Jura Knob - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's no shortage of things to do at Jura Knob, located in San Juan County, Colorado. For starters, the area is home to some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the state. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, rafting, and kayaking on the nearby Animas River. And if you're looking for a bit of history, you can explore the Abandoned Ute City, which was once home to a thriving mining community. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to do at Jura Knob. So come on up and enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer.

Jura Knob is a mountain in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. It is the highest point in San Juan County and the fourth-highest peak in the state. The mountain was named after the Jura Mountains of Switzerland by surveyors in 1873. Jura Knob is composed of Precambrian metamorphic rocks, which are some of the oldest rocks in North America. The summit of the mountain is covered with talus, or broken rock fragments. There is a small cabin on the summit that was built in 1932 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cabin is available for rent to overnight guests. Jura Knob offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the nearby Mount Sneffels, one of Colorado's fourteeners. In clear weather, peaks in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah can also be seen from the summit.

The best time to visit Jura Knob depends on what you're looking for. If you're interested in seeing the wildlife, the best time to visit is in the spring or autumn when the animals are most active. If you're interested in hiking, the summer months are the best time to go as the weather is more stable and there are more daylight hours. However, if you're looking for a truly spectacular experience, the winter months are when Jura Knob really comes into its own. The snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes are truly breathtaking, and there's nothing quite like watching the sun rise over the mountains. 

1. Start early. The parking lot at Jura Knob fills up quickly, so it's best to arrive early to ensure that you get a spot.
2. Bring plenty of water. There is no water available at Jura Knob, so make sure to bring enough for your entire hike.
3.  Dress appropriately. Although the temperatures at Jura Knob can be pleasant during the day, they can drop sharply at night, so be sure to pack a jacket or sweater.
4. Be prepared for inclement weather. San Juan County is known for its unpredictable weather, so be sure to pack rain gear just in case.
5. Stick to the trails. There are numerous trails crisscrossing Jura Knob, but it's important to stay on established paths in order to avoid getting lost or damaging sensitive vegetation.
6. Stay on designated trails: There are many unmarked trails in the area around Jura Knob, but it's important to stay on established trails to avoid getting lost or damaging fragile vegetation.

1.  Jura Knob is part of the rugged San Juan Mountains, which are home to some of the most challenging hiking trails in the country.The knob is situated in a very remote location and can only be accessed by foot, horse or four-wheel drive.
2. The area around Jura Knob is rich in wildlife, with elk, deer, bighorn sheep and mountain lions all being found in the vicinity.
3. The knob has been a popular destination for climbers since the early 20th century, and there are several routes up to the summit.
4. In fine weather, it is even possible to see as far as the states of Wyoming and Utah from the top of Jura Knob.
5. The area around Jura Knob is rich in mining history, and there are several abandoned mines in the area.
6. The trail to the top of Jura Knob passes through an old growth forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
    

While there is no official time limit for exploring Jura Knob, most visitors allow for two to three hours to complete the round-trip hike. This gives ample time to take in the scenery, take photos, and enjoy a picnic lunch at the top. In addition, it is important to allow for extra time in case of inclement weather or unexpected delays. 

To reach Jura Knob, San Juan County, Colorado, head west on Highway 50 from Gunnison. After about 30 miles, you'll see a sign for the turnoff to the left. Take that turn and follow the dirt road for about 4 miles until you reach a parking area. From there, it's an easy hike to the top of the knob.

There is no entrance fee to explore Jura Knob, San Juan County, Colorado. However, there is a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family to help support the upkeep of the area.

The hours that the public can access Jura Knob are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the summer months and from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the winter months. Winter access may be limited due to weather conditions.