Conejos canyon, southern colorado

   Conejos Canyon

Conejos Canyon in southern Colorado is a breathtaking, rugged valley carved by the Conejos River as it flows through the eastern San Juan Mountains and the Rio Grande National Forest. The region is celebrated for its wild landscape, outdoor recreation opportunities, and unique blend of Colorado and New Mexican culture.​  

Canyon Landscape and Features

Conejos Canyon is one of Colorado’s wildest and least disturbed areas, stretching through dramatic mountain terrain with stunning valley vistas. The canyon offers rocky cliffs, remote meadows, and forests teeming with wildlife. It extends southward, eventually connecting with Carson National Forest in New Mexico.

The Conejos River

The Conejos River is a scenic tributary of the Rio Grande, running approximately 93 miles. Its headwaters originate from snowmelt near Conejos Peak and the Continental Divide in western Conejos County, and its waters are impounded at Platoro Reservoir for flood control and irrigation. The river flows through the Rio Grande National Forest, passing through valleys, meadows, and dramatic stretches like Pinnacle Canyon. The river is wide and shallow, with steep descents popular for whitewater rafting and fly-fishing, particularly for trout species such as brown, rainbow, and cutthroat.​

National Forests and Wilderness

Conejos Canyon is primarily situated within the Rio Grande National Forest, with portions of its wilderness—such as the South San Juan Wilderness—straddling the border with the San Juan National Forest. The Conejos Peak Ranger District manages much of the area, offering hiking, camping, climbing, fishing, hunting (GMU 81) and wildlife viewing among vast forests and high-altitude lakes. Other highlights include Trujillo Meadows, the Continental Divide, and historic sites like the ghost town of Summitville and the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. The southern boundary meets the Carson National Forest, expanding access to more wilderness and recreational opportunities.​

Outdoor Recreation

Popular outdoor activities in Conejos Canyon include:

• Hiking across extensive trails with scenic mountain      views
• Fly-fishing for trout along accessible stretches of the      Conejos River​
• White-water rafting, especially in steep, remote areas      like Pinnacle Canyon
• Camping at areas such as Trujillo Meadows and Platoro      Reservoir
• Wildlife viewing, particularly birding along riparian habitats

The region remains a best-kept secret for visitors seeking serene mountain access, unparalleled drives, and renowned recreation in southern Colorado.