Rio Grande National Forest – by South Fork

Rio Grande National Forest comprises 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. It’s one of the more secluded national forest located around Pagosa Springs and Creede.

With so much space you can find what you’re looking for in the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Snowmobiling is excellent around Wolf Creek Pass, as is the skiing. Camping can be found nestled throughout.

Main Attractions

The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop of Southwest Colorado passing through three national forests. There’s limitless recreation on the route. Another national scenic byway, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway is a 117-mile highway hidden away in the southwest of Colorado.

Along it’s journey from the Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison, south past Lake City and Creede, it passes by natural landmarks, historic districts. Camping is easy to find the whole way. The Rio Grand Recreation Area is located near Creede.

Activities: Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Picnicking, OHV, Scenic Drives, Winter Rec – Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing

Hiking:

• Read about the hiking trails near Creede.
• Read about the hiking trails near South Fork and Del Norte.

Details

Nearby Towns:

• Alamosa
• Antonito
• Blanca
• Creede
• Crestone
• Del Norte
• La Jara
• Creede
• Poncha Springs
• Saguache
• South Fork
• Villa Grove

Map: Rio Grande NF (shown in dark green) (.png)

Motor Vehicle Use Maps: Large, PDF’s from the USFS. They show forest service roads and where dispersed camping is permitted.

• Conejos Peak – West – Monte Vista, Alamosa
• Conejos Peak – East – Alamosa
• Divide – West – Creede
• Divide – East – Saguache, Creede, South Fork, Del Norte, Monte Vista
• Saguache – West – Saguache, Poncha Springs
• Saquache – East – Poncha Springs

Rio Grande Campgrounds: Reservations

Website: fs.usda.gov/riogrande

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