The San Juan Mountains of Colorado have always held a special place in my heart. There’s something enchanting about their rugged peaks, dense forests, and the tranquil communities tucked away in their valleys.
Over the years, I’ve explored many of these hidden gems and discovered neighborhoods where seclusion and natural beauty go hand in hand. If you’re like me and crave a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, you’ll appreciate these 10 secluded neighborhoods that offer a slice of mountain paradise.
10. La Plata Canyon Residences
La Plata Canyon is one of my favorite spots for experiencing rugged mountain living. The residences here are surrounded by the dramatic terrain of the La Plata Mountains, offering a peaceful escape with a backdrop of towering peaks.
With a small population of around 60 residents, the community is as tight-knit as it is secluded. I enjoy exploring the nearby hiking trails, and the area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts like me who appreciate activities such as mountain biking, fishing, and even gold panning in the creeks.
The sense of adventure combined with the tranquility of mountain life makes La Plata Canyon truly special.
Where is La Plata Canyon?
Located west of Durango, La Plata Canyon is accessed via County Road 124, which winds through the stunning canyon landscape. The drive itself is an adventure, with sweeping views and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
To reach the residences, you head west from Durango on U.S. Highway 160 for about 11 miles, then turn onto County Road 124 and continue for another 5 miles into the canyon. The secluded location and rugged beauty make the journey worthwhile every time I visit.
9. Hermosa Creek Area
The Hermosa Creek area north of Durango is a place where I feel truly connected to nature. The secluded homes nestled among tall pines offer privacy and a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
With around 120 residents scattered throughout the area, it’s quiet enough to hear the breeze whispering through the trees. I particularly enjoy fly fishing in Hermosa Creek and hiking the numerous trails that meander through the forests.
The combination of seclusion and access to outdoor activities makes this area a favorite of mine for a weekend getaway or a permanent residence.
Where is Hermosa Creek ?
Hermosa Creek is located along U.S. Highway 550, making it accessible yet removed from the more bustling areas. The community is about 10 miles north of Durango, an easy drive that still feels like you’re venturing into the wilderness.
To get there, you follow Highway 550 north until you reach the turnoff for Hermosa Park Road. The area’s proximity to the San Juan Skyway adds to its appeal, offering some of the most scenic drives in Colorado right at your doorstep.
8. Chromo Meadows
Chromo Meadows, situated south of Pagosa Springs, is a remote area that I find incredibly peaceful. The spacious ranches and serene environment are perfect for those looking to escape city noise entirely. With a small population of around 40 people, it’s a place where solitude is the norm.
I relish the wide-open spaces, where the night skies are brilliantly illuminated by stars due to the lack of light pollution. For me, the simplicity of life here, surrounded by rolling meadows and distant mountains, is the ultimate retreat.
Where is Chromo Meadows?
Located along U.S. Highway 84 near the New Mexico border, Chromo Meadows is about 20 miles south of Pagosa Springs. The drive takes you through scenic valleys and pastures that epitomize rural Colorado.
To reach Chromo Meadows, you head south on Highway 84 from Pagosa Springs and look for the signs near the small community of Chromo. The area’s remoteness is part of its charm, offering a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
7. Hesperus Mountain Foothills
The foothills of Hesperus Mountain offer some of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen. The rural properties here are situated on large plots of land, providing ample space and privacy. With approximately 70 residents in the area, it’s a peaceful community that embraces the beauty of the surrounding peaks.
I enjoy watching the sunsets paint the sky with hues of orange and pink over the mountains. Outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding are easily accessible, making it an ideal spot for those who, like me, love to stay active while enjoying the tranquility of mountain living.
Where is Hesperus Mountain?
Located west of Durango off U.S. Highway 160, the Hesperus area is easy to reach yet offers a sense of seclusion. To get there, you drive west from Durango for about 11 miles until you reach Hesperus, then explore the various county roads that lead into the foothills.
The area’s elevation provides cooler temperatures and a refreshing mountain climate that I find invigorating. The proximity to both Durango and the expansive wilderness of the San Juan National Forest makes it a perfect balance of convenience and solitude.
6. Lemon Reservoir Vicinity
The area around Lemon Reservoir is one of my favorite spots for a quiet escape. The secluded cabins and homes are surrounded by dense forests, offering a peaceful retreat where I can truly unwind. With around 90 residents in the vicinity, it’s a community that values privacy and a close connection to nature.
I love spending time on the reservoir itself, kayaking, or simply sitting by the shore and enjoying the tranquility. The abundance of wildlife and the whisper of the wind through the trees make this area a haven for those seeking solitude.
Where is Lemon Reservoir?
Lemon Reservoir is located northeast of Durango, nestled in the San Juan National Forest. To reach it, you head east from Durango on Florida Road (County Road 240) for about 15 miles, then turn onto County Road 243 and continue for another 6 miles.
The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes that highlight the beauty of Colorado’s high country. The reservoir’s remote setting and the surrounding forested mountains contribute to the sense of seclusion that I cherish when visiting this area.
5. Piedra River Valley
The Piedra River Valley is a place where I feel completely at peace. The expansive ranches along the river provide a tranquil environment surrounded by forests and meadows. With roughly 50 residents in the area, it’s a sparsely populated region that offers plenty of solitude.
I enjoy fly fishing in the Piedra River and watching the abundant wildlife, including elk and deer, roam freely. The combination of riverfront living and the serene landscape makes it an idyllic spot for anyone seeking a quiet mountain lifestyle.
Where is Piedra River?
Situated northwest of Pagosa Springs, the Piedra River Valley is accessed via U.S. Highway 160 and County Road 600. To get there, you travel west from Pagosa Springs on Highway 160 for about 15 miles, then turn north onto County Road 600 (Piedra Road) and continue into the valley.
The journey offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains and the winding river below. The area’s remote location and natural beauty make it a hidden gem that I always look forward to visiting.
4. Electra Lake Area
The homes around Electra Lake are some of the most secluded and picturesque I’ve encountered. The area offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and exclusive access to the private lake, which I find to be a unique privilege.
With a small community of around 30 residents, it’s an intimate setting where privacy is paramount. I love spending time on the water, whether boating or simply enjoying the reflections of the peaks on the lake’s surface. The tranquility and exclusivity of Electra Lake make it a truly special place in my book.
Where is Electra Lake?
Located north of Durango off U.S. Highway 550, Electra Lake is nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. To reach it, you drive north from Durango for about 18 miles, then turn onto Electra Lake Road. Access to the lake and the surrounding properties is restricted, enhancing the area’s seclusion.
The elevation and pristine environment contribute to the sense of escape that I cherish when I’m fortunate enough to visit this beautiful enclave.
3. Forest Lakes
Forest Lakes near Bayfield is a rural community that offers peaceful mountain living amidst large wooded lots. With a population of approximately 1,500 residents, it’s larger than some other secluded areas but still retains a quiet, close-knit atmosphere.
I enjoy the abundant wildlife and the serene environment that comes with being surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. The area provides ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring, making it a perfect spot for those who, like me, appreciate the great outdoors.
Where is Forest Lakes?
Situated north of Bayfield off County Road 501, Forest Lakes is easily accessible yet feels worlds away from urban life. To get there, you head north from Bayfield on County Road 501 for about 7 miles until you reach the community.
The neighborhood is nestled around Lake Simpatico, a small lake that adds to the area’s charm. The combination of wooded landscapes and mountain views makes Forest Lakes a place where I always feel at home.
2. Durango Hills
Durango Hills is a quiet, forested neighborhood northeast of Durango that I find incredibly peaceful. The spacious properties are tucked among pine-covered hills, providing a sense of privacy and connection with nature. With around 200 residents, it’s a small community where neighbors value the tranquility of their surroundings.
I enjoy the easy access to outdoor activities, from hiking the nearby trails to observing the local wildlife. The absence of city noise and the embrace of the natural environment make Durango Hills a favorite of mine.
Where is Durango Hills?
Located off Florida Road (County Road 240), Durango Hills is about 12 miles from downtown Durango. To get there, you drive east on Florida Road, enjoying the scenic journey through the Animas River Valley and up into the hills.
The elevation provides cooler temperatures and beautiful views of the surrounding forests. The area’s seclusion is enhanced by the winding roads and the dense tree covers that I find so appealing in a mountain community.
1. Vallecito Lake Estates
Vallecito Lake Estates is perhaps my favorite secluded neighborhood in the San Juan Mountains. Nestled around Vallecito Reservoir, the community offers one-acre lots surrounded by the San Juan National Forest.
With a population of about 400 residents, it combines the serenity of mountain living with a welcoming community spirit. I love spending my days fishing on the reservoir, hiking the numerous trails, or simply enjoying the stunning views from my porch.
The combination of natural beauty and peaceful seclusion makes Vallecito Lake Estates a true mountain paradise in my eyes.
Where is Vallecito Lake?
Located about 18 miles northeast of Durango, Vallecito Lake Estates is accessible via County Road 501. To get there, you drive north from Bayfield on County Road 501, winding through the magnificent San Juan National Forest. The journey itself is part of the experience, with towering pines and glimpses of wildlife along the way.
The area’s proximity to Vallecito Reservoir provides not only recreational opportunities but also enhances the sense of tranquility that I treasure in this secluded neighborhood.
