18 Attractions to Explore Near Rio Grande National Forest
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Wheeler Geologic AreaWheeler Geologic Area is a preservation area located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The area is known for its striking geological features, including hoodoos, human-like figures made of rock, and a variety of other sedimentary formations, and interesting geology, which includes a variety of volcanic rocks, as well as minerals and fossils. The area was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976, and it is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Halfmoon PassHalfmoon Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Saguache County, situated at an elevation of 12,059 feet and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area around the pass is popular with hikers, campers, and mountain bikers, and it is also a popular destination for backcountry skiers. Halfmoon Pass is one of several high mountain passes in Colorado that remain open year-round, and it provides access to a number of beautiful alpine lakes.
Rio Grande Scenic RailroadThe Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is Colorado's newest train offering steam engine rides through breathtaking mountain valleys and over legendary LaVeta pass on hundreds of miles of historic rail. The train travels on the tracks that were laid in 1878 to bring supplies into the San Luis Valley and ship agricultural and mining products out. You can relive the golden age of railroads through miles of unspoiled Colorado territory, all the while learning about the San Luis Valley and surrounding areas
South Fork Rio GrandeThe South Fork of the Rio Grande is located in Rio Grande county, Colorado. The river is a tributary of the Rio Grande, and it runs for approximately 30 miles through the county. The South Fork is known for its beautiful scenery and its abundance of wildlife. recreation opportunities in the area include fishing, camping, hiking, and rafting. The river is also home to a number of endangered fish species, including the Colorado Pikeminnow and the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout.
Rio Grande National ForestThe Rio Grande National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in a forested ring around the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. It encompasses the San Luis Valley, which is the world's largest agricultural alpine valley, as well as one of the world's largest high deserts located around mountains.
La Garita WildernessLa Garita Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness area established in 1980 and covers a total of 37,000 acres. The area is known for its rugged mountain terrain, as well as its abundant wildlife. Visitors to the region can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. It is also home to several rare plant and animal species, including the Gunnison sage grouse. With its diverse landscapes and abundant recreation opportunities, this Wilderness is a cherished natural treasure.
La Garita CalderaLa Garita Caldera is a huge volcanic crater in southwest Colorado, about 45 miles wide. It is one of the largest known volcanoes on Earth. Today, the caldera is mostly filled with sedimentary rock, but it still has active geothermal features such as hot springs and fumaroles. The caldera is also home to a number of rare plants and animals. The caldera is located within the La Garita Wilderness area, and it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Rio Grande National ForestThe Rio Grande National Forest is located in Saguache County. The forest includes the San Luis Valley, which is the largest high-altitude valley in the world. It is home to many species of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. The forest also has a wide variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls. This National Forest is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and fishermen. There are over 700 miles of trails in the forest, as well as four Wilderness Areas.
San Luis PeakSan Luis Peak is the highest mountain in Saguache County. With an elevation of 14,014 feet, it is also the seventh-highest peak in the state of Colorado. The mountain is located in the Sangre de Cristo Range, about 60 miles southwest of Denver. San Luis Peak was originally named Mount Rosa by early explorers, but its name was changed to San Luis Peak in 1861 in honor of Saint Louis, Missouri. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Stewart PeakStewart Peak is the highest point in Saguache County, Colorado. It is located in the San Juan Mountains, and its summit offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The peak is made up of granite, and it is named after John Stewart, who was the first person to reach the summit. Stewart Peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and it is also home to a variety of wildlife. The peak is accessible via a number of trails, and there are several campsites located nearby.
Rio Grande National ForestRio Grande National Forest comprises 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. It’s one of the more secluded national forests in the state and is located near Pagosa Springs and the town of Creede. It forms the scenic backdrop to the San Luis Valley. With a landscape of high peaks, geological wonders, and steep river canyons, the spectacular scenery beckons adventures from near and far.
South Fork Rio GrandeThe South Fork of the Rio Grande is a tributary of the Rio Grande that flows through southwestern Colorado. The river originates in the San Juan Mountains and flows through the towns of South Fork and Del Norte before joining the Rio Grande near Alamosa. The South Fork is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and rafting. The section of the river between South Fork and Del Norte is designated as a Gold Medal Fishery by the Colorado Wildlife Commission.
Wolf Creek PassWolf Creek Pass is a high mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The pass is located on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,966 feet and is traversed by U.S. Highway 160. The road over the pass provides access to the Wolf Creek Ski Area and the towns of Pagosa Springs and South Fork. The pass lies within the Rio Grande National Forest and is popular with hikers, campers, and fishermen. The area around the pass is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Wolf Creek Ski AreaThe ski area is situated in the San Juan Mountains and is known for its high annual snowfall of 441 inches, which creates one of the longest ski seasons in the United States. The ski area spans four mountain peaks - Wolf Creek Pass, Ptarmigan Peak, Treasure Mountain, and Conejos Peak - and offers 12 lifts, 95 trails, and 1,600 acres of skiable terrain. Beginners can enjoy the gentle slopes of Treasure Mountain, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the steeps of Conejos Peak.
Cochetopa PassCochetopa Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. The pass is located on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 11,991 feet. It is one of the lowest passes on the Continental Divide in Colorado. The pass is traversed by State Highway 114, which connects the town of Saguache with the San Luis Valley. The pass is located within the San Isabel National Forest, and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.
Baldy CincoBaldy Cinco is one summit in a group of four 13ers located on the north end of Snow Mesa - a vast, high altitude plateau east of Spring Creek Pass.The mountain, a thirteener, is located on the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains. Different areas of the slopes of Baldy Cinco lie in the Rio Grande National Forest, the La Garita Wilderness, and the Gunnison National Forest.
North Clear Creek FallsNorth Clear Creek Falls is a dramatic waterfall near Lake City. In its peak spring and summer season, this waterfall rages over the cliff side. It is a 100+ foot waterfall carved into the landscape of southwestern Colorado. This is not so much a hike as a great place to pull off for a picnic and take in views of what become the most famous waterfall in the Rocky Mountain State.
Summitville MineThe Summitville Mine is located in Rio Grande county, Colorado. The site was first mined in 1864 for gold, silver, and lead, and continued to be mined sporadically until the early 1990s. In 1992, the mine was purchased by a Canadian company with the intention of using cyanide leaching to extract gold from the ore. However, the operation was not well managed, and resulting environmental problems led to the mine being declared a Superfund site in 1994.
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Rio Grande National ForestThe Rio Grande National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in a forested ring around the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. It is located in southcentral Colorado and remains one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. There are four officially designated wilderness areas lying within Rio Grande National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. All of them extend partially into neighboring National Forests.