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Welcome to the Rio Grande National Forest!

The Rio Grande National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in a forested ring around the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. From the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range to rugged canyons and ancient calderas, the forest offers year-round opportunities for sightseeing and abundant recreational activities. 

Photos From Around the Rio Grande National Forest

Explore the Rio Grande through photos taken by our staff. 

A view looking up the middle of a medium sized dark blue water creek towards some beetle kill spruce trees and a gray rocky ridge above timberline. Light blue sky in the background.
A group of purple and white Columbine flowers is nestled against a rock edge directly on a lake shore.
Looking across a calm small lake to the trees on the opposite shore with steep mountains rising up behind them.

Features

Stacks of logs line a dirt road in the forest. A thin snow layer is on the ground.

Partnerships add capacity and increase efficiency on the Rio Grande National Forest

The Rio Grande National Forest is working with the Colorado State Forest Service and other partners to more efficiently manage the national forest…
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Recent Press Releases

Forest Service Announces Additional 2026 Fee‑Free Day on June 6

Release Date: May 13, 2026

Fall/Winter Slash Pile Burns Planned

Release Date: December 11, 2025

Creede Office To Close for the Season

Release Date: August 25, 2025
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