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

Scenic Driving (43)

Showing: 11 - 20 of 43 results

Elk Creek Campground

Site Closed

Just outside of the town of Horca, the Elk Creek Campground is lightly wooded with spruce and some ponderosa pines. The understory is grass with some sites located next to Elk Creek. The campground…

Elwood Cabin

Site Open

The area around Elwood cabin offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Access to the cabin in the summer can be accomplished with just about any vehicle, however when the dirt roads are wet,…

Highway 149 Interpretive Site

Site Open

This is an Interpretive Site along the Silverthread Scenic Byway (State Hwy 149) Between Creede and Lake City Colorado. It overlooks the historical site of San Juan City and the scenic Upper Rio…

Highway Springs Campground

Site Closed

This campground is conveniently located 4.1 miles west of South Fork, Colorado right along US Highway 160 and features two loops. The lower loop is comprised of Aspen and a few Ponderosa pine trees…

Hwy 149 Moose Interpretive Site

Site Open

This Moose Interpretive Site sits along the Silverthread Scenic Byway between Creede and Lake City Colorado. It consists of a paved pullout and parking lot overlooking good Moose habitat. There is an…

Lake Fork Campground

Site Closed

Located along the beautiful Conejos River, the campground has 18 sites among Aspen and mixed conifers, with some sites overlooking the river. There are picnic tables and fire rings at most of the…

Lobo Overlook

Site Temporarily Closed

 This overlook area sits right on top of the Continental Divide with excellent views of the San Juan Mountains and west toward Pagosa Springs. It offers a restroom, picnic tables, a fenced in…

Luders Creek Campground

Site Closed

The campground has 5 sites, 3 are pull through. There are 3 corrals for horses and other stock.  One restroom is located within the campground.  Attractions include big game hunting, other dirt…

Mix Lake Campground

Site Open

Located near Platoro Reservoir, the campground offers 22 sites with tables and fireplaces. There are 3 vault type toilets, trash receptacles, ample parking with convenient trailer spaces and drinking…

Mogote - Juniper Group Camping Site

Site Closed

The group area campground, among Ponderosa, Aspen, Spruce, Cottonwoods and juniper trees, has a capacity of up to 100 people. It is a short walk to the fast-moving Conejos River. This is a pleasant…