Four Seasons of Fun

Four seasons fun to Just imagine a day in the cool sunshine where you can spend a morning taking photographs of cranes and waterfowl at the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge or experience a working Colorado Alligator or Bison Ranch, with an afternoon full of heart pounding hikes, 4-wheel drive trails and river rafting.

Summer provides OHV riders with a multitude of single track trails to forest service roads, for bikes, 4-whelers, and jeeps. Camping is available throughout the Rio Grande National Forest, with primitive sites to RV parks and resorts. For the less adventurous fine restaurants, museums, and art galleries. Rio Grande Country is the perfect basecamp for day trips to sites like the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Wheeler Geological Area, Rio Grande, Cumbres & Toltec or Denver & Rio Grande Rail Excursions.

Hunting is a popular activity in the four seasons fun in the San Luis Valley, providing excellent opportunities for big & small game animal including Elk, Deer, Moose and Bear. Archery seasons typically start in late August, followed by muzzle loading, and Rifle seasons in October and November.

Fall’s four seasons fun is often referred to as a magical time in the forest, as Aspens, Cottonwoods, and brush change from green of summer to shades of yellow and orange. The Silver Thread Scenic byway, which follows highway 149 provides a mix of colorful forests and historical sites. Wolf Creek pass also offers a paved driving option winding up toward the continental divide, and the south fork of the Rio Grande. Forest service roads lend more back country driving, with scenic vistas and increased potential for wildlife viewing. Many of these routes can be taken in 2-wheel drive vehicles, while others need 4-wheel drive so are open to those seeking peace and tranquility or the thrill of adventure.

Once the snow flies Wolf Creek Ski Area boasts “The Most Natural“ Snow in Colorado with a great family friendly resort open for skiing and snowboarding. Snowmobilers will also delight in miles of groomed trails with lots of open space to play and let the throttle rip. However, plenty of peace and solitude can be found along Nordic and snowshoe trails.