![[design image slice] U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service on faded trees in medium light green background](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114085502im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande/local-resources/images/rmt-trees-left-usfs.gif)
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Rio Grande National Forest
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![[design image] green and cream arch](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114085502im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande/local-resources/images/rmt-arch.gif){kind=small}
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Find a Forest (NF)
or Grassland (NG)
USDA Forest Service Telephone for the |
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About Us
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.
HistoryHistory of the Rio Grande National Forest RecreationOur forest offers a diversity of outdoor opportunities. These lands are yours—to visit, care for and, most of all, enjoy. Natural ResourcesThe Forest Service is all about sustaining resources—land, water, vegetation, and wildlife. Heritage resources are important remnants of the past—prehistoric and historic human culture and ancient animal life. |
New Century of ServiceThe Forest Service celebrated our 100th birthday in 2005. Find out how we've prepared to provide another 100 years of service through Rocky Mountain Region's forests and grasslands. Organization Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas leads a team consisting of a Deputy
Forest Supervisor, an Associate Center Manager and a number of resource
leads. Locate offices
on the Rio The USDA Forest Service is led by Chief Abigail Kimball. With a national headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Forest Service operates through nine regions around the country. The Rocky Mountain Region is led by Regional Forester Rick Cables. |
ResearchThe Rocky Mountain Research Station supports our natural-resource programs through relevant research and development of state-of-the-art management tools. Service FirstService First is a partnership between the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. This partnership provides one-stop shopping, just as the trading post did in the frontier days. |
USDA Forest Service, Rio Grande National Forest
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Last modified
April 01, 2008