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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

Showing: 151 - 160 of 299 results

Mckenzie Cut-off Trail
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The Mckenzie Cut-off trail is 1.3 miles long. It begins at Forest Trail 804 and ends at Forest Road 833.2a. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking and Horseback Riding

Mckenzie Trail #804
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Mckenzie trail is 7.0 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 508.1a and ends at Table Mtn.The main attraction of this trail is the access to Crystal Lake. Fishing at Crystal Lake and good scenery…

Medano Lake Trailhead - Trail #887
Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The road to the trail is very difficult and should only be attempted by four wheel drive vehicles or hiking. You must access the area through the Great Sand Dunes National Park and obtain a permit at…

Middle Alder Trail #797
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The Middle Alder trail is 5.0 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 610 and ends at Viers Creek Sec. 17 Dead End.The trail is open for the following uses: Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal…

Middle Creek Trail
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
This trail was once a livestock driveway that followed Middle Creek to the Continental Divide, but due to lengthy non-use and heavy tree deadfall, the trail has disappeared and is no longer there.

Middle Creek Trail #768
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning Horse Riding and Camping
The Middle Creek Trail is 5.0 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 870/Trail Head and ends at Forest Boundary/CDNST/CO Trail.The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Horseback Riding,…

Middle Creek Trailhead #768
Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
10 miles west of Saguache, Highway 114 to Forest road 870, travel north about 8 miles to trailhead.  Non-motorized access to the Continental Divide and Colorado Scenic Trails. 

Middle Fork Conejos Trail #712.1
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
The Middle Fork Conejos Trail begins at the junction of Trail 712 and Trail 718. It follows the Middle Fork of the Conejos River. It is 4.28 miles long and ends at the Continental Divide Trail 813.…

Middle Fork Cutoff Trail # 888
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Middle Fork Cutoff Trail is 1.2 miles long. It begins at Forest Trail #783 and ends at Forest Trail #784. The trail offers an alternative or circuit route to Machin Lake from the Middle Fork…

Last updated March 9, 2025

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