Rio Grande National Forest

Trails

Many non-motorized trails are open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrian users. Off-highway vehicle users will find many opportunities for off-road enjoyment in the Rio Grande National Forest.

Winter Activities

From snowshoeing and skiing to snowmobiling, find out about these and other winter activities.

Camping & Picnicking

The Rio Grande National Forest has developed facilities including family and group campgrounds, picnic areas, and rental cabins.

Dispersed camping may be for you if you like to camp away from it all, but want to drive there in your car.

General Recreation

Find out about other recreational opportunities.

Recreation.gov is your one-stop source for finding recreational opportunities on federal lands.

Accessible Recreation

The Rio Grande National Forest offers a number of recreational facilities designed with accessibility in mind for persons with disabilities. Also, there are programs that allow visitor discounts for fees charged on national forests.

Recreation Residence Permits

Information and examples of documents associated with the Consistency Review and Continuance Determination for Recreation Residence Permits. A recreation residence is an authorized summer home which occupies National Forest System Land.

• Recreation Residence

Decision Memo on Conejos Peak Ranger District Recreation Residences

Decision Memo on Divide Ranger District Recration Residences

• Consistency Review Information
  • RLRMP Consistencey Review June 17, 2007

Reservations & Rentals

While many campgrounds are on a first-come basis, you can use the National Recreation Reservation Service to make reservations for some campgrounds.

Some areas have cabins and fire-lookout towers available for rental.

Rocky Mountain Regional Recreation

Rocky Mountain Region recreational information on regional campgrounds, cabin rentals and other information.

Current Conditions

What’s the weather? How are the roads? Is your favorite campground open?

Maps & Brochures

Visitor maps provide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. Our brochures provide local recreation, wildlife, fire safety, and other information.

Travel Management

Welcome to the Travel Management section of the Rio Grande National Forest! Here you will find links to travel management documents, newsletters, travel plan updates, and an interactive view of the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) of our forest.

Passes & Permits

Most national forests and grasslands are open, free of charge. Fees and permits may be required for some activities and locations.

Rules & Etiquette

General rules for national forests and grasslands include details about camping, pets, and other topics. Etiquette expected of visitors is outlined in the Leave No Trace program.

Recreation Facility Analysis - 5-Year Proposed Program of Work

As a result of the Recreation Site Facilities Analysis process a draft Five-year Program of Work for the Rio Grande National Forest has been produced. This draft Five-year Program of Work is being made available to the public for review and comment. The draft Five-year Program of Work is available for public comments which can be sent to comments-rocky-mountain-rio-grande@fs.fed us prior to June 1, 2008. Public comments will be considered prior to finalizing the Five-year Program of Work.

Recreation Facility Analysis 5-Year proposed Program of Work

Recreation.gov is your one-stop source for finding recreational opportunities on federal lands.

Find out about recreation fee demonstration projects.

While many campgrounds are available on a first-come basis, you can use the National Recreation Reservation Service to make reservations for some campgrounds.