San Juan Backcountry
San Juan Backcountry
4.5
Full view
About
Summer: Rent a Jeep, ATV, Dirt Bike, Street Bike or a Mountain Bike OR take a guided tour on an ATV or in one of our open-top 4x4 Suburbans and we will take you to the best and most spectacular places in the San Juans, one of America's most pristine wilderness areas. Winter: Come ride with us starting at Molas Lake Campground on a snowmobile tour that you will never forget! On the perfect day you will arrive up at almost 13k feet, on top of the Grand Turk, where purgatory looks like just a hop skip and jump away! Or come rent skis, snowboards, sleds or ice skate at Kendall mountain and enjoy all the powder we have to offer! Best rates in Sw Colorado!
Silverton, Colorado
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
472 reviews
Excellent
370
Very good
42
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
48
Kristen Denson
Wichita Falls, TX11 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We reserved the evening tour from 6-8:30pm. We left with our tour guide Ty in “the tank”, Ford Excursion. Along the way we had conversation and he got to know our family and vice versa. At least halfway up the mountain Ty was shifting gears and then we heard a *clunk* fall from the vehicle. The drive shaft had fallen off the vehicle. My family and I all exited the vehicle and looked at a nearby waterfall and gorgeous views. Luckily a local was coming down the mountain and was able to assist in getting our vehicle turned around. Ty was able to get us down the mountain safely all while in neutral and excellent breaks and seatbelts ;) When we got to the bottom of the mountain Ty assured us we would be settled right with the company rather than just a half of a tour. We remained back on the trail and did some hiking and sightseeing while he went back to the shop to retrieve another vehicle. He came back with a brand new Jeep and offered us to continue the tour to the top of the mountain. I’m so glad we took him up on the offer because it was the best views we had witnessed on our whole trip! Thank you Ty for keeping it calm and so much fun!! Hope to see you in the future! (He’s an excellent photographer as well)
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jewels299
Pocahontas, TN205 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
My husband and I visited Silverton for first time. Lovely little town. Was able to rent the last side by side. (You really need reservations. We just got lucky for half day rental) Poor gal that rented us the vehicle was so over worked. Apparently everyone is having trouble getting enough help, since most people are making more money staying at home. Anywho.....had time to go up the mountain to a real ghost town maintained by Park Service. Walked around and in most buildings. Way cool. The drive up can be hairy in some spots if there is another vehicle on trail. Scenery is spectacular with straight drops down side of mountain at some spots. Towards end of drive, the terrain resembled alpine mountain area. Saw large sheep herds. Seemed that Heidi would come strolling along at any moment. Pack some food, water and mouth coverings as the trail is dusty. I bet this route is insane during the fall. We would love to come back during during the fall. This was so much fun!!!!!!
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millie B
6 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Ty was very personable and knowledgeable about the area. He made sure we had good photos and panoramically photos of our whole group against beautiful backgrounds. He also made sure we had the best view of a moose that was seen on the way back to town. We had a few extra minutes so instead of taking us back to town early we detoured to a beautiful field of flowers and mountains.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy A
1 contribution
May 2020 • Couples
We rented a jeep online through San Juan back country in Silverton a over month ago. We have been trying to cancel it because of Covid-19 as we understand Colorado is not allowing out of stators in at this time. We’ve called numerous times left messages their voicemail says they are out of the country currently and will be back and be open May 15, 2020. It’s the same recording every time today is May 20 five days after they should have been open or at least have change the voicemail and answered our calls. They have Not! I’ve also submitted numerous times a message on their website. We still have not heard from them. They have $836.46 of OURS.
San Juan back country please please respond and do the right thing!
San Juan back country please please respond and do the right thing!
Written May 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mickey M
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Incident requiring be towed off the mountain – the manager/owner immediately began crafting a story of what happened. Problem is, she had not spoken with the adult driver and no one witnessed the accident. We had rented four ATV’s and had intermittent problems all day. Sometimes they stayed in gear, sometimes not. Sometimes the brakes worked, sometimes not. Those of us who successfully made it back to return our vehicles were told to pull in and park. There were no minimal inspections of the vehicles except to make sure we had re-fueled them as is a requirement. The workers then closed for the day and vacated the premises, while we waited outside for our family members to be brought down off the mountain. The manager/owner actually suggested I go shopping while I wait; not really the first thing that comes to mind when told that two family members have had an accident. Equipment must be maintained properly especially when people’s lives are at stake. Do Not Rent from San Juan Back Country. Please go somewhere else where lives matter more than the company’s bottom line.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelersUsFl
Florida21 contributions
May 2021
Had a great time but impossible to communicate with them. We only wanted a 1/2 day jeep rental and the booking page would only allow us to book a full day even though the website said 1/2 day was available. We left several messages, weeks in advance and ended up booking a full day just to get the jeep. While picking up the jeep, we spoke to the folks staffing the shop and were told the owner was out of town and they did not have a phone in the shop. It was a beautiful drive up the Alpine Loop and we did enjoy the few hours we had the jeep. But we were still charged for a full day.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob S
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
I have been a customer of San Juan Backcountry for years. I am sorry to say that this company has become horrible to do business with. I tried to rent a machine this past October. I needed to ask a few questions so I emailed the company. I didn't hear back, so I called and left a message. I didn't hear back. I called again and finally got Jessica, one of the owners. I was able to get my questions answered so I could book a reservation. I ended up having to cancel that reservation due to inclement weather. San Juan Backcountry charges a 10% cancellation fee, which is understandable. What I don't understand is that I was charged 15% for my cancellation fee. Over the past two months I have tried to contact Jessica, at San Juan Backcountry, to get the overcharged amount returned to me. I have sent two emails and left two detailed voicemails over those 8 weeks, allowing ample time for a response. No one has returned my messages. It appears San Juan Backcountry is not concerned about overcharging their customers. Beware of this company. There are other options for adventure rentals in the area and I encourage you to look elsewhere.
Written December 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris S
6 contributions
Mar 2020
I made the reservation back in Feb. Decided in late March to cancel trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I have reached out to them via phone message, email, and contact through a web browser for over a month now. They were eager and responsive to take my order and place charges on my credit card, but have had zero response since I decided to cancel the trip. So long and short of it, they have $446.28 of mine that I would very much like back. Any help in making contact with them would be appreciated. I hope this is just a misunderstanding and they do not do normal business this way.
Written April 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RJ M
1 contribution
Jun 2020
Jessica's professionalism and assistance were key in a successful shuttle pickup for our son who is a hiker on the continental divide trail. She kindness and patience took a lot of stress out of the situation for this mom.
Thank you, Jessica.
Thank you, Jessica.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenn J
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Solo
These folks are greedy and dishonest.
In September 2022 I arranged for a jeep ride with driver of the Alpine Loop. As I was going solo, I agreed to pay double the $150 fee.
The next day I arrived for the tour and they confirmed I would be charged $300.
Two days later, unbeknownst to me, they charged my credit card an additional $100.
I left messages for them but got no reply.
I had to file a credit card dispute and get a new credit card that San Juan Backcountry would have no knowledge of.
Beware of these underhanded practices from these folks and double check your credit card statements for overcharges from San Juan Backcountry in Silverton, Colorado if you use their services.
In September 2022 I arranged for a jeep ride with driver of the Alpine Loop. As I was going solo, I agreed to pay double the $150 fee.
The next day I arrived for the tour and they confirmed I would be charged $300.
Two days later, unbeknownst to me, they charged my credit card an additional $100.
I left messages for them but got no reply.
I had to file a credit card dispute and get a new credit card that San Juan Backcountry would have no knowledge of.
Beware of these underhanded practices from these folks and double check your credit card statements for overcharges from San Juan Backcountry in Silverton, Colorado if you use their services.
Written December 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are headed to Colorado next week, How is Silverton affected by the fires?
Written June 18, 2018
Although the San Juan National Forest reopened a week ago, keep in mind that the SJNF covers only about 25 percent of the huge San Juan Mountains. Almost none of the famous jeep/ATV trails were effected by the forest closure. These trails are primarily on BLM land that never closed. There has been no smoke in the Silverton area for about ten days now. The highway to Durango has been fully open for over a week now. But until the fire is completely out, it's best to come to Silverton from the north through Ouray.
Written June 26, 2018
We are headed to Colorado next week, How is Silverton affected by the fires?
Written June 18, 2018
Hello. Not sure if this is the correct page to ask, but can anyone tell me or send me a detailed website with information for the trail that leads from clear lake to island lake? I am a little overweight and live at sea level... so I was thinking my best chance is to rent a jeep and drive up to clear lake and take the shortcut. Does the trail lead to the ice lakes basin or directly through the island lake area?
Written September 15, 2017
I would recommend going on one of their guided tours. We went on an all day trip with this company to and from Lake City from City (went over Engineer pass going to then Cinnamon pass on return in early June. The guides are good about tailoring a trip to fit your needs. The mining roads you would drive on are steep and winding with some bug drop offs along the way. If you have not beel four wheeling a bit or are not familiar with the area I would suggest hiring a guide. We saw several people along the way who rented and drove themselves stopped with flat tires. Our tour guides name was Doug he had been driving off road since the 60s he knew the area well
Written September 16, 2017
Do Know how much a Rim/Wheel costs? Plus the time to get one? How about the downtime of the machine the wheel was on? I would have left the machine where the Flat tire occurred. I'm sure the Tire Insurance was enough to cover those costs only. Would you drive your car until it is damaged that bad? Hmmm!
Written July 30, 2015
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