Rio Blanco County - 9 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Rio Blanco County

Rio Blanco County, located in northwestern Colorado, is a popular tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The county is home to several National Parks and Wilderness Areas, as well as numerous ski resorts and hiking trails. In addition to its natural beauty, the county also boasts a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the Ute Indian Museum or take a scenic drive along the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Rio Blanco County is on

Types of Attractions in Rio Blanco County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Rio Blanco County

Big Beaver Reservoir

Big Beaver Reservoir

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Dams

Big Beaver Reservoir is a man-made reservoir in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The reservoir was created in 1975 by damming the Big Beaver Creek. The reservoir is used for irrigation, flood control, and recreation. The reservoir has a capacity of 35,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,280 acres. The dam is an earth-fill dam with a height of 70 feet and a length of 1 mile. The reservoir is owned and operated by the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District.

Dunckley Pass

Dunckley Pass

Mountain Passes

Dunckley Pass is a high mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. The pass is located on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 12,943 feet. Dunckley Pass is traversed by the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and is a popular destination for backpacking, day hikes, and horseback riding. The pass is also used by off-road vehicles and mountain bikes. Dunckley Pass provides stunning views of the Rio Grande River valley and the surrounding mountains.

Kenney Reservoir

Kenney Reservoir

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Kenney Reservoir is a small, picturesque body of water located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The reservoir was formed by the construction of a dam on the Rio Grande River in the early twentieth century. Today, the reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and picnicking. The Kenney Reservoir State Wildlife Area surrounds the reservoir and provides opportunities for wildlife watching and hiking. Visitors to the area can also enjoy stunning views of the nearby mountains.

Lake Avery

Lake Avery

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Lake Avery is a beautiful lake located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The lake is a great spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The scenery is stunning, with tall mountains and lush forests surrounding the lake. The average depth of the lake is about 20 feet, and it covers an area of about four acres. The lake is stocked with trout, and there are also many bass, sunfish, and catfish. The water is clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming and enjoying the views.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Forests

The forest consists of two disconnected sections, the Medicine Bow National Forest in the north and the Routt National Forest in the south. Together, the Forests cover a total area of 1.8 million acres. The Medicine Bow National Forest is home to the largest elk herd in North America, as well as mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and black bears. In addition to its diverse wildlife, the Forests offer opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.

Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area

Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Forests

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area is a beautiful place to visit all year round. The lake is perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer, and in the winter it freezes over for ice skating and sledding. There are also hiking trails around the lake that are lovely in the spring and autumn months. The wildlife area is home to many different species of birds, so it's a great spot for birdwatching. In short, Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area has something to offer everyone!

Ripple Creek Pass

Ripple Creek Pass

Viewpoints

Forests

Mountain Passes

Ripple Creek Pass is a mountain pass located in Rio Blanco County. The pass is traversed by U.S. Highway 285 and is located within the Rio Grande National Forest. Ripple Creek Pass summit is at an elevation of 10,752 feet above sea level. The pass lies between South Park and the San Luis Valley and provides a route for wildlife migration between the two areas. It is also popular with recreationists, who come to enjoy the many hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities in the area.

Vaughan Lake

Vaughan Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Vaughan Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in Rio Blanco County. The lake is situated at an elevation of 8,400 feet and is surrounded by mountains. It is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and camping. Vaughan Lake is home to a variety of fish, including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. The lake is also a great place to see wildlife, including elk, deer, and birds. Vaughan Lake is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends.

White River National Forest

White River National Forest

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Forests

White River National Forest is a U.S. National Forest that is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It is the most visited national forest in the United States, with over 11 million visitors in 2016. The forest encompasses 2,285,970 acres of land, making it the largest National Forest in Colorado and the second-largest in the Rocky Mountain region. The Forest also contains several popular ski areas, including Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort.

Map of attractions in Rio Blanco County

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