USA 250 Shirt →
Cf
Login
Colorado › Rio Grande County

Rio Grande National Forest

Flash Flood Warning issued July 21 at 5:30PM MDT until July 21 at 6:45PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM

5:30 PM — 6:45 PM

At 530 PM MDT, Although heavy rainfall has currently ended, there is still a high risk of flash flooding across the warned area. Between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Counselor. This includes Highway 550 between Mile Markers 80 and 107.

Air Quality Alert issued July 21 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

4:10 PM — July 22nd, 9:00 AM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Custer and southwestern Pueblo Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Westcliffe, Rye, Beulah, and Colorado City. WHEN...900 AM Tuesday July 21 to 900 AM Wednesday July 22 IMPACTS...Moderate to heavy smoke from the Aspen Acres Fire is possible throughout the advisory area through at least Wednesday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Air Quality Alert issued July 21 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

9:10 AM — July 22nd, 9:00 AM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Custer and southwestern Pueblo Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Westcliffe, Rye, Beulah, and Colorado City. WHEN...900 AM Tuesday July 21 to 900 AM Wednesday July 22 IMPACTS...Moderate to heavy smoke from the Aspen Acres Fire is possible throughout the advisory area through at least Wednesday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Overview

Rio Grande National Forest encompasses 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado, forming a forested ring around the San Luis Valley. The forest is currently open year-round with several important regulations in effect. A 14-day camping limit within any continuous 30-day period is enforced forest-wide. Food storage restrictions apply from April 1 to December 1 annually at all recreation sites to protect wildlife. Winter slash pile burns are planned through winter as conditions allow. Key wilderness restrictions are in place for the Sangre de Cristo, La Garita, Weminuche, and South San Juan Wilderness areas, including group size limits, campfire regulations, and stock use rules. The forest offers 33 campgrounds with over 651 sites, most operated by private concessionaires. The Continental Divide runs 236 miles along the western border. Current fire restrictions are active on Conejos Peak, Divide, and Saguache districts. No major closures are in effect, though some seasonal road closures and specific area restrictions apply. The forest transitioned to a new web platform in April 2025, so some content may still be updating.

Campgrounds

30 Mile Stock Unloading Area Alamosa Campground Alder Guard Station Aspen Glade Big Meadows Reservoir Campground Bristol Head Campground Buffalo Pass Campground Carnero Guard Station Cathedral Campground Comstock Campground Conejos Campground Crooked Creek Dispersed Area Cross Creek Campground Duncan Cabin Elk Creek Campground Elk Creek Overflow Campground Elwood Cabin Fitton Cabin Fitton Guard Station Cabin Hansen Mill Campground Highway Springs Campground Ivy Creek Campground Lake Fork Campground Lake Fork(rio Grande Natl Fore Lost Trail Campground Lower Beaver Creek Campground Luders Creek Campground Marshall Park

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!