Colorado
Colorado is a state located in the western United States, known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The state is home to the Rocky Mountains, which offer breathtaking views and world-class skiing and snowboarding. Colorado is also known for its dry climate and abundant sunshine, which make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities year-round. In addition to the mountains, Colorado also has a diverse landscape that includes desert canyons, rolling grasslands, and winding rivers. The state is also known for its vibrant cities, including Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, which offer a range of cultural and entertainment options. Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and more.
The National Forests in Colorado cover over 14 million acres, with a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from alpine mountains to arid deserts. The forests are home to some of the tallest peaks in the Rockies, including Mount Elbert, which stands at 14,440 feet. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and camping. The forests are also home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. One of the most popular destinations in the National Forests in Colorado is the Maroon Bells, which are two of the most photographed peaks in North America. The forests offer breathtaking views, crystal-clear lakes, and rushing streams, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its unparalleled natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities, the National Forests in Colorado are truly a treasure of the American West.
The Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest is a 1.5 million-acre forest located in north-central Colorado, known for its stunning natural beauty and year-round recreational opportunities. The forest is named after two famous conservationists, President Theodore Roosevelt and the Arapaho Native American tribe. The forest is home to several mountain ranges, including the Front Range and the Medicine Bow Mountains, which offer some of the best hiking, camping, and skiing opportunities in the state. The forest is also home to several sparkling lakes and rivers, which provide excellent opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Wildlife is abundant in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. Visitors can also explore historic sites such as the Colorado Gold Rush town of Black Hawk or the ghost town of Apex. With its stunning mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, and year-round recreational opportunities, the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest is a true gem of the Rocky Mountains. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp
Boulder Ranger District
2140 Yarmouth Ave, Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 541-2500
Vehicle Use Maps: (North), (South)
Canyon Lakes Ranger District
2150 Centre Ave Building E, Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 295-6700
Vehicle Use Maps: (North), (South)
Clear Creek Ranger District
P.O. Box 3307, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
(303) 567-3000
Sulphur Ranger District
P.O. Box 10, Granby, CO 80446
(970) 887-4100
Vehicle Use Maps: (North), (South)
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest is a massive forest located in western Colorado, covering over 3 million acres of land. The forest is known for its diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, alpine meadows, deep canyons, and rolling grasslands. Visitors can explore the forest’s many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The forest is home to several of Colorado’s highest mountains, including Mount Sneffels, which rises to over 14,000 feet. The forest is also home to several lakes, streams, and rivers, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Wildlife is abundant in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest, including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. The forest also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers, providing visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. Overall, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest is a vast and diverse forest that offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to hike, camp, fish, or simply take in the stunning natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/gmug
Gunnison Ranger District
216 N. Colorado , Gunnison, CO 81230
(970) 641-0471
Vehicle Use Maps: (Gunnison, North), (Gunnison, South)
Grand Valley Ranger District
1010 Kimball Ave. , Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 242-8211
Vehicle Use Maps: (Uncompahgre, Plateau Division), (Uncompahgre, Mountain Division), (Grand Mesa)
Ouray Ranger District
2505 S. Townsend , Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 240-5300
Norwood Ranger District
P.O. Box 388 , 1150 Forest Norwood, CO
(970) 327-4261
Paonia Ranger District
P.O. Box 1030 , North Rio Grande Avenue , Paonia, CO 81428
(970) 527-4131
The Pike-San Isabel National Forest is a 2.3 million-acre forest located in central Colorado, known for its stunning mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The forest is home to several towering peaks, including Pikes Peak, which rises to over 14,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Visitors can explore the forest’s many trails, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest is also home to several scenic byways, including the Arkansas River Valley and the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway. The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife is abundant in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. The forest also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers, providing visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. Overall, the Pike-San Isabel National Forest is a stunningly beautiful destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors or simply take in the natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/psicc
Leadville Ranger District
810 Front St, Leadville, CO 80461
(719) 486-0749
Pikes Peak Ranger District
601 South Weber Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 636-1602
Salida Ranger District
5575 Cleora Rd, Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-3591
San Carlos Ranger District
3028 E Main St, Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 269-8500
Vehicle Use Maps: (San Carlos, Front), (San Carlos, Back)
South Park Ranger District
320 US Hwy 285, Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2031
South Platte Ranger District
30403 Kings Valley Dr Suite 2-115, Conifer, CO 80433
(303) 275-5610
Vehicle Use Maps: (South Platte, Front), (South Platte, Back)
The San Juan National Forest is a 1.8 million-acre forest located in southwestern Colorado, known for its rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. The forest is home to several towering peaks, including Mount Eolus, which rises to over 14,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Visitors can explore the forest’s many trails, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest is also home to several scenic byways, including the San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highway. The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife is abundant in the San Juan National Forest, including elk, black bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. The forest also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers, providing visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan
Columbine Ranger District
367 Pearl Street, P.O. Box 439, Bayfield, CO 81122
(970) 884-2512
Dolores Ranger District
29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323-9308
(970) 882-7296
Pagosa Ranger District
180 Pagosa Street, P.O. Box 310, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 264-2268
The Rio Grande National Forest is a 1.86 million-acre forest located in southern Colorado, known for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. The forest features rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and deep canyons, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions. Visitors can explore the forest’s many trails, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest is also home to several scenic byways, including the Silver Thread Scenic Byway and the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway. The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Rio Grande National Forest also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers, providing visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande
Conejos Peak Ranger District
15571 County Road T5, La Jara, CO 81140
(719) 480-9892
Vehicle Use Maps: (Conejos Peak, East), (Conejos Peak, West)
Divide Ranger District
13308 West US Hwy 160, Del Norte, CO 81132
(719) 657-3321
Vehicle Use Maps: (Divide, East), (Divide, West)
Saguache Ranger District
46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149
(719) 655-2547
Vehicle Use Maps: (Saguache, East), (Saguache, West)
The White River National Forest is a 2.3 million-acre forest located in western Colorado, known for its stunning alpine scenery and diverse recreational opportunities. The forest features towering peaks, including several over 14,000 feet, and over 2,500 miles of trails, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and mountain biking. The forest is also home to several scenic byways, including the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway and the Independence Pass Scenic Byway. The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and fishing. The White River National Forest also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers, providing visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. Wildlife is abundant in the White River National Forest, including elk, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver
Aspen Ranger District
806 W Hallam St, Aspen, CO 81611
(970) 925-3445
Vehicle Use Map (Aspen/Sopris)
Blanco Ranger District
220 East Market Street, Meeker, CO 81641
((970) 878-4039
Vehicle Use Maps: (Blanco- parts of Rifle and Eagle, Front), (Blanco- parts of Rifle and Eagle, Back)
Dillon Ranger District
680 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, CO 80498
(970) 468-5400
Eagle Ranger District
24747 US Highway 24, Minturn, CO 81645
(970) 328-6388
Vehicle Use Maps: (Eagle and Holy Cross, East), (Eagle and Holy Cross, West), (Blanco- parts of Rifle and Eagle, Front), (Blanco- parts of Rifle and Eagle, Back)
Holy Cross Ranger District
Same address as Eagle Ranger District
(970) 827-5715
Vehicle Use Maps: (Eagle and Holy Cross, East), (Eagle and Holy Cross, West)
Rifle Ranger District
0094 County Road 244, Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 625-2371
Vehicle Use Maps: (Rifle), (Blanco- parts of Rifle and Eagle, Front), (Blanco- parts of Rifle and Eagle, Back)
Sopris Ranger District
620 Main Street, Carbondale, CO 81623
(970) 963-2266
Vehicle Use Map (Aspen/Sopris)
The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a 2.9 million-acre forest located in southeastern Wyoming and northwestern Colorado, known for its vast grasslands, alpine forests, and picturesque lakes. The forest features several mountain ranges, including the Snowy Range and the Sierra Madre Range, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Visitors can also explore the forest’s many trails, which offer opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the winter months. The forest is also home to several scenic byways, including the Medicine Bow Forest Scenic Byway and the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a glimpse into the diverse landscapes of the American West. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbr
Laramie Ranger District
2468 Jackson Street, Laramie, WY 82070-6535
(307) 745-2300
Vehicle Use Maps: (Pole Mountain), (Snowy Range, Front)
Douglas Ranger District
2250 East Richards Street, Douglas, WY 82633-8922
(307) 358-4690
Vehicle Use Map (Laramie Peak)
Brush Creek- Hayden Ranger District
2171 Highway 130, PO Box 249, Saratoga, WY 82331
(307) 326-5258
Vehicle Use Maps: (Snowy Range, Front), (Sierra Madre, Back)
Hahns Peak- Bear Ears Ranger District
925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487-9315
(970) 870-2299
Parks Ranger District
100 Main Street, PO Box 158, Walden, CO 80480
(970) 723-2700
Yampa Ranger District
300 Roselawn Ave, PO Box 7, Yampa, CO 80483
(970) 638-4516
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 8 million acres of public land in Colorado, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities. The BLM land in Colorado includes a diverse range of landscapes, from towering peaks to desert canyons. The land is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and pronghorn antelope. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, and fishing. One popular destination is the Colorado River, which offers opportunities for boating and rafting. Other highlights include the Gunnison Gorge, the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. The BLM land in Colorado is a great place to explore the outdoors, offering a unique mix of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
The Northwest District of Colorado is a region known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. The district encompasses a vast area, including several national forests and parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park and White River National Forest. The region features towering peaks, deep canyons, and pristine alpine lakes, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The area is also home to several historic towns, including Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge, which offer a range of cultural and recreational activities. In the winter months, the Northwest District is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with several world-class resorts, including Vail and Aspen. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/northwest-district-office
Kremmling Field Office
2103 E. Park Ave – PO Box 68, Kremmling, CO 80459
(970)724-3000
Little Snake Field Office
455 Emerson St. Craig, CO 81625
(970)826-5000
White River Field Office
220 E. Market St. Meeker, CO 81641
(970)878-3800
The Rocky Mountain District of Colorado is a region known for its iconic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and vast alpine meadows. The district is home to Rocky Mountain National Park, which features some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the United States. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is also home to several charming mountain towns, including Estes Park and Grand Lake, which offer a range of cultural and recreational activities. In the winter months, the Rocky Mountain District is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with several world-class resorts, including Winter Park and Keystone. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/rocky-mountain-district
Royal Gorge Field Office
3028 E. Main St. Canon City, CO 81212
(719)269-8500
San Luis Valley Field Office
1313 E. Highway 160 Monte Vista, CO 81144
(719)852-7074
The Southwest District of Colorado is a region known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural history. The district encompasses a vast area, including the San Juan Mountains, Mesa Verde National Park, and the historic town of Durango. The region features towering peaks, deep canyons, and a range of geological formations, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can explore Mesa Verde National Park, which preserves some of the most important archaeological sites in the United States, including ancient cliff dwellings and ceremonial structures. The area is also home to several charming mountain towns, including Ouray and Telluride, which offer a range of cultural and recreational activities. In the winter months, the Southwest District is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with several world-class resorts, including Telluride Ski Resort and Purgatory Resort. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/southwest-district-office
Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum- National Monument
27501 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323
(970)882-5600
Gunnison Field Office
210 W. Spencer Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230
(970)642-4940
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
2465 S. Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO 81401
(970)240-5300
Tres Rios Field Office
29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323
(970)882-1120
Uncompahgre Field Office
2465 S. Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO 81401
(970)240-5300
The Upper Colorado River District in Colorado is a region known for its rugged beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. The district encompasses a vast area, including the Gore Range and the Flat Tops Wilderness, and is home to several stunning alpine lakes and rivers, including the Colorado River itself. Visitors can explore the area’s many trails, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The district is also home to several charming mountain towns, including Glenwood Springs and Vail, which offer a range of cultural and recreational activities. In the winter months, the Upper Colorado River District is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with several world-class resorts, including Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/upper-colorado-river-district-office
Colorado River Field Office
2300 River Frontage Road Silt, CO 81652
(970)876-9000
Grand Junction Field Office
2815 H Road Grand Junction, CO 81506
(970)244-3000
Dominguez-Escalante Nature Conservation Area
Can be contacted using Grand Junction Field Office information above
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
Can be contacted using Grand Junction Field Office information above
Colorado’s grasslands are a unique ecosystem that covers much of the eastern part of the state. These grasslands are characterized by vast expanses of tall and short grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs that support a diverse array of plant and animal life. Some of the most notable grasses include big and little bluestem, buffalo grass, and switchgrass. Colorado’s grasslands are typically located at higher elevations than many other grasslands in the United States, ranging from about 4,000 to 8,000 feet. The climate is semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters, which creates challenging conditions for plants and animals. Despite this, the grasslands are home to many species of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, elk, coyotes, and numerous species of birds. The grasslands are also important to the local economy, with many ranches relying on the grasses for grazing livestock.
The Pawnee National Grassland is a 193,000-acre national grassland located in northeastern Colorado, known for its wide-open vistas and unique landscapes. The grassland is the largest in the state and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and raptors such as eagles and hawks. Visitors can explore the rolling grasslands on foot or by vehicle, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and plains. The Pawnee Buttes, two towering rock formations rising 300 feet above the surrounding prairie, are a popular destination for hikers and photographers. The grassland also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Overall, the Pawnee National Grassland is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a glimpse into the wide-open spaces and rugged beauty of the American West. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=32170
Pawnee National Grassland
115 North 2nd Ave, Ault, CO 80610
(970) 834-9270
The Comanche National Grassland is a 440,000-acre grassland located in southeastern Colorado, known for its wide-open spaces and unique landscapes. The grassland is part of the Great Plains ecosystem and features rolling hills, deep canyons, and open prairies, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and raptors such as eagles and hawks. Visitors can explore the grassland’s many trails, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Picketwire Canyonlands, a scenic canyon system located within the grassland, features several historic sites, including dinosaur tracks and a 19th-century pioneer settlement. The grassland also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/psicc/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsm9_032695
Carrizo Unit
27204 US Highway 287, P.O. Box 127, Springfield, CO 81073
(719) 523-6591
Timpas Unit
1420 East Third Street, La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-2181
The Cimarron National Grassland is a 108,000-acre grassland located in southwestern Kansas, with a small portion extending into southeastern Colorado. The grassland features rolling hills, deep canyons, and open prairies, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, bison, and pronghorn antelope. Visitors can explore the grassland’s many trails, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Cimarron National Grassland is also home to several historic sites, including the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and the Santa Fe Trail Auto Tour Route. The grassland is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for birdwatching, stargazing, and photography. The Cimarron National Grassland is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a glimpse into the vast and rugged landscapes of the Great Plains. You can check out more information here! https://www.nps.gov/places/cimarron-national-grassland.htm
Cimarron National Grassland
2840 Kachina Drive, Pueblo, CO 81008
(719) 553-1400
Cimarron National Grassland
242 East Highway 56 (P.O. Box 300) Elkhart, Kansas 67950
(620) 697-4621
tips and tricks
Colorado has four national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Each park offers unique experiences and incredible natural wonders.
Colorado is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s important to pack for a variety of conditions. Even in the summer, it can get chilly at night, especially in the mountains.
Take it slow – The high altitude can also cause altitude sickness, especially if you’re coming from a lower elevation. Take it slow and give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude.
Colorado is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and elk. Respect their space, keep a safe distance and Leave No Trace.
Colorado weather can be unpredictable, and sudden storms or temperature drops can be dangerous. Colorado is also prone to wildfires, especially during dry seasons. Be prepared for all types of weather and stay up to date on reports in your area.
do’s and dont’s
Practice responsible camping. Follow Leave No Trace principles, and always pack out your trash and properly dispose of human waste.
Follow safety guidelines – Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or enjoying other outdoor activities, be sure to follow safety guidelines and use appropriate gear.
Don’t drive under the influence – Colorado has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you plan on drinking, use a designated driver or ride-sharing service.
