The Upper Piedra River Trailhead, located 19 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs via Piedra Road (open year-round), provides foot access to an 11-mile trail that follows the Piedra River through spectacular sandstone box canyons and remote wilderness terrain.

The trailhead is easily accessible and popular for day hikes, with the first 0. 6 miles offering stunning canyon views ideal for shorter outings, while the full trail provides a challenging point-to-point route with minimal crowds beyond the initial 2 miles.

The Lower Trailhead near First Fork Road (FS 622) offers an alternative access point 34 miles west of Pagosa Springs, though it may have winter closures.