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 (54)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 54 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…

Antonito, CO

Located on US highway 285, 25 miles south west of Alamosa. Junction of State highway 17 is just south of Antonito.

Aspen Glade Campground

Site Open

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 Open

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…

Bonanza, CO

Site Open

Bonanza boomed between 1880and 1888. Silver, copper, lead and zinc were found and 1,500 mining claims came into existence,. Soon 37 building flourished along plank walks lining both sides of Kerber…

Bristol Head Campground

Site Open

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 Open

The cabin has two rooms including a combination kitchen/dining room and a bedroom with three bunk beds.  The kitchen includes a propane refrigerator, stove, and heat.   The cabin is easily…