Pagosa Springs, CO – We took a scenic drive loop from Pagosa Springs, Colorado through the RIo Grande National Forest, over the Continental Divide, down to the gorgeous valley that is home to Platoro, Colorado, up over the Cambras Pass to Chama, New Mexico, and then back up to Pagosa Springs. The entire loop is slightly over 100 miles in length, but a large portion is on unpaved Forest Service Roads, so allocate at least 4-5 hours minimum and additional time if you want to stop for hiking, having a picnic, or to just sit and soak up the scenery. The road is listed as suitable for conventional vehicles. There are numerous trailheads off of this route, including access to the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) at Elwood Pass.
FS Road #380 through the Rio Grande National Forest
High meadows and mountain views abound along this drive
From Pagosa Springs, head about 22.5 miles east on Colorado Route 160 to Wolf Creek Pass. On the way you could stop in and visit Treasure Falls and/or Treasure Mountain. From Wolf Creek Pass summit, continue east a little over 10 miles to the right hand turn for Forest Service Road #380. Turn onto FS #380 and follow signs toward Summitville/Elwood Pass and Platoro. Continue past Platoro to the end of the road and then turn right onto Highway 17 toward Chama, New Mexico. Once you reach Chama, turn onto Highway 84 North to Pagosa Springs. Highways 17 & 84 are both paved roads.
High plateau
Along the route
There are many places to stop and enjoy the scenery
Along FS #380 you will travel through forest, expansive valleys with meandering creeks, and gorgeous mountain views as you travel through Colorado’s Rio Grande National Forest. The unpaved road is rough, has sections of washboards, potholes, and is narrow in places with some steep drop offs and no guard rails. The views were well worth the bumpy/dusty travel. After leaving Pagosa Springs, there are no services until Platoro (limited/very small town) or Chama, so be prepared.
Expansive view with a small lake
I spotted Columbines growing along the route
Along FS #380
The Continental Divide
Colorful mountain view
Another typical view
Looking toward the valley with Platoro
Final valley view looking back toward Platoro from Highway 17
We drove this scenic loop through the Rio Grande National Forest while staying at the Wolf Creek Run Motor Coach Resort in Pagosa Springs Colorado. While staying in Pagosa Springs, we also hiked on the Continental Divide Trail at Wolf Creek Pass, hiked to Flattop Saddle, spent time on the trails at Reservoir Hill Park and Turkey Springs, visited Treasure Falls & Treasure Mountain, and visited the East Fork Area of the San Juan National Forest.
