Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado State

Rio Grande National Forest

At just under 2 million acres of southwestern Colorado land, the Rio Grande National Forest is a massive area for avid wilderness adventurers.

Plan Around Rio Grande National Forest

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Rio Grande National Forest Details

At just under 2 million acres of southwestern Colorado land, the Rio Grande National Forest is a massive area for avid wilderness adventurers. A couple of must-see areas in the forest are the North Clear Creek Falls, and the Wheeler Geologic Area. The Rio Grande Forest has some handicap accessible recreational areas, deep river gorges to camp beside, and hunting and fishing opportunities.

Difficulty

Open

Distance

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Estimated time

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Nearby Parks Around Rio Grande National Forest

Compare nearby parks around Rio Grande National Forest when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

68.4 mi away

Black Canyon

National Park · CO

78.9 mi away

Mesa Verde

National Park · CO

83.8 mi away

Great Sand Dunes

National Park · CO

153.4 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

159.7 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

200.4 mi away

Rocky Mountain

National Park · CO

Nearby Points of Interest Around Rio Grande National Forest

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Rio Grande National Forest while the map context is still fresh.

14.5 mi away

Rainbow Hot Springs

Often overlooked for the well-developed hot springs in the neighboring town of Pagosa Springs, these bathing pools offer a more primitive and rural experience for anyone who wants to enjoy a soothing soak in nature.

18.4 mi away

East Bellows Creek Trail

The Wheeler Geologic Area at the end of the trail is strange and beautiful, with its sharp spires of hardened volcanic ash morphing into smooth folded surfaces.

18.8 mi away

Wheeler Geologic Area

Colorados first national monument is an alien-like landscape of rocky spires and eroded fairy chimneys with a history that dates back over 25 million years.

22.2 mi away

Colorado Silver Thread Scenic Byway

The perfect mix of history and nature, this byway is the ultimate one-day road trip for adventure lovers.

30.3 mi away

Pagosa Springs Hot Springs

Why not treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the healing, mineral-packed waters of these natural hot springs.