I think I first visited the San Juan mountains in 2003, and I’ve been addicted ever since. The forests, tall mountains, mesas and red and black cliffs are unforgettable. Actually I’m trying to plan a trip back in the next couple months for big dose of steep powder and hot springs, without the crowds. For a popular state, those mountains feel more wild and desolate than many of the other ranges in Colorado. But as towns like Telluride, Montrose, Ridgway and Ouray continue to grow and festivals get bigger and mansions spontaneously reproduce, that area could use some more protection. For those interested in potential increased regulation, the San Juans Mountains Wilderness Act of 2009 was just introduced in the Senate.