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Recreation

From the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the San Juan Mountains, the jagged peaks and rushing rivers of the San Luis Valley public lands wrap themselves around this Rocky Mountain basin. Whether viewing the mountain scenery from roads or finding a challenge on trails, visitors discover solitude and self-reliance through uncrowded year-round recreation opportunities.

While many campgrounds are on a first-come basis, you can make reservations for some campgrounds. In addition, there are eleven cabins that are available for nightly rental. 

The Forest offers several accessible recreational facilities and visitor discounts with the Interagency Access Pass for fees charged on national forests.

Start here to find campgrounds, cabin rentals, hiking, horse and motorized trails, fishing access and much more. The Forest covers a lot of ground so you might want to explore the "Recreation Regions" for a more isolated view of your destination. 

Use the search tool below to further isolate your location or activity. An example would be to type in "Cabin" to locate the eleven rental cabins the Forest operates. Or you might enter "Fishing" to search the abundant fishing opportunities on the Forest.  

Showing: 1 - 10 of 335 results

Acascosa Trail

Horse Riding and Camping
The Acascosa trail is 1.4 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 249 and ends at Forest Road 249. The trail is open for the following uses: Motorcycle riding, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain…

Adams Fork Trail # 713

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Winter Sports Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Adams Fork trail is 6.6 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 247 and ends at Forest Trail 813, CDNST.The trail starts above Platoro Reservoir and provides access into the South San Juan…

Adams Fork Trailhead, Trail 713

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The trailhead is on FDR 247, about 1 mile above Platoro Reservoir. The trailhead parking is to the left of the road, the trail is across the road to the right. This area is open to dispersal camping,…

Alamosa Campground

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
Alamosa Campground is on the Alamosa River 4.5 miles above Terrace Reservoir Dam. There are 5 campsites, one is pull through, with tables, fire rings, and ample parking. Potable water is not…

Alamosa Rock Trail #703

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Biking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Alamosa Rock Trail #703 is 5.4 miles long. It begins at Alamosa Campground and Forest Road 250 and ends at Rio Grande County Rd. 28 (Rock Creek Rd). The trail is open for the following uses:…

Alamosa Trailhead and Trail 703

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Alamosa trailhead is just west of the junction of FDR 250 and FDR 260. There is limited parking here. Trail 703 begins here and goes to Comstock Campground on Rock Creek. The trail climbs steeply out…

Alberta Lake Fishing Site

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Small impoundment holds Rio Grande Cutthroat and Brook Trout. Site has a concrete boat ramp and parking lot, and one dispersed camp site. Great place for canoes, small boats, float tubes.Fishing is…

Alder Bench Trail # 799

Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking Horse Riding and Camping
The Alder Bench trail is 6.5 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 610 right next to the Alder Creek Cabin and ends at Forest Trail 761.In the past, this trail was used by stockmen taking livestock up…

Alder Bench Trailhead #799

Site Open
Hiking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking Horse Riding and Camping
This Trailhead sits right behind  the Alder Guard Station Cabin and the trail climbs the ridge to the west.  From here you have excellent views of the Rio Grande Canyon between South Fork and…

Alder Guard Station Cabin

Site Open
Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking
The Alder Guard Station is located two miles north of the town of South Fork along Alder Creek. The guard station was built in 1910 and was the residence and office for the local ranger district. The…