20 Attractions to Explore Near Rio Blanco

Tucked into the rolling hills of Archuleta County, there's a small, hidden refuge to animals that call the Rocky Mountains home.This privately owned and operated facility since 1986 has been educating the people about the importance of animals in the ecology of that area. The animal enclosures of Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park are so beautifully created on the theme of their natural habitat that the animals thrive here peacefully and are totally cool with the proximity of the humans.

Echo Canyon Reservoir was constructed in 1969 in the Meadow Valley Wash, approximately 10 miles downstream from Eagle Valley Reservoir in Lincoln County. The 65-acre reservoir presents the perfect place for boating and swimming and is home to a variety of waterfowl, including mallards, teals and herons.

The San Juan Riverwalk is a paved path running along the San Juan river in Pagosa Springs. It's an easy walk with great views of the Hot Springs. Watching the rafters go by, seeing all the birds, it was really enjoyable and it has access to free hot spring pools.

Pagosa Springs is located approximately 35 miles north of the New Mexico border, at 7,126 feet above sea level on the Western Slope of the Continental Divide. This combination of high desert plateau and the Rocky Mountains to the north and east creates an unusually mild climate, especially in the summer months. Pagosa sees around 300 days of sun each year, as well as four distinct seasons.

A majestic historical museum located on the former James King farm which was homesteaded in the 1880s. It consists of the original farmhouse, carriage house, root cellar and milk house in addition to the first San Juan County jail, a pioneer log cabin, and a barn and resource center. The history museum includes 19th and 20th century life on San Juan Island, featuring photographs, pioneer stories, and a blend of cultures that have shaped the island over the years.

A beautiful lake nestled against the San Juan Mountains. Enjoy hiking, fishing, or a scenic picnic. it surrounds a park featuring lakefront, wooded, and hillside terrain. Lake Pagosa is the largest of the four stocked fishing lakes in Pagosa Lakes.

The 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.

The 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.

A 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.

The Coyote Hill Ski Trail system consists of over 11 kilometersIt is actually two parallel trails, with an equestrian trail on the northern levee and a bicycle trail on the southern levee, connecting with the Coyote Hills' Bay View bike trail. of groomed routes suitable for classic and skate skiing.

The San Juan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering over 1,878,846 acres in western Colorado. It encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources.

This is a sacred place that celebrates the life of Ancestral Puebloans over 1000 years ago. It lies on 4,726 acres of San Juan National Forest land surrounded by the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Housing approximately 2,000 ancient Pueblo Indians between AD 925 and 1125, the settlement included a Great House Pueblo with round ceremonial rooms, known as kivas, and 36 ground-floor rooms.

Blackhead 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.

West 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.

A majestic peak in the San Juan Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is an isolated forest and woodland providing habitat for wildlife including mule deer, elk, golden eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, and occasionally, bald eagles. UIt is also a good trekking destination and also there is so many things to see and do.

This is a stunning half-day hike in the magnificent Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory. Enjoy this 12.9-km out-and-back trail near Destruction Bay, Yukon. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 18 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, hiking, and trail running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.

East 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.

This 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.

Treasure 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.

Summit 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.