Rio Grande National Forest - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The 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 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.

The 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.

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.

Weminuche Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in Colorado with several peaks exceeding 12,000 feet. The landscape is diverse, with forests, meadows, lakes, and alpine areas. There are several hundred miles of trails within the wilderness, providing opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. In addition to its natural beauty, the Wilderness is also rich in history. It was once home to the Ute people and later served as a hideout for outlaws.

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.