Rio Grande National Forest
The Rio Grande National Forest is 1.86 million acres located in southwestern Colorado and remains one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado.
The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the western border of the Forest. The Rio Grande National Forest presents a myriad of ecosystems: from the alpine desert (7600-ft.) to the majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness (14,300-ft.) on the eastern side.
The Forest embraces the San Luis Valley, the largest agricultural alpine valley in the world and includes all or parts of four Wilderness Areas: South San Juan, Weminuche, La Garita and Sangre de Cristo.
The Forest is the headwaters of the Rio Grande River and has the moonscape wonder of the Wheeler Geologic Area.
Whether walking, driving or riding, this Forest has something for everyone. For the outdoor enthusiast, it has recreation and adventure opportunities for the heartiest of souls. Others can enjoy the backcountry from the Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad, which runs from Antonito, Colorado across the Forest to Chama, New Mexico.
An extensive trail system awaits the hiker, Off-Highway Vehicle rider, mountain biker, hunter, and equestrian. Round out your experience by staying in one of the manycampgrounds.
Skiing, whether downhill or cross-country, is one of the premiere snow activities on this Forest during the cold months of winter and into the warmer months of spring. For the downhill skier, Wolf Creek Ski Area presents the local challenge.
A permittee of the Rio Grande, Wolf Creek is well known for the quality and quantity of snow it receives annually, as well as its incredible terrain and lack of pesky lift lines.
If "skinny skis" are your thing, the Forest offers some of the finest backcountry skiing found anywhere. Forest roads are transformed into ski and snowmobile trails in the winter months, and offer the outdoor enthusiast outstanding access to pristine country. Though there are a number of outstanding areas for cross-country skiing, it will take some investigating on your part to find a favorite. Try the loop trail in Rock Creek for starters.
Come explore historic sites that remain from the time when Anasazi people visited this area.