Driving through Southwest Colorado's amazing terrain is awe-inspriring and breath-taking.  There are many shorts drives easily accesible from Pagosa:

1. Plumtaw — Piedra Loop

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. Blanco Basin

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.

3. Lobo Overlook — Continental Divide

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 radio transmitter site. A spectacular vantage point and a picnic area are provided at the topographical crest of the mountain.

4. Alpine Loop - Lake City

The Alpine Loop Back Country Byway in the northern San Juan Mountains of Colorado is a spectacular 65-mile tour of some of North America's most magnificent scenery. The byway boasts two 12,000+ foot passes that require a high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle. Drivers on the route take a slower pace, allowing time to soak in the scenery rather than watching the mile markers whiz by.  For detailed information about historic and natural attractions along the way, pick up a copy of the Alpine Explorer guide at the Visitor Center in Pagosa Springs or Lake City.  The Alpine Loop is about 65 miles around, so plan on spending at least a day, or more, to explore it.

5. Platoro — Cumbres Pass — Chama

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.
 
Content courtesy of the Pagosa Sun.  For additional information on other area drives, visit www.explorepagosa.com. 

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