Rio Grande National Forest Hiking Trails
- Dry Creek Trail #700 - This trail is considered the Ole’ Dry Creek Stock Driveway which is still used to drive livestock to the high country. The views are spectacular and there are plenty of opportunities for loops or accessing other trails and roads.
- North Rock Creek Trail #701 - This trail receives very light use for the majority of the season. During hunting season, its use is greatly increased. Once on top, this trail offers some beautiful views of the surrounding area.
- South Rock Creek Trail #702 - This lightly used trail offers spectacular views from the top. Wildflowers (when in bloom) are prolific along this trail. Short side trips at the end of the trail offer scenic vistas in all directions.
- Silver Mountain Trail #704 - This is a pleasant cross-country trail. It passes through stands of every type of tree found on the Conejos Peak District. Beautiful vistas can be seen from the trail as it passes by Silver Mountain.
- Big Lake Trail #706 - This trail offers a pleasant 4.2 mile round trip hike. The trail is recommended for the more experienced hiker.
- Crater Lake Trail #707 - This is a wonderful though moderately strenuous day hike. The trail starts in a forest and climbs above timberline to the Continental Divide. Spectacular views abound here.
- Bear Creek Trail #709 - This trail is mostly used by hunters during the Big Game hunting season. Lack of use has caused this trail to be difficult to negotiate with motorcycles and ATV’s.
- Spruce Lakes Trail #710 - This trail is within the Weminuche Wilderness. The Spruce Lakes are the main attractions to most recreationists for fishing and sightseeing.
- Adams Fork Trail #713 - The trail is well suited for day hiking or over-night use. It is a relatively easy trail, which provides access to the South San Juan Wilderness, 1.5 miles from the trail head.
- North Fork Conejos River Trail #714 - The trail starts at the end of Three Forks Park. It rises steeply through several switchbacks into a long meadow. The Continental Divide can be seen from this meadow.
- Lake Fork Trail #716 - The Lake Fork Trail begins at the entrance to Lake Fork Ranch. It is a gentle hike along the Lake Fork Creek to Big Lake. The trail then climbs steeply to a saddle between Forest King Mountain and Mammoth Mountain and drops steeply into the community of Platoro.
- Valdez Trail #717 - This is a lightly used trail. The first mile climbs steeply and is quite strenuous.
- El Rito Azul Trail #718 - This trail was reconstructed in the Summer of 1981. The trail is entirely within the boundaries of the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- Conejos Peak Trail #720 - The South San Juan Wilderness is entered a short distance from the start of the trail. Beyond this point motorized equipment is prohibited.
- Bear Lake Trail #721 - The Bear Lake Trail provides a nice day hike to a popular fishing lake. Many people use the Bear Lake Trail for short camping trips.
- Canon Rincon Trail #722 - Canon Rincon is a steep ridged canon that drains a spectacular glacial cirque below Conejos Peak.
- Timber Lake Trail #723 - Timber Lake lies on the plateau between Canon Rincon and Hansen Creek. From the Timber Lake Trail one is afforded striking views into the depths of Canon Rincon.
- South Fork Conejos Trail #724 - The South Fork Trail is a well traveled and easily followed trail providing access to the spectacular South Fork Conejos Canyon.
- Canon Verde Trail #726 - Canon Verde Trail passes through the magnificent Canon Verde. With its steep cliffs, waterfalls, and deep pools, on its way to Green Lake, a popular fishing lake.
- Valle Victoria Trail #727 - This Trail provides access to the high country between Elk Creek and the South Fork of the Conejos River. This area is characterized by numerous lakes and interspersed subalpine meadows and forest.
- No Name Lake Trail #728 - The No Name Trail passes through wide subalpine meadows before reaching No Name Lake. The lake, set in a wide subalpine valley, supports trout and is a picturesque location.
- Notch Trail #729 - The Notch Trail is a fairly strenuous hike as it climbs steeply out of the Conejos River valley. The steep terrain makes trail maintenance difficult and the trail may be rugged in places.
- Elk Creek Trail #731 - Elk Creek provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing along its entire length. It passes through a variety of terrain including deep canyons and wide meadows valleys.
- Duck Lake Trail #732 - The Duck Lake Trail is a fairly gentle walk that offers scenic vistas of the Conejos Valley and gives access to several fishing lakes.
- Red Lake Trail #733 - Spectacular views of the Continental Divide and of the Elk Creek and Los Pinos drainages are available at the mesa top.
- Hidden Lake Trail #734 - As the Hidden Lake Trail ascends the northern slope of the Conejos Canyon, a panoramic view of the Conejos River Valley and the Elk Creek drainage can be seen.
- Los Pinos Trail #736 - This trail passes through the uppermost two miles of the Rio de los Pinos valley. Subalpine forests of spruce and fir cover the slopes of this U-shaped glacial valley.
- Archuleta Trail #741 - The Archuleta Trail follows Archuleta Creek into the upper reaches of the drainage. Aside from the trail and the grazing of cattle, few signs of human use can be seen in this valley. The visitor may experience relative solitude traveling through the forests of aspen, spruce, and fir.
- North Crestone Lake Trail #744 - The trail offers excellent possibilities for extended backpacking or just a good day hike from the campground.
- Rito Alto Trail #745 - The trail ascends a rugged, steep canyon with diverse vegetation and is well marked. Attractions are fishing in the creek and lake, and big game.
- Loop Trail #746 - The trail exists as a connector between Comanche Lake and the North Crestone drainage. It completes the circuit from the North Fork Crestone Trail and Phantom Terrace.
- North Fork Crestone Trail #747 - This route is a photographer's dream; it comes close to several alpine lakes and traverses spectacular rugged terrain and wildflower areas.
- Wild Cherry Creek Trail #748 - The trail offers the opportunity for a long day trip or a pleasant overnight. It is well maintained and easy to follow. Attractions are the easy access, fishing in the lake, and big game.
- Cotton Creek Trail #749 - The trail is well marked and maintained. It follows the creek through a rugged, steep canyon and diverse scenery. Teacup Lake presents an opportunity for primitive route–finding.
- South Fork Trail #750 - This trail is entirely within the Weminuche Wilderness. The main attractions are the Spruce Lakes and the Continental Divide.
- Major Creek Trail #751.2 - Trail attractions are 6”-8” brookies and cutthroat trout in the lower section of the creek. The trail receives limited maintenance. There is some hunting in the drainage.
- Garner Creek Trail #752.2 - The lower half of this trail is fairly easy hiking; approaching the divide, the trail steepens considerably. Some hunting occurs in this drainage.
- Black Canyon Trail #754.1 - The trail ascends Black Canyon to reach alpine terrain then stays in the high country all the way to Hayden Pass. Access to either end is possible only with a 4WD or trail bike.
- Palisade Trail #761 - This trail goes north towards Blue Park and Long Park and was used extensively in the past to drive sheep and cattle to the high country.
- Whale Creek Trail #780 - The trail is well marked once the trailhead is passed. It offers access to the Palmer Mesa area from Saguache Park. Attractions are fishing in the creek and big game hunting.
- South Saguache Trail #781 - The trail is easy to follow and offers several possibilities for circuit routes. Attractions are fishing in the creek, big game, and easy access to higher country in the wilderness.
- Middle Fork Trail #783 - The trail provides a direct route to Machin Lake via the Middle Fork of Saguache Creek. Attractions are fishing in the lake and creeks, a waterfall midway, diverse wildlife, and excellent scenery.
- Machin Basin Trail #784 - The trail has had no major maintenance recently and is poorly marked. Several slide rock areas should be traversed carefully, especially if using pack stock.
- Wason-Wheeler Trail #789 - Excellent views of Creede and several historic mines provided along the first 2 miles of this trail. Breathtaking scenery is enjoyed while standing at Inspiration Point.
- East Bellows Trail #790 - The trail provides good hiking access to Wheeler Geologic Area, Halfmoon Pass, and the La Garita Wilderness. Beautiful views and unique geologic features are the main attractions of this trail.
- Embargo Creek Trail #792 - This trail follows a drainage towards Mesa Mountain and is very difficult to locate because of lack of use. Views from Mesa Mountain are spectacular.
- La Garita Trail #793 - This trail goes through all types of terrain from low country to high country towards Mesa Mountain that rises 12,944 feet above sea level.
- Cathedral Trail #794 - Amid shading aspen, ponderosa pine, and alder trees, you are lead over Cathedral Creek before swinging north to head up this exceptionally scenic drainage.
- Hunters Lake Trail #800 - This trail begins at the Wilderness Boundary and goes towards Hunters Lake. Prior to Hunters Lake, you may choose to go to the Highland Trail #832 or the Tie Hill Trail 1#835 and create a loop or continue to journey towards the Continental Divide.
- Miner Creek Trail #803 - Good fishing is possible in the upper 2/3 of the Miners Creek Drainage. Opportunities to see elk are possible in the early morning and late evenings.
- Ivy Creek Trail #805 - The Ivy Creek Trail provides the shortest, quickest route to Goose Lake from the Rio Grande drainage.
- Roaring Fork Trail #807 - The Roaring Fork Trail mainly serves as an access route to the Goose Creek and Fisher Creek Trails. This trail has only a few low quality camping areas.
- Cross Creek Trail #812 - This trail is mostly used by folks staying at the Cross Creek Campground during the summer months and Big Game hunters during the fall.
- Fern Creek Trail #815 - The first 4 1/2 miles of this trail is open to foot, horse, ATV, and Mountain Bike use to approximately 1 mile past Little Ruby Lake to the Weminuche Wilderness Boundary.
- Weminuche Trail #818 - Provides quick easy access to the Continental Divide. From 30-Mile Campground the trail allows a hiker to be at Weminuche Pass after an easy four-hour trip.
- Ute Creek Trail #819 - The major access route into the vast Ute Basin Area. Four major fishable lakes sit below the Continental Divide in the beautiful basin.
- Pole Creek Trail #820 - A series of small waterfalls, natural arches, and crystal clear pools can be viewed on Pole Creek, about 1/4 mile south of the junction with West Pole Creek.
- Lost Trail Creek Trail #821 - Excellent views and good fishing are both possible along this trail.
- West Lost Trail #822 - Good camping places are not uncommon along this trail. Beautiful views of Pole Mountain, and vast panoramic views are possible once a hiker begins approaching the Continental Divide.
- Heart Lake Trail #823 - The trail is a steady, and at times, a hardy climb. It travels through a few small open parks but primarily stays in mixed aspen and spruce/fir stands.
- West Ute Creek Trail #825 - The mail access route to West Ute Lake. The trail is easy to hike through the open grassy parks and meadows along West Ute Creek.
- Goose Creek Trail #827 - The trail basically parallels Goose Creek, which is well-known locally as one of the best small stream fisheries in the Upper Rio Grande drainage.
- Raspberry Trail #830 - This trail is not recommended to the general public because there is no public access through private property.
- Highland Trail #832 - Some people prefer to access this trail through the Hunters Lake Trail #800 which goes straight towards the Stairsteps.
- Decker Creek Trail #834 - This trail is not recommended for beginners since it is steep and has not been maintained for many years.
- Lake Fork Trail #836 - The Lake Fork Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail. It follows Lake Creek through a rocky canyon, then gradually breaks into open meadows.
- Kitty Creek Trail #837 - This trail is steep and susceptible to wind fall trees. Also this trail is used to drive sheep to the high country for permitted grazing to avoid or migate conflict within the Weminuche Wilderness.
- Hope Creek Trail #838 - The most scenic trail on the Del Norte District. It goes from timbered areas along the creek to high alpine areas at the base of Sawtooth Mountain.
- Gibbs Trail #841 - This trail follows a portion of the eastern boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail has not been maintained for many years and the average hiker will not be able to locate it.
- South Zapata Creek Trail #852 - The trail follows South Zapata Creek to South Zapata Lake, and is steep in many places. Suitable campsites are limited along the trail.
- Ruybalid Trail #855 - The Ruybalid Trail is a strenuous climb for the first 3 miles until the plateau above the Conejos River is reached. The trail is well used by trail bikers and horsepackers.
- Horse Thief Basin Trail #856.2 - The trail is brushy and infrequently maintained. It exists mainly as a connector between the North and South Brush Creek drainages and Cotton Creek.
- San Isabel Lake Trail #857 - The trail serves as a loop to San Isabel Lake from the North Fork Crestone Trail. It has numerous steep switchbacks. The main attraction is San Isabel Lake for fishing and camping.
- San Isabel Trail #858 - The trail follows San Isabel Creek through stands of aspen and fir to its junction with the lake trail.
- Venable Lake Trail #859 - This trail travels mostly through alpine vegetation and rugged high terrain. There are no good campsites along the route. The scenery traveled over this route is spectacular.
- South Crestone Lake Trail #860 - This trail offers the opportunity for a long day trip or a pleasant overnight trip. Numerous good scenic views of the lower canyon are offered.
- Cottonwood Trail #861 - The trail has not been maintained and is very difficult to follow. A topo map is recommended for anyone planning to find the route.
- Little Sand Creek Trail #863 - The trail is infrequently maintained and due to steep sections is not recommended for horse travel.
- Willow Lake Trail #865 - The trail offers the opportunity for a long day trip or an extended trip. Recent trail reconstruction has improved the trail to enable horses to get within 300 yards of the lake.
- Bennett Creek Trail #872 - Once completed this trail will offer challenge, opportunity for loops and serve various other recreational needs of the local communities of Del Norte and Monte Vista.
- Fremont's Camp Trail #885 - The trail passes through several life zones, from aspen and Douglas-fir stands, up into spruce and fir stands and finally into alpine meadows.
- Blanca Peak Trail #886 - Blanca Peak is the 4th highest peak in Colorado. Spectacular views along the way are the rule rather than the exception
- Middle Fork Cut-Off Trail #888 - The trail offers an alternative or circuit route to Machin Lake from the Middle Fork trail.
- Red Lakes Trail #889 - The Red Lakes Trail is a lightly used trail and is one of the trails that provides access from Big Lake to Red Lakes and Trout Lake.
- Squaw Lake Trail #890 - The trail lies deep within the body of Weminuche Wilderness. Good access to the Continental Divide is provided by this trail.
- Music Pass Trail #903 - The trail is well maintained and heavily used by foot and horse traffic. It functions mainly as an access route into Sand Creek from the east side of the Sangre de Cristo Range.
- Halfmoon Pass Trail #912 - The trail provides access to the Wheeler Geological Area from Saguache Park and is an excellent tie-in to the Wilderness. It is well maintained.
- West Pole Creek Trail #918 - The upper trail segment is very poorly marked and does not have a distinctive trail tread. A few decent camping places exist on the lower segment of this trail.
- West Bear Trail #932 - This trail is difficult to negotiate on motorcycle or ATV in its present condition. Hunters on foot and horseback use this trail during the Big Game hunting seasons.
- Road to Como Lake - 5 mile uphill hike from the deck of the San Luis Valley to the shores of Como Lake.