VISUALLY and VERBALLY explore one of the American West’s most historic and spectacular alpine areas: the majestic San Juan Mountains. We'll show you some of the most inspiring destinations and the rest is up to you. Capture unforgettable images of wildflowers, waterfalls, magical aspens, mining relics, and some of the most ruggedly scenic mountains in North America.

Your scenic photography or artistic adventure may include many of the following trails (and more), some ascending to over 12,000 feet. Choice of trails, terrain, vistas, transportation, depends on weather, season, and scenic variety at the time we head out. If going into the mountains, expect snow any time of the year, even on July 4th! July is waterfall season, and wildflowers, although best in July, usually bloom through the end of August, even in the snow showers that are common in early fall. Fall, our most spectacular time of the year in Western, Colorado is... quite simply, breathatking. Mountain trails offering scenic alpine vistas you may want to photograh and paint: Howardsville - Eureka - Animas Forks
     Cunningham, Clear Lake, Highland Mary Lakes
     Yankee Boy Basin - Governor Basin
     Dallas Divide-Last Dollar Road-Alta Lakes-Ophir (fall)
     Alpine Loop: Silverton-Ouray-Lake City
     Red Mountain Mining District - Corkscrew Gulch & Turntable.
Visit our SilvertonMagazine to see videos and visuals of these areas.


Ouray County Historical Museum & Town Tour Silverton Mining Heritage Museum and Town Tour Silverton Heritage Pass tour: mining, museum, mill, Indian Jewelry shops and galleries with lunch included. We can also arrange for Jeep tours, fishing, rafting, hot-air ballooning, horse-back riding, or other activities at your request.

Explore the path of the old railroads that once connected the mining districts and towns of the San Juans. Travel with James Burke, a published railroad historian who will share his knowledge of the area with you.

PICK your PREFERENCE. Choose one; choose several. Whatever your favorite medium - brush and canvas, camera and tripod, pen and paper - you'll find you can't resisit commiting some of this beauty to posterity. Take a photo, write a poem, paint a painting. Share the magesty of the San Juans.

OURAY's history museum was once the Miner's Hospital. Today the lovely stone building houses a glowing mineral collection, re-creation of a mine shaft and mine office, furnishings from the Walsh House (in Animas Forks, and once home of the infamous Hope Diamond), and numerous static and rotating displays of Ouray's rich Victorian history. Another worthwhile visit is Bachelor Syracuse Mine just north of Ouray.

     SILVERTON'S museum was once the town jail, and still has a few jail cells intact if you want to spend a night behind bars. You'll also find collections related to mining. Behind the old jail is the fully restored Old Hundred Boarding house and a world-class mining museum. A few miles from town, visit the Mayflower Mill and the Old Hundred Mine Tour.

Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs, Ouray, Colorado is our recommended lodging for Ouray. 800-327-5080. Red Mountain RV, Motel & Cabins is a favorite in Silverton, as is The Wyman Hotel & Inn (luxury accomodations). Please contact the lodging of your choice to directly to book your stay, and be sure to mention you are with Burke's San Juan Photo and Art Tours when you book.

Jeep transport for most tours is provided by Switzerland of America Jeeps (SOA) in Ouray or Red Mountain RV and Silver Summit in Silverton. Jeeps accomodate three or four persons in addition to our excursion guide. Larger groups will go up in 6-passenger tour vehicles. All passengers in Wranglers must be over 21 and have valid drivers license and proof of insurance. When you reserve with us, please be sure to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.