|
|
Colorado
National Forests - Rio Grande National Forest
The Rio Grande National Forest (NF) is 1.86 million
acres located in southwestern Colorado and remains one of the true
undiscovered jewels of Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for
236 miles along most of the western border of the Forest. The Forest
presents myriad ecosystems; from 7600-ft alpine desert to over 14,300-ft
in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness on the eastern side.
The Forest embraces the San Luis Valley, the largest agricultural
alpine valley in the world and includes all or parts of four Wilderness
Areas (South San Juan, Weminuche, La Garita and Sangre de Cristo).
The Forest also is the headwaters of the Rio Grande River and has
the moonscape wonder of the Wheeler Geologic Area, established by
Theodore Roosevelt in 1911. The Anasazi were visitors here and many
of their sites remain.
Denver is 4-hours north and Albuquerque is 4-hours south of us,
so when you get the itch to experience some outdoor recreation opportunities
come and see us.
For the outdoor enthusiast, the Rio Grande NF has recreation and
adventure opportunities for the heartiest of souls, or enjoy the
backcountry from the Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad which
runs from Antonio, Colorado across the Forest to Chama, New Mexico.
Whether walking, driving or riding, the Rio Grande NF has something
for everyone.
Long summer days in the 80's transition through a colorful and crisp
fall to what can be an extreme winter, with temperatures often dipping
well below zero and, in some years, frequent snows. |
|
Click here to go back to
National Forests and Grasslands
|
|
