Pagosa Springs has some of the best scenic drives in Colorado, surrounded by 3 million acres of wilderness and national forest areas. Below is a list of favorite drives in the area (in no particular order). For more information, stop in at the Visitor Center just across the Hot Springs Blvd bridge downtown. Our wonderful staff and volunteers are on-hand 7 days a week to steer you in the right direction. We've got free maps too!
Around Pagosa Springs
East Fork / Elwood Pass
Lobo Overlook / Radio Tower
Blanco Basin
Blanco Basin —- This is one of the most scenic drives in the state of Colorado when fall colors are bright. Head south on Highway 84 for eight miles to the Blanco Basin turnoff. 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 onto Castle Creek Road, cross the Rio Blanco and proceed to the end of the road at Fish Creek. The views are more than inspiring. Roads are all-weather and suitable for conventional vehicles. Return by the same route.
Pagosa Junction
Mill Creek to Quartz Lake Trailhead
Piedra Road
Summitville
Williams Creek Reservoir
A gorgeous lake nestled against the San Juan Mountains.
Enjoy hiking, fishing, or a scenic picnic. Williams Creek Reservoir is one of Pagosa's most accessible, scenic locales. Spend a day, spend the weekend. You won't be disappointed.
Wolf Creek Pass
USFS Road Status and Conditions
US Forest Service - Pagosa Ranger District
The San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. Terrain ranges from high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, with thousands of miles of back roads and hundreds of miles of trails to explore. These federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The Forest Supervisor's Office is located in the San Juan Public Lands Center in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.
For the latest on local conditions, contact the Pagosa Ranger District.
Current Fire Danger Levels and Restrictions
EXTREME FIRE DANGER:
STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Fire Danger Level - EXTREME:
What does that mean?
When the fire danger is "Extreme," fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "Very High" level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days or weeks.
Pagosa Springs Info
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