Activities

Snowmobiling

The Upper Rio Grande offers miles upon miles of groomed trails as well as plenty of side trails, open parks, meadows and hills to climb. Most of these trails follow Forest Service roads and can be used in the winter by snowmobiles and cross country skiers.

Rio Grande National Forest

An incredible 1.86 million acre Rio Grande National Forest remains one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. With abundant wildlife, recreation opportunities as well as campgrounds, the Forest is an outdoor oasis.

Fishing

Fishing happens to be one of the premiere seasonal activities in the Upper Rio Grande. Enjoy gold medal waters on the Rio Grande River or relaxing lake and reservoir fishing in thousands of acres of National Forest.

Hunting

With 113 species of wildlife categorized as sport game, the San Luis Valley takes hunting seriously! If you are interested in small game like rabbits, squirrels, fox, and coyotes or if the big game such as deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goats and the occasional black bear; you will find it here!

ATV & 4-Wheeling

The Valley offers hundreds of opportunities for those wanting a unique and calm ride through the wilderness as well as those who don’t mind getting banged around by the rocky roads.

Hiking & Biking Trails

The Upper Rio Grande is home to many trails for hiking and mountain biking. No matter if you are a beginner, a recreational explorer or a well-seasoned enthusiast, the Valley is sure to keep your interest

Family Friendly Hikes

The San Luis Valley is a great destination for any family gathering! If you want a fun outdoor activity, check out our favorite family friendly hikes. These destinations offer trails and terrain suitable for every member of your family.

Rafting & Kayaking

Change up your adventure seeking with rafting and kayaking on the Rio Grande River. If you are looking for an adventure, June is when Spring run off allows for a tremendous ride on the whitewater.

Amazing Waterfalls

The San Luis Valley has many wonderful opportunities to view some of the most majestic waterfalls in the state. Come take a tour of some of the favorite local Waterfall locations.

Golf Courses

With three exciting golf courses, the Upper Rio Grande is a golfing enthusiast paradise. Excellent views, challenging courses and unique terrain will make your golf excursion perfection!

Music Festivals, Concerts & Theatre

The Upper Rio Grande is not only an incredible place to soak in beautiful mountain views but also take in some incredible music and theatre too. From the award winning Creede Repertory Theatre to concerts and music festivals around the valley, you will find the best entertainment around.

Wheeler Geological Area

The formation of the La Garita and San Juan mountains began about 30 million years ago. Eruptions from massive volcanoes, like the Creede Caldera, were followed by tremendous flows of ash and mud. As the layers of volcanic debris cooled, crystals and mineral ores collected into veins and pockets to create extensive mineral fields.

The Bachelor Loop

This driving tour of Historical Mining Areas above Creede was established along the major roads that tied the biggest mines and settlements together. Virtually all of the Bachelor Loop runs through private land (the mine areas are all privately owned) but there is some National Forest access in the upper parts.

Follow the interpretive signage along the Loop or buy a brochure from the Creede Visitor Center. Use caution when driving up through the East Willow Creek canyon because the road is steep, narrow, and is heavy on the switchbacks near its northern end, but the scenic vistas are well worth the drive.

Silver Thread Byway

The Silver Thread Scenic Byway has been designated as a U.S. Forest Service National Scenic Byway and connects Creede, Lake City, and South Fork. Silver Thread gets its name not only from the rich veins of silver ore that lured many miners and settlers, but also from the route that weaves along spectacular river canyons and passes over the Continental Divide.

Immerse yourself into the amazing beauty of the San Juan Mountains as you travel this 75-mile route. This year-round highway courses through both the Rio Grande and Gunnison National Forests. Beautiful, breathtaking overlooks offer insight into geology and local history and provide many opportunities to enjoy spectacular views.

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Whether you are a skier or a boarder, you are in for a treat at one of Colorado’s oldest and finest ski resorts. Friendly employees and plenty of light powder snow make Wolf Creek memorable and keep people coming back season after season. Lift tickets are one of the most affordable in the state!

Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing

The mountain environment is a natural therapy: exquisite scenery, forces of nature, fresh air…producing a healthy experience and a refreshing outing. Add to this the serenity and isolation of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing offers a way to release the stress and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.