NF 520 - Rio Grande Reservoir & Headwaters

Total Miles 36.8
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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NF 520 - Rio Grande Reservoir & Headwaters trail photo

Trail Overview

This trail takes you up along the Rio Grande past its reservoir to the headwaters. There is beautiful scenery, campsites along the river and some of the best trout fishing to be had. It runs from Hwy 149 to the Kite Lake and Stony Pass trails. Takes about 2 - 2.5 hours to drive one way, longer if you make lots of stops. No cell service on most of trail.

Photos of NF 520 - Rio Grande Reservoir & Headwaters

Difficulty

Most of the road from 149 is a graded and maintained gravel road to the Ute Campground. After that, it gets a little tougher and rocky.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Chris Hall
Jun 19, 2025
Open
Deep snow across road near the end of the trail. Drifted across the road. Probably 8 feet deep. Impassable.

NF 520 - Rio Grande Reservoir & Headwaters Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

NF 520 - Rio Grande Reservoir & Headwaters Map

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