Rio Grande National Forest

Rio Grande National Forest encompasses nearly 923,000 acres of diverse high-altitude terrain across south-central Colorado, featuring dramatic peaks of the San Juan Mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and over 300 miles of maintained trails. The forest straddles elevations from 7,500 to over 14,000 feet, offering everything from gentle valley hikes along the Rio Grande and its tributaries to challenging alpine scrambles and backcountry routes. Winter transforms the landscape into a premier destination for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and backcountry skiing, with consistent snow at higher elevations and numerous ungroomed Forest Service roads ideal for winter exploration. The forest supports excellent trout fishing in both high mountain streams and reservoirs, abundant dispersed camping opportunities across thousands of acres, and designated OHV routes that provide access to remote areas for motorized recreation enthusiasts.