The Rio Grande National Forest provides over one million acres of exploration throughout Colorado. Visitors staying in the nearby Monte Vista area can explore several trails in the region. The views offered by these trails provide breathtaking pictures and an enjoyable experience while hiking. The trails feature challenges for the experienced hiker and pleasant walks. BBOnline recommends the trails surrounding the local Monte Vista area for getting out and experiencing the natural beauty surrounding the forest of the Rio Grande.
Bear Lake Trail # 721
Saddle Creek Road # 105
www.fs.fed.us
Bear Lake Trail provides a bit of strenuous day hiking activity for visitors staying in a nearby Monte Vista Bed and Breakfast. Hike through the Rio Grande National Forest while enjoying scenic views around the Bear Lake. The trail leads up the Bear Lake peak starting at the Saddle Creek area, according to the US Forest Service. The trail challenges the experienced hiker with steep climbs and rises to over 11,000 feet. The view is impressive, seeing Bear Lake with its bowl-shaped water, surrounded by cliffs along the Rio Grande National Forest.
Adams Fork Trail # 713
F.D.R. 247
www.fs.fed.us
The Adams Fork Trail is only a few minutes from a nearby Monte Vista Inn. Hikers can enjoy the day hike on this easy trail. The trail goes through the South San Juan Wilderness and provides views of the Platoro Reservoir while journeying through the Rio Grande National Forest. The scenic view also includes the Adams Fork Creek as it winds its way through the canyons along the forest. Visitors can enjoy the views along the peaks and Continental Divide while hiking the Adams Fork Trail.
Bear Creek Trail #709
F.D.R. 614 N
www.fs.fed.us
The Bear Creek trail provides hikers, ATV riders, equestrian lovers and motorcyclists the ability to share the same road while journeying through the Rio Grande National Forest. The trail provides hunters the ability to travel through the forest on the hunt for game during the hunting season, according to the US Forest Service. The trail provides those hiking it loops and views along the four miles. The trail offers light use due to the ATVs and motorcyclists riding along the trail.
Crater Lake Trail # 707
Elwood Pass Road #380
www.fs.fed.us
The Crater Lake Trail provides visitors in the nearby Monte Vista area a challenging hike through the Rio Grande National Forest. The trail provides views along the forest up to the Continental Divide. Crater Lake views bring the trail to a head at the green lake with surrounding mountains. Anglers can fish at the lake while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors along the trail through the forest.
Big Lake Trail # 706
Silver Lakes Toll Road # 260
www.fs.fed.us
The Big Lake Trail provides an easy four-mile round-trip hike through the Rio Grande National Forest. The trail offers pleasant views of wildflowers and the Big Lake. The lake provides wildlife migrating to the lake during the summer months. The trail features a pleasant hike along the trail located near Monte Vista.