Please use the center, pullout recreation map as a guide. Check road conditions and for closures before heading out, call the Pagosa Ranger District at (970) 264-2268.

1. Plumtaw — Piedra Loop

35-mile round trip

The Plumtaw Road is a forest service access road that begins near town. From U.S. 160, turn north at the corner of Lewis Street near Subway, then an immediate left. At about 1/4-mile, take the right fork and follow 4 Mile Road (CR 400) about 8 miles. Take the left fork and follow the Plumtaw Loop road. It is substantially higher in elevation than most other back roads in the county and affords spectacular vistas and autumn colors. It is also the summer home for many deer and elk. Keep an eye peeled for grouse and turkey. Where the Plumtaw Road descends to the Upper Piedra Road, you can continue your trip in two directions. If you turn right, you will head toward Williams Creek Reservoir, a scenic high mountain reservoir with a reputation for good fishing, hiking and camping. If you turn left, you will head back toward Pagosa. On your way, where Piedra Road (CR 600) crosses the Piedra River, take a little hike (half-hour or longer) down the Piedra Gorge past caverns of maidenhair ferns and mini waterfalls. The roads are suitable for all vehicles and this is a great route for viewing fall foliage.

2. East Fork of the San Juan River

10 miles to turnoff

This route is suitable for high clearance vehicles as far as Silver Falls, about 8 miles from U.S. 160. Beyond Silver Falls, four-wheelers are recommended. From town, start by traveling 10 miles northeast on U.S. 160. Take a right at the gravel road signed, “Forest Service Access Road East Fork of the San Juan.” The route goes through the East Fork Canyon and passes some dramatic “beehive” rock formations on the left. The canyon opens up into a breathtaking mountain valley that is privately owned, but through which public access is permitted. At the upper end of this valley, there is a fork — stay left toward Elwood Pass. This route will take you past the historic Joe Mann Creek, the old Black Diamond Mine, over the Continental Divide, and to the old mining town of Summitville. From there, one may return by (1) the same route, (2) go down Park Creek to U.S. 160 and back to Pagosa over Wolf Creek Pass, or (3) proceed to Chama as detailed in Route #7.

3. Blanco Basin

8.5 miles to turnoff

This is one of the most scenic drives in the state of Colorado when fall colors are bright. The route is south on U.S. 84 for 8 miles to the Blanco Basin turnoff (CR 326). Follow the road to the head of the basin and to many magnificent views of the Continental Divide, Square Top Mountain and Oil Mountain. For an even more spectacular side trip, turn right onto Castle Creek Road, cross the Rio Blanco and proceed to the end of the road at Fish Creek, approximately 6 miles. The views are more than inspiring. Roads are all-weather and suitable for conventional vehicles. Return by the same route.

4. Pagosa Junction

45-50 miles round trip

Go south on 8th Street out of Pagosa Springs, turning right on Apache Street, which becomes Trujillo Road (CR 500), through the early-day settlements of Juanita and Trujillo. See historic Pagosa Junction, in a landscape more akin to New Mexico than to Colorado. From there, the route goes up Cat Creek Gap (CR 700) past the now-deserted Talian Mine and the Lone Tree Catholic Church, a landmark. Return to Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160, the Navajo Trail, stopping to view the historical Pfeiffer Memorial marker, the site of a duel between Indian tribes for the ownership of the famed Pagosa Hot Springs. The park is at the west edge of the Pagosa Lakes development. Continuing on CR 500 will take you to Navajo Lake and Navajo State Park, which is left onto Hwy. 151. Return to Pagosa Springs via Colo. 151, past Chimney Rock Archaeological site and U.S. 160. Roads are all suitable for conventional vehicles.

5. Mill Creek — Nipple Mountain Road

7/10 mile to turn off

32 miles round trip

This route is suitable for all vehicles to the vicinity of Quartz Lake trailhead. Four-wheel drive vehicles are required beyond that point. Turn onto Mill Creek Road just north of the County Fairgrounds from U.S. 84. At approximately 7 miles, take the right fork and proceed east to the Nipple Mountain area, another 12 miles. The trip will provide a vast panorama of the upper San Juan Valley. Proceed through the saddle separating Oil and Square Top mountains. From this vantage point, you will be able to observe the Blanco Basin. The road dead-ends at this point. Return by the same route.

6. Radio Transmitter — Continental Divide

22 miles to turnoff

Suitable for conventional vehicles and as close to the top of the world as you can get by vehicle in this area. Turn north off U.S. 160 at the summit of Wolf Creek Pass, follow the road up to the transmitter site. A spectacular vantage point and a picnic area are provided at the topographical crest of the mountain.

7. Platoro — Cumbres Pass — Chama

18 miles to Silver Falls, 10 miles to Platoro

The trip to Platoro can begin as described in Route #2, turning south after crossing Elwood Pass. Another route to Platoro is to proceed northeast from Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160, cross Wolf Creek Pass to Park Creek Road (approximately 5-1/2 miles from the summit). Turn south on Park Creek Road and proceed to Elwood Pass and south to Platoro. Take your fishing gear and enjoy some excellent fishing on the Conejos River, which parallels your route south from Platoro. Upon reaching Colorado Highway #17, turn right and cross Cumbres Pass. You will follow the route of the Cumbres & Toltec narrow gauge railroad to Chama, N.M. From there, it is only 48 miles back to Pagosa Springs via U.S. 84. This is an exceptional route for observing the fall foliage. Except for the portion of the route crossing Elwood Pass, roads are suitable for conventional vehicles.