San Juan County is a county located in the southeastern corner of Utah. It is bordered by Colorado to the east, Arizona to the south, and Utah’s other counties to the north and west. The county seat is Monticello, while the largest city in San Juan County is Blanding.
San Juan County has an estimated population of 15,057 people according to the 2019 census estimates. The majority of residents identify as white (76.5%), followed by Native American (17.2%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%), and Asian (2%).
According to definitionexplorer.com, the history of San Juan County dates back thousands of years with evidence that Native Americans lived in this area as early as 7500 BCE. In 1880, Mormon settlers arrived in San Juan County and established several towns including Monticello, Blanding, Bluff, Mexican Hat, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth. Over time these settlements grew into larger towns and cities that are still thriving today.
San Juan County offers visitors plenty of attractions for them to explore. From archaeological sites such as Hovenweep National Monument to outdoor activities like hiking and camping at Natural Bridges National Monument – there’s something for everyone. Other popular attractions include Goosenecks State Park which offers incredible views from its overlooks; Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park which has stunning landscapes; Edge of Cedars State Park Museum which showcases ancient artifacts; and many more.
San Juan County is also home to some famous people including author Zane Grey who wrote Riders of the Purple Sage while living in Monticello; actor Wilford Brimley who was born in Salt Lake City but raised in Blanding; singer/songwriter Jewel who lived near Blanding during her teen years; and musician/producer Butch Vig who was raised in Farmington near Bluff.
San Juan County offers visitors plenty of attractions for them to explore. From archaeological sites to outdoor activities – there’s something for everyone. Plus with its rich history and famous people – it’s no wonder why so many flock here every year.
Climate and weather in San Juan County, Utah
According to liuxers.com, San Juan County, Utah is located in the southeastern corner of the state and has a semi-arid climate. The county experiences an average of 300 sunny days each year, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to over 100°F in summer.
The region receives an average of 11 inches of precipitation annually, most of which falls during the summer months. Winter is usually dry and cold with temperatures dropping as low as 0°F or lower at night. Snowfall can vary greatly from year to year but is usually around 20 inches annually.
The spring months are generally mild with temperatures ranging between 40°F and 70°F. Rainfall increases during this time and snow may still be present in higher elevations. The summer months are hot and dry with temperatures reaching above 90°F during the day and often dropping into the mid-50s at night. Thunderstorms are common during this time, bringing heavy rains and lightning strikes that can cause flash floods and wildfires throughout the area.
Fall brings cooler temperatures with highs in the mid-70s and lows in the 40s or 50s. Rainfall begins to decrease again but can still bring some showers throughout October and November. Winter returns again shortly after, bringing cold weather that lasts until March or April when spring arrives once again.
San Juan County experiences a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year due to its location on the Colorado Plateau between two mountain ranges – La Sal Mountains to the east and Abajo Mountains to the west – making it a great place for outdoor activities all year round.
Transportation in San Juan County, Utah
San Juan County, Utah offers a variety of transportation options for its residents and visitors. The county is served by two airports – Blanding Municipal Airport and Monticello Airport – which offer regular flights to other parts of the state. Public bus services are also available in the county, connecting many of the major towns and cities.
The main highway in San Juan County is US 191, which runs north-south through the county and connects to other major highways such as I-70, US 6, US 89, and others. Other state roads including SR-95, SR-162, SR-261 run east-west through the county as well. There are also several scenic byways that traverse through San Juan County such as the Trail of Ancients Scenic Byway and Moki Dugway Scenic Byway.
For those who prefer to travel by rail, Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs through San Juan County twice a day on its route between Chicago and Emeryville/San Francisco. The train stops at several stations throughout the county including Monticello Station in Monticello and La Sal Junction Station in La Sal.
Bicycle routes have been established in San Juan County to provide cyclists with safe routes for commuting or recreational riding. These include an extensive network of bike paths that connect many of the major towns as well as some backcountry roads that can be used for mountain biking or road cycling.
Finally, there are several car rental agencies located throughout San Juan County including Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Blanding and Monticello Car Rental in Monticello which offer short or long term rentals depending on your needs. With so many transportation options available it’s easy to get around San Juan County no matter what your preference.
Cities and towns in San Juan County, Utah
San Juan County, Utah is home to a variety of cities and towns that span the entire county. The largest city in the area is Monticello, which is located in the southern part of the county and serves as its county seat. Monticello is a thriving small city that offers a wide range of amenities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. Other major cities in San Juan County include Blanding, Bluff, La Sal, Montezuma Creek, Mexican Hat, and Aneth. See popular cities in Utah.
Blanding is located in the center of San Juan County and offers a variety of shopping opportunities as well as outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and more. Bluff is located on the banks of the San Juan River at its confluence with Comb Ridge and offers stunning views of both canyons. La Sal is situated at the base of La Sal Mountains and provides access to some of Utah’s best skiing destinations.
Montezuma Creek lies on UT-162 near Navajo Mountain and features some spectacular scenery along with plenty of outdoor activities. Mexican Hat sits on UT-163 near Monument Valley Tribal Park and features stunning views from its perch atop a sandstone mesa overlooking the valley below. Finally, Aneth lies on UT-162 west of Montezuma Creek offering access to Lake Powell and other nearby attractions such as Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
In addition to these larger cities, there are also several smaller towns throughout San Juan County such as Halchita, Montezuma Creek, Red Mesa, Tselakai Dezza, White Mesa, White Rock Canyon Village, Oljato-Monument Valley (Navajo Nation), Red Lake (Navajo Nation), Navajo Mountain (Navajo Nation), Teec Nos Pos (Navajo Nation), Mexican Water (Navajo Nation), and many more. These small towns offer unique experiences for travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten path locations while still having access to amenities like restaurants or grocery stores when needed. With so many cities and towns to choose from you’re sure to find something that suits your needs when visiting San Juan County.