Scenic Drives

The Forest boasts abundant scenery and features two national Scenic Byways.

Scenic Driving

Our national forest and grasslands are home to a variety of designated scenic byways along with numerous other very enjoyable drives. These routes have been selected to preserve or enhance the natural, scenic, historical, cultural, recreational or archeological qualities of the byways. 

The byways meander through foothills, mountain valleys, canyons, forests, and wide-open valleys with expansive vistas. Numerous pull-offs along the way invite visitors to slow down and soak in the sights and sounds along their drives. Along the way are some great locations for camping, hiking, boating, fishing and guided commercial float trips.

On the Rio Grande National Forest, many roads offer amazing scenic drives. we are the proud hos of two nationally designated scenic byways. 

Visit the Los Caminos Antiguos scenic byway or the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.

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Recreation Opportunities

Driving Routes (43)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 43 results

Alamosa Campground

Site Open

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…

Aspen Glade Campground

Site Closed

This is a pleasant and attractive campground that consists of three separate loops. There are 32 sites, 7 of which are pull-through. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and multiple restrooms on…

Bachelor Loop Interpretive Tour

Site Open

This 17-mile self-guided driving tour loops through Creede’s historic silver mining district and ghost towns. The loop begins at the north end of Main Street in Creede and returns to Main Street…

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area

Site Closed

Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork, CO. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow…

Big Springs Picnic Area

Site Open

Big Springs Picnic area has 1 group site and 3 single sites--including picnic tables, restroom, and fire grates. Set in a small glade with a stream emerging from a rock wall, the site is a hidden gem…

Bristol Head Campground

Site Closed

This campground contains 15 sites (11 are pull through) ranging from 35 to 55 feet in length. There are both dead end spurs and pull through sites. The campground sits in a meadow on a bench…

Brown/Hermit Lakes Interpretive Site

Site Open

An Interpretive Site and Scenic Overlook along the Silverthread Scenic Byway (State Hwy 149) between Creede and Lake City. The site offers a safe place to pull off the highway, park, learn about the…

Carnero Guard Station Cabin

Site Closed

Cozy cabin with full propane kitchen, dining area, and three bunk beds. Private location behind a hill, ideal for easy forest access.

Columbine Interpretive

Site Open

This is a combination rest stop with no bathroom and interpretive site right on US Highway 160 about 10 miles west of South Fork, Colorado.The facility consists of a large parking area…

Columbine Picnic Site

Site Open

This is a picnic ground and rest area along US Highway 160. No Bathrooms.