Recreation
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests offer scenery and an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Over 3,500 miles of trails and routes provide access to areas of rugged beauty and solitude. Many were carved by indigenous peoples, early explorers, and miners, and offer an experience that connects users to the land and to the past. The mountains, plateau, and mesa that make up the forest will always provide a scenic backdrop and thus a component of the quality of life in the area.
We invite you to visit our forest and enjoy the beauty, history and challenges it has to offer. Recreation, motor vehicle and quad maps are available. View a Ranger District location map.
Upper Cascade Falls #213
The Upper Cascade Falls Trail #213 begins at the Amphitheater Campground and ends at the Chief Ouray Mine. This trail is part of an inter-connecting trail system with the Portland Trail #238 in the…
Upper East Fork #142
The Upper East Fork Trail #142 begins approximately 1 mile up the Matterhorn Trail. This trail provides a short side trip off the Matterhorn Trail with spectacular views of the northern extremity…
Upper Loop #435
The Upper Loop Trail #435 begins on a switchback on Hunter Hill Road and ends at an intersection with the Upper Upper Loop Trail #435.1A. The trail climbs moderately into the trees and begins to…
Upper Razor Spur #487.5A
Forest Trail #487.5A (Upper Razor Spur Trail) is 0.8 miles long. It begins at Forest Trail #487 (Razor Creek Trail) and ends at Forest Trail #486 (Summit Trail). The trail is open for the following…
Upper Upper Loop #435.1A
The Upper Upper Loop Trail #435.1A begins at County Road 738, Brush Creek Road, and ends at an intersection with the Upper Loop Trail #435. The trail begins a stiff climb through aspen forest which…
Ute Creek #608
The Ute Creek Trail #608 descends at a slight grade heading due west on the south side of the Indian Creek drainage. It crosses the creek and passes through a fenceline at the edge of a meadow. The…
Ute Creek Cutoff #659
The Ute Creek Cutoff Trail #659 forks right (west) off the Uranium Road, FSR #404, just after the Uranium Road begins downhill and just below the first switchback. The trail begins descending down…
Valley View Picnic Site
Picnic Area
Vega Snowmobile #545
The Vega Snowmobile Trail #545 begins at the Vega State Park Trailhead, a State Park Pass is required to park at the trailhead, and ends at an intersection with the Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail…
Vela Reservoir Boat Launch- Grand Valley RD
Lightly graveled launch suitable for backing a trailer into the lake.