Pagosa Springs, CO – This scenic drive loop from Pagosa Springs is up to 60 miles round trip depending on optional side trips and takes you to high scenic overlooks and breathtaking mountain panoramas. The drive includes the Plumtaw, Piedra, and Williams Creek Reservoir areas and is primarily on gravel roads which can have washboards and potholes but can be driven by any passenger vehicle. The route passes numerous trailheads for hiking opportunities, this post describes two of the more popular routes. There is also boating & fishing opportunity at the Williams Creek Reservoir. If you are looking for a longer all day route, we have previously written about a 100+ mile loop through the Rio Grande National Forest to Summitville and Platoro Colorado, and Cumbres Pass and Chama, New Mexico. For a shorter trip you can check out the East Fork Road region which travels along the East Fork of the San Juan River.
Along the Plumtaw/Piedra/Williams Creek Scenic Drive
Begin the loop in the town of Pagosa Springs. From Colorado Highway 160, turn north onto Lewis Street and take the immediate left fork in the road. At about 1/4 mile, take the right fork and follow Fourmile Road (County Road 400 which becomes Forest Service Road 645) about 8 miles. At the fork you can follow the signs to the right for Fourmile Falls, a popular 6 mile roundtrip hike to two waterfalls.
Lower falls of the Fourmile Falls Trail
From the fork at the turnoff for Fourmile Falls, take the left fork and follow Plumtaw Road (FS 634) which will wind through high country aspen and conifer groves. Watch for wildflowers in the spring/summer. This is an excellent trip for viewing the fall leaf extravaganza. There will be spectacular mountain views as well as views of the valleys below.
Valley views from the Plumtaw Raod
Mountain views abound on the route
From the drive
Plumtaw Road will descend to the Piedra Road (CR 600) through gorgeous ranches and farmland. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Piedra Road and shortly cross the bridge over the Piedra River. Just across the bridge to the right is the Piedra River Picnic Area. On the left is the trailhead for the Piedra River Trail, an easy route showcasing the river and its canyon and a great place to stretch your legs. The trail runs for 12 miles, walk as far as you desire.
Another vista
From Piedra Road
The Piedra River Trail is rated easy
The scenic Piedra River
After Piedra River crossing, continue on Piedra Road/CR 600 to Williams Creek Reservoir, a scenic high mountain reservoir that offers boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. There’s a boat launch for motorboats, canoes, kayaks or SUP’s. The Williams Creek Reservoir provides fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee salmon. If you’re looking for a hike, the Williams Creek Trail is reached by traveling past the reservoir and Cimarrona Campground to the end of the road. The 10.1 mile trail follows Williams Creek northward into the Weminuche Wilderness to the Continental Divide.
Williams Creek Reservoir
Williams Creek area
To return to Pagosa Springs, follow Piedra Road/CR 600 about 24 miles (from the reservoir) back to town. Just before Highway 160 you will see signs and a large parking area for the Turkey Springs trail system. There are both motorized and non-motorized trails for ATV’s, dirt bikes, mountain biking, running, or hiking. Turn left onto Highway 160 to reach downtown Pagosa Springs.
While visiting Pagosa Springs, we stay at the Wolf Creek Run Motorcoach Resort.
