San Juan County

San Juan County is a county located in southeastern Utah, in the United States. The county was established in 1880 and was named after the San Juan River, which flows through the area. The county covers an area of 7,933 square miles, making it the largest county in Utah by area.

The area that is now San Juan County has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The Ancestral Puebloan people, also known as the Anasazi, were some of the earliest inhabitants of the area, and their ruins can still be seen today at sites such as Hovenweep National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park. The Anasazi were skilled farmers and built elaborate communities and structures, including cliff dwellings and kivas.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, followed by Mexican traders and trappers. The first permanent settlement in the area was established in 1860 by Mormon pioneers, who established a community in what is now known as Bluff, Utah. The pioneers were led by the famous explorer and Mormon leader, John Wesley Powell, who explored the Colorado River and its tributaries and was the first European to navigate the Grand Canyon.

During the late 19th century, mining became an important industry in San Juan County, with several large mines operating in the area. The town of Bingham, located in the northern part of the county, became one of the largest mining towns in the state, with a population of over 15,000 at its peak.

In the early 20th century, agriculture also became an important industry in San Juan County. The fertile land along the San Juan River proved to be ideal for farming, and many settlers began growing crops such as alfalfa, wheat, and potatoes. Ranching also became popular, with many large cattle and sheep ranches established in the area.

This area of Utah played an important role in the development of the American Southwest, particularly during the construction of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The railroad, which was completed in the late 19th century, connected the area to the rest of the country and allowed for the transportation of goods and people.

The county has a rich history of Native American culture, with several tribes still living in the area, including the Navajo, Ute, and Paiute tribes. The Navajo Nation covers a large portion of San Juan County and is the largest Indian reservation in the United States.

The area is also home to several national parks and monuments, including Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Natural Bridges National Monument. These parks attract millions of visitors each year and are a major source of tourism revenue for the county.

In recent years, San Juan County has been the center of several controversial political issues, including disputes over public lands and the protection of Native American sacred sites. These issues have brought national attention to the county and have highlighted the importance of preserving the area’s unique history and culture.

San Juan County Trail Map

San Juan County 4×4 Trails

San Juan Points of Interest