18 Attractions to Explore Near Rio Grande National Forest
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Summit PeakSummit Peak is the highest peak in the beautiful, eastern San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It is the monarch of the South San Juan Range.The mountain is the highest point in the South San Juan Wilderness.
Montezuma PeakMontezuma Peak is a Class 2 peak in the South San Juan Wilderness, with a trailhead accessible to most passenger vehicles. It is one of the iconic location with breathtaking views and also there are so many things to see and do.
Elwood PassElwood Pass is located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. It is a dirt road that runs for approximately 2.5 miles between the towns of Meeker and Rangely. The pass was originally used by ranchers and farmers to transport their goods between the two towns. Today, Elwood Pass is used primarily by recreationists. It is a popular route for fishing, camping, and hiking. The scenery along the pass is beautiful, with towering mountains, pristine forests, and crystal-clear streams.
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.
Blackhead PeakBlackhead is a rugged peak that rises to the east of the town of Pagosa Springs in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. It is one of the peak which gives you a beautiful view of this area.
Chama LakeThis is a major tributary river of the Rio Grande, is located in the U.S. states of Colorado and New Mexico. The river is about 130 miles long altogether. From its source to El Vado Dam its length is about 50 miles , from El Vado Dam to Abiquiu Dam is about 51 miles, and from Abiquiu Dam to its confluence with the Rio Grande is about 34 miles.
Opal LakeA beautiful freshwater lake located on the western region of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, in King County, Washington. The lake is connected by stream to Emerald Lake and Jade Lake, which form together the Neckelace Valley Lakes. Opal Lake and its surrounding lakes and peaks are a popular area for hiking, swimming, and fishing Rainbow trout. Access to Opal Lake and other Necklace Valley Lakes is through Necklace Valley Trail #1062.
Chalk MountainsThe Chalk Mountains are a mountain range in Archuleta County, Colorado. Chalk Mountain is interesting in its remoteness and lack of traffic, as well as its spectacular view from the summit. Compared to Front Range peaks, it is fairly neglected.
Red Lake TrailThis is a beautiful hike with spectacular scenery as the payoff. After a brief uphill the trail levels off. Wear shoes that are waterproof. The snow melt off runs through June and sometimes into early July.This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Bennett PeakBennett Peak is one of the many beautiful mountains in Rio Grande County, Colorado. It is known for its stunning views of the sangre de cristo mountains, as well as its proximity to the rio grande river. The peak is also a popular hiking destination, with several trails leading to the top. Despite its relatively small size, Bennett Peak is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
East Fork San Juan RiverEast Fork San Juan River is a tributary of the San Juan River in southern Colorado in the United States. The stream flows from the confluence of Crater Creek and Elwood Creek in Mineral County to a confluence with the West Fork San Juan River in Archuleta County that forms the San Juan River.
Buckles Lake TrailheadThe Buckles Lake trail is 3 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 663m - Buckles Lake Rd., continues past Buckles Lake and ends at Harris Lake. The trail is open for Hiking, Horseback Riding.The trail continues past Buckles Lake to Harris Lake. Both Buckles and Harris Lakes are reservoirs where you can find Cutthroat and Brown trout. If you like fishing, the lakes are good options with calm water and plenty of room to cast.
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.
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.
West Fork San Juan RiverWest Fork San Juan River is a tributary of the San Juan River in southern Colorado in the United States. The stream flows from a source near South River Peak in Mineral County to a confluence with the East Fork San Juan River in Archuleta County that forms the San Juan River.
Treasure FallsTreasure Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Mineral County. The falls are created by the Treasure Falls Creek, which flows over a cliff of granite. The falls are about 100 feet tall and provide a stunning view for hikers and climbers in the area. There are several trails leading to the falls, and the area is also popular for camping, picnicking, and fishing. Visitors can view the falls from a platform at the top of the cliff or from the bottom of the pool.
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.
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.
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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.The forest 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 mountainsThere are numerous treasures to uncover in this often overlooked and under-visited part of the Rockies.