wildernet

Divide Ranger District

Quick Facts

Ride Thru The Rockies Scenic Byway

Length, One-way:	46 Miles (76.67 Kilometers)
Road Number:	330, 332 and 360
Time, Round Trip:	2-4 Hours

General Description

Within the Divide District of the Rio Grande National Forest, winds a specially designed car tour. This lengthy course, composed of inspiring scenery and captivating wildlife, creates an excellent modem for viewing elk and deer. Other animals one might encounter, include mule deer, marmots, pine marten, mountain lions, bobcats and a variety of birds. The amount of forage in the area allows wildlife to prosper. Such quantities of forage are produced through logging which open up areas for young saplings and grass to grow and multiply.

The tour begins on Pinos Creek Road, located at the south side of Highway 160, in the west end of Del Norte, Colorado. The entire course, which is 46 miles in length and takes 2 to 4 hours to drive, comprises three Forest Roads, 330, 332 and 360. Travel on the best maintained road to avoid dead end detours off lateral roads.

After traveling the first 18 miles of Pinos Creek Road, Forest Road 330, a junction of roads will be reached. This junction, known as the "Chicken Foot," diverges into three different directions from nearly the same place. At this point, the tour proceeds onto road 320, Crystal Lake Road. Follow this road until you hit the fork diverging to Poage Lake or to Beaver Creek Reservoir, Road 360. Take a right toward the Reservoir on 360. This road will lead you all the way down into South Fork and back onto Highway 160.

Directions from Del Norte, Colorado: The tour begins on Pinos Creek Road, located at the south side of Highway 160, in the west end of Del Norte, Colorado.

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Filed By: Larry Kirk (Blanchard, OK) Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: Correction.. Park Creek is where you want to turn off Hwy 160 to go up into the mountains to Platoro.Over 20 miles but well worth it.Don't overheat your camera. Simply Beautiful1 Filed By: Larry Kirk (Blanchard, OK) Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: Filed By: Mike Kirk (Dibble, OK) Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Not Recommended Report: As of October,2009 the upper areas of this trail are suitable only for high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive.I would recommend taking the drive from Park View to Platoro Lake. Start on Hwy 160 toward Big Meadows Lake.Turn off the Hwy(left)at Park View and follow this gravel(dirt)road all the way to Platoro.Its about 22 miles but well worth the scenery!Get a meal at the restaurant in Platoro.Lots of Deer in mid-September but the elk were hiding from the bow hunters.The trip back is like another tour... You face the opposite direction! Ha! Conditions: Road is suitable for most cars.Go slow! This scenery must be enjoyed slowly and with great appreciation that there are still unspoiled areas like this in our nation. Water Availability: Take drinks if you like.There is a Forest Service restroom along the way.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Scenic Driving	Ride Thru The Rockies Scenic Byway	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Inspiring scenery	Yes
	Viewing Wildlife	Captivating, varied wildlife	Yes

Related Activities

Beaver Creek Campground - The facilities include 20 sites with tables and fireplaces. Attractions in the area include fishing in Beaver Creek and Beaver Reservoir and hiking on Tewksberry Trail 842.

Cross Creek Campground - Cross Creek Campground is in the Beaver Creek drainage southwest of the town of South Fork. Beaver Creek and Beaver Reservoir have fishing. Cross Creek Trail # 512 has the biggest Douglas fir tree in the Rio Grande National Forest.

Highway Springs Campground - The south fork the Rio Grande provides fishing opportunities. There are 16 sites and no drinking water or firewood is provided.

Upper Beaver Creek Campground - Upper Beaver Creek Campground is southwest of South Fork in the Beaver Creek drainage.13 campsites with tables and fireplaces.