Rio Grande National Forest - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's no shortage of things to do at Rio Grande National Forest in Saguache County, Colorado. For starters, the forest is a haven for hiking, with over 500 miles of trails crisscrossing through its majestic mountains and valley. You can also explore the area on horseback or mountain bike, or take a leisurely stroll through one of the many scenic picnic areas. If you're looking for something more adventurous, the Rio Grande National Forest is also home to some of the best whitewater rafting in Colorado. And don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - the forest is home to an abundance of deer, elk, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, raft, or simply relax in nature, Rio Grande National Forest has something for everyone.

The Rio Grande National Forest was established in Colorado on September 2, 1908 by an act of the United States Congress. It is located in Saguache County, Colorado and encompasses 1,894,247 acres (764,000 ha). The forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is a subunit of the larger Rocky Mountain Region. The Rio Grande National Forest includes the South San Juan, La Garita, Weminuche, and Platte Rivers Wilderness Areas. The forest is home to 12 peaks over 14,000 feet (4,267 m), including Culebra Peak, which is the highest point in Saguache County. The Rio Grande National Forest is also home to the iconic San Luis Valley, which is the largest alpine valley in North America. The valley is home to six Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. With its proximity to so many natural wonders, it's no wonder that the Rio Grande National Foest has been a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers for over a century.

The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the forest is also beautiful in the spring and fall, when the leaves are changing color. 

1. Pack for all weather conditions. The Rio Grande National Forest experiences all four seasons, so be sure to pack accordingly.
2. Respect wildlife. The Rio Grande National Forest is home to many different species of animals, so please do not approach or feed them.
3. Stay on designated trails. Help protect the forest by staying on marked trails and avoiding shortcuts.
4.  Be aware of your surroundings. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the dangers in the area, such as cliffs, steep slopes, and wildlife encounters.
5. Speaking of emergencies, it's always a good idea to let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back. In the event that something does happen, this will give search and rescue teams a better chance of finding you.
6. When hiking, stick to marked trails and don't try to shortcut your way through the woods. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it can also be dangerous if you get lost. 
7. If you're planning on fishing in the Rio Grande, make sure you have a valid license.
8. Hunting is also allowed in certain areas of the forest, but again, make sure you have all the necessary permits and follow all safety regulations.
9. When camping, always practice Leave No Trace principles . This means packing out all your trash, not disturbing wildlife, and being mindful of your impact on the environment.

1. Rio Grande National Forest is the largest national forest in Colorado. It spans over 1.8 million acres and stretches for almost 200 miles from south to north.
2. The Rio Grande River runs through the forest and is a popular spot for canoeing, fishing, and rafting.
3. The alpine tundra is home to several rare plant species. More than half of the forest is covered in forests of ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, and Douglas fir.
4. Rio Grande National Forest is also home to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, a world-renowned research facility that has been studying the local ecology since 1928.
5. There are four major river systems in the Rio Grande National Forest: the Rio Grande, Gunnison, South Platte, and Arkansas rivers.

There is no definitive answer to the question of how much time is needed to explore the Rio Grande National Forest in Saguache County, Colorado. The forest covers a vast area, and there are countless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Depending on your interests and fitness level, you could easily spend several days or even weeks exploring the forest. However, if you only have a limited amount of time, it is still possible to get a taste of what the Rio Grande National Forest has to offer.

The Rio Grande National Forest is located in Saguache County, Colorado. It can be reached by heading north on Highway 285 from the town of Saguache. After about 15 miles, you will reach the turnoff for South Fork. Take this turnoff and continue for another 12 miles until you reach the forest boundary. At this point, you can continue straight ahead on the main road or take one of the many side roads that lead into the forest.

No, there is no fee to enter Rio Grande National Forest. You can explore the forest for free. However, there are fees for using some of the amenities within the forest, such as camping and picnicking. 

The forest is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. In the summer, the Forest is open from 8:00 AM. to 6:00 PM., and in the winter, it is open from 9:00 AM. to 5:00 PM.