Forest Road 132 (Sierra de los Pinos)

Forest Road 132 cuts through the heart of the Sierra de los Pinos, climbing from ponderosa pine forests into high alpine meadows dotted with beaver ponds. The road passes through some of Colorado’s most pristine aspen groves before reaching the headwaters of the Los Pinos River, where remnants of old logging camps tell stories of the area’s timber boom. The route crosses multiple creek drainages and offers sweeping views of the Continental Divide peaks to the north.

This moderate route requires high-clearance 4WD for rocky sections and creek crossings, though most stock trucks handle it fine in dry conditions. Best tackled June through October when snow clears from higher elevations. No permits required, but fuel up in Pagosa Springs as there’s nothing along the route. Dispersed camping is excellent throughout, with established fire rings near beaver ponds. You’ll earn solitude that’s hard to find in Colorado’s crowded high country, plus some of the state’s best fall colors come September.