Rio Grande National Forest - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Rio Grande National Forest

Rio 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.

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Attractions Near Rio Grande National Forest

Summit Peak

Summit Peak

13.1km from Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Montezuma Peak

Montezuma Peak

14.21km from Rio Grande National Forest

Montezuma 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 Pass

Elwood Pass

14.62km from Rio Grande National Forest

Elwood 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 Mine

Summitville Mine

16.57km from Rio Grande National Forest

The 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 Peak

Blackhead Peak

17.99km from Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Chama Lake

Chama Lake

18.29km from Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Discover More Attractions in Conejos County, Home of Rio Grande National Forest

Conejos County

Conejos County

12 attractions

Conejos County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is one of the last authentic frontiers in Colorado. They offer vast expanses of range land, mountains and forests; more water than you could fish in the summer; and a few small towns full of friendly locals. Stay and play in one of our friendly lodgings.

Location of Rio Grande National Forest

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For more information about Rio Grande National Forest, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Grande_National_Forest