We’ll plan your picnic with you, but some of our summer favorites are the caprese skewers, crostinis with whipped feta, lemon, olive oil and salt, the tahini beet salad, and a ham and gruyere sandwich on a baguette.
Fall: earthy vibes only (September-November)
Why plan a picnic?
You haven’t lived until you’ve picnicked in an Aspen Grove in the San Juan mountains in the fall. The golden hue, the rustling of the aspen leaves in the wind, the smell of the dampened earth underfoot is other worldly. You’ll thank us later, we promise.
Where to picnic in Durango in the fall?
Colorado is home to thousands (millions?!) of acres of Aspen Groves, but some of the favorite picnic spots in the San Juans are off of the scenic Million Dollar Highway or the San Juan Skyway. The Million Dollar highway is a section of highway from Silverton to Ouray. The San Juan Skyway is a much longer trek of 233 miles and takes you through Durango, Dolores, Telluride, Ridgwy, Ouray and Silverton.
What should I pack?
Don’t forget your camera if you’re enjoying a fall picnic and remember your hat and gloves, as September through November can still get very cold in the mountains.
Best Food for a Fall picnic:
Fall is a great time to kick off comfort food season. Enjoy a heartier antipasto skewer with salami, roasted rep pepper, and artichoke hearts drizzled in mint pistachio pesto. We’ll make a charcuterie board with dried fruits, meats, and specialty cheeses perfect and seasonal. Our burrata steak with chimichurri crostini offers fantastic flavors for fall.
Winter: embracing a wonderland (December-February)
Why plan a picnic?
Planning a winter picnic does often take more preparation, but offers a unique experience few rarely get to enjoy. If you want to be a little different and embrace winter instead of wish it away, a winter picnic is a wonderful choice.
Where to go?
There is an abundance of snow in the San Juans during the winter months, making safety and accessibility two factors to keep in mind. Haviland Lake (Durango) is a great spot for a winter picnic and snowshoeing near Molas Pass (Silverton) is unbeatable in the winter months.
What should I pack?
The key to having a good time during a winter picnic is layers! Wear multiple layers including a warm winter jacket and scarf, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Sunglasses are a must, as the sun can reflect off snow and offer brighter conditions than even your brightest summer day.
Best food for a winter picnic:
Some of our favorites winter picnic menu iteams include grilled cheese bites and warm tomato soup (transported in a thermos or heat protected container), creamy artichoke dip with bread, falafel bites with a homemade tzatziki dip, and fresh chocolate chip cookies.
Spring: Do go chasing waterfalls (March-May)
Why plan a Spring picnic?
After a long winter, the best thing for everyone, whether you’re visiting or live in Southwest Colorado, is to get some fresh air. Picnicking during spring offers the opportunity to dust off your bike or hiking shoes and enjoy some lower elevation picnics, the start of the mountain flora, and more.
Where to go?
While the higher elevations will still be under plenty of snow and not accessible until summer, some of our lower elevation favorites include Church Camp Loop (near Turtle Lake in Durango, Colorado), the Animas River Trail (Durango, Colorado), and Canyon of the Ancients (Cortez, CO). Waterfalls first begin flowing in late spring, so although we hate to go against TLC’s advice, DO go chasing waterfalls.
What should I pack for a Spring picnic?
Mother Nature can pack every season into one spring day in Colorado. Be prepared for the elements with jackets, gloves, hats, shorts, sneakers, and everything in between.
Best Food for a Springtime picnic:
Let us do the planning, but a great springtime picnics includes fresh made salads, spritzers of your choice, and a mix of meats and cheeses perfect fuel for any spring time event.