Hiking

Day hiking and backpacking are age old activities on the Forest. Learn more

Backpacking

From a single night trip to your favorite fishing hole to a week long excursion deep in the wilderness area, the Rio Grande NF has backpacking opportunities galore. Bur remember, many of the high country destination can hold snow well into the summer. Plan your trip accordingly. 

General Hiking

Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Explore the Rio Grande NF on foot by taking a stroll in  the mountains, walking along a roadside or climbing one of our many "fourteeners." Visit or call our ranger district offices for information on hiking trails. Know Before You Go

Day Hikes

Grab your day pack, sunscreen, water, and a snack and hit the trail on the Rio Grande NF! There are plenty of trails with easy access that offer stunning scenery and a way to get find solace in the forest. See general hiking information above. 

Search for Hiking Opportunities

Search

Site Status

Any Site Open Site Closed Site Temporarily Closed

Sort by

- A-Z - - Z-A -

Recreation Opportunities

Backpacking (95)

Day Hikes (135)

Hiking (2)

Showing: 111 - 120 of 144 results

Sawmill Gulch Trailhead - Trail # 759

The Sawmill Gulch trail is 2.0 miles long. It is not maintained. It begins at Forest Road 250 near the town of Platoro and ends at Forest Road 257.1a. The trail is open for the following uses:…

Shallow Creek Trailhead

Site Open

near Creede, CO

Shaw Lake Boating Site

Site Open

Shaw Lake Boating site is a small impoundment regularly stocked with trout during the summer. This is a small graveled ramp to launch small fishing boats. Parking is very limited here. This small…

Silver Thread Campground

Site Open

Silver Thread Campground has a small single loop  with 10 sites. Several are level, pull-through camping sites. This campground is located along State Highway 149 for easy access to through…

South Fork Conejos Trailhead - Trail # 724

Site Open

The South Fork trail is 10.9 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 250 and ends at Forest Trail 718. The trail provides access to several high lakes, such as Canon Verde, Canon Rincon, Green, Blue and…

South Fork, CO

Located at the junction of US Highway 160 and State Highway 149.

South San Juan Wilderness: Rio Grande

The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in…

South Zapata Trailhead - Trail # 852

Site Open

The South Zapata trail is 4.8 miles long. It begins at BLM Road 5415 (the Zapata Falls road) and ends at South Zapata Lake.Hike one-half mile from the trailhead to Zapata Creek, wade upstream into…

Spectacle Lake Campground

Site Closed

There is fishing access to the Conejos River and Spectacle Lake. The lake is year round, with winter ice-fishing. Two sites have parking for two car groups. Both day and overnight use is permitted.…

Stone Cellar Campground

Site Closed

The campground offers 6 campsites located in the wide-open fields of Saguache Park, offering spectacular views of the La Garita Mountains.  There is one restroom and each campsite has a fire ring…