Rio Grande National Forest

The Rio Grande National Forest includes almost two million acres of publicly owned land on the eastern slope of the Continental Divide. Parts of two spectacular mountain ranges, the San Juans and the Sangre de Cristos, are within the Forest. Also included are the headwaters of the third longest river in the United States - the Rio Grande del Norte.

The Rio Grande National Forest is one of eleven National Forests in Colorado. President Theodore Roosevelt established the Forest by Presidential Proclamation in 1908. This action combined parts of the former Cochetopah and the present San Juan National Forests. The Forest Supervisor is located two miles west of Monte Vista on US Highway 160. District Rangers are located in La Jara, Del Norte, Creede, and Saguache.

Things to see & do in the Forest:

Silver Thread Scenic Byway
Wheeler Geologic Area
6 peaks over 14,000'
Numerous Ghost Towns
Gold Medal Fishing Waters on the Rio Grande
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Creede, Bonanza, Platoro, Summitville

Black bear, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, red tail hawks, wild turkeys, and mountain lions are among the animals and birds that make the Forest their home. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has also reintroduced moose into the Forest in the Spring Creek area, west of Creede.

Variety is the word to describe the outdoor recreation opportunities of the Forest. From the rugged and jagged peaks of the Sangre de Cristos to the forested table lands and glacial canyons of the San Juans, the outdoor enthusiast can enjoy any activity suited to the day or the season.

Parts of the following Wilderness Areas are in the Rio Grande National Forest:

Weminuche
La Garita
South San Juan
Sangre de Cristo

Back to the top