9 licensed outfitters guide bear hunts in San Juan Mountains. Season dates below come from the Colorado wildlife agency; license status comes from the body that issued it.
Colorado bear season dates
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | September 2, 2026 | September 30, 2026 | Archery bear season; over-the-counter and limited licenses. An add-on OTC bear license can be bought with a deer or elk license for the same season. |
| Muzzleloader | September 12, 2026 | September 20, 2026 | Muzzleloader bear season; over-the-counter and limited licenses. |
| General Rifle | September 2, 2026 | September 30, 2026 | September rifle bear season (limited licenses). Bear may also be hunted with concurrent rifle licenses during the four combined rifle seasons: Oct. 14-18, Oct. 24-Nov. 1, Nov. 7-15 and Nov. 18-22. September plains rifle and private-land-only rifle bear seasons run Sept. 2-Nov. 22. |
| Concurrent Rifle | October 14, 2026 | November 22, 2026 | Over-the-counter and limited rifle bear licenses valid during the four combined deer/elk rifle seasons (Oct. 14-18, Oct. 24-Nov. 1, Nov. 7-15, Nov. 18-22). |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2026 Big Game, Turkey, and Small Game and Waterfowl brochures on September 5, 2026.Source: cpw.widen.net/s/5wvx7rggrd/colorado-big-game-hunting-brochur … Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Bear outfitters in San Juan Mountains
Vallecito Lake Outfitters is located 25 miles northeast of Durango at the scenic Vallecito Lake, serving as a premier entry point for the Weminuche Wilderness and the San Juan Mountains. Operating under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service …
Bighorn Sheep · Black Bear · Elk · Mountain Goat · Mule Deer
High Mountain Hunts (HMH) is a premier big game guide service specializing in high-altitude adventures within the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. Operating under special use permits, Nick Maragas and his team focus on providing elite fair-chase hunts …
Bighorn Sheep · Black Bear · Elk · Mule Deer · Wild Turkey
At Highlands Unlimited, Inc., we specialize in true wilderness drop camp hunting adventures deep in the stunning San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. Our camps are nestled within the remote Piedra Primitive Area—where no motorized vehicles are …
Black Bear · Elk · Mule Deer · Wild Turkey
Lobo Outfitters, LLC offers guided and non-guided hunts in Southwest Colorado. During the summer months, we offer fishing and camping adventures creating vivid, lasting memories for the whole family. Opportunities to experience God’s country high-above-it-all …
Bighorn Sheep · Black Bear · Elk · Moose · Mountain Lion · Mule Deer · Wild Turkey
Backcountry Outfitters is a full-service guide operation that holds special use permits for the San Juan National Forest, the Weminuche Wilderness, and the Piedra Primitive Area. These permits allow Justin and his team to lead expeditions into some of the most …
Black Bear · Elk · Mule Deer · Pronghorn · Wild Turkey
Storm Peak Outfitters is a premier hunting outfitter based in Southwest Colorado in GMU 71 within the San Juan National Forest. Operating in the rugged San Juan Mountains, we specialize in high-quality elk, mule deer, and black bear hunts in some of Colorado’s …
Black Bear · Elk · Mule Deer · Upland Birds
Sundown Outfitters and Rio Grande Outfitters operate year-round in the rugged backcountry of southwest Colorado, offering guided hunts and wilderness experiences across the San Juan, Rio Grande, and Weminuche National Forests, as well as the South San Juan and …
Bighorn Sheep · Black Bear · Elk · Moose · Mountain Lion · Mule Deer · Wild Turkey
Weminuche Wilderness Outfitters specializes in providing authentic, deep-woods adventures within the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest. Operating primarily in Game Management Unit 751, they offer a comprehensive range of hunts including …
Bighorn Sheep · Black Bear · Elk · Mule Deer
Elk Heart Outfitters operates in Southwest Colorado in Units 77 and 78 in the remote and rugged terrain of the San Juan National Forest. Our mission is to provide safe and memorable backcountry experiences rooted in traditional Western values. We deliver …
Black Bear · Elk · Mule Deer · Wild Turkey
9 licensed outfittersLicense status verified against Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Professional and Occupational Licenses on September 5, 2026.Source: data.colorado.gov/resource/7s5z-vewr.json Confirm an outfitter’s license with the issuing board before you book.
Before you book
- Confirm the outfitter’s license is current — every listing links to the issuing body’s own record.
- Ask which hunt areas they operate in, and whether a bear tag there is draw-only or over the counter.
- All outfitters in San Juan Mountains
- Colorado bear hunting outfitters
For reference only. This page summarizes agency publications and is not legal advice or an official source; confirm dates, limits and fees with the state wildlife agency before you hunt. Regulations change mid-season. Send a correction if you spot an error. Disclaimer.