79 Forests to Explore in Colorado

The Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge covers 11,169 acres of high desert uplands and riparian wetlands in the San Luis Valley.The site consists of wet meadows, river oxbows and riparian corridor primarily within the flood plain of the Rio Grande, and dry uplands vegetated with greasewood and saltbush.It is considered to be more wild and less intensely managed than the nearby Monte Vista refuge.

The Arapaho National Forest was established by Theodore Roosevelt on July 1, 1908. The Roosevelt National Forest, originally part of the Medicine Bow Forest Reserve, was first named the Colorado National Forest in 1910 and was renamed by President Herbert Hoover to honor President Theodore Roosevelt in 1932. The Pawnee National Grassland was transferred to the Forest Service from the Soil Conservation Service in 1954. It was designated a national grassland in 1960.

Arapaho National Forest is a National Forest located in north-central Colorado, United States. The region is managed jointly with the Roosevelt National Forest and the Pawnee National Grassland from the United States Forest Service office in Fort Collins, Colorado. It has a wildlife refuge which manages a protection for all birds and mammals. The forest includes part of the high Rockies and river valleys in the upper watershed of the Colorado River and South Platte River.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness is located in Montrose County, Colorado. This wilderness area is bounded by the Gunnison River on the west and the Uncompahgre Plateau on the east. The canyon itself is approximately 12 miles long and 2,000 feet deep. The walls of the canyon are steep and lined with various types of rock, including granite, gneiss, and schist. The canyon floor is strewn with boulders and debris from rockslides.

A beautiful and wild 123-acre wildlife refuge and environmental education center in Denver, Colorado, located along Sand Creek on the eastern edge of the former Stapleton International Airport. It consists of a variety of native habitats including wetlands, short-grass prairie, a riparian zone and wetland woodland. it is free and open to the public, serving a role as unplanned open space for children and families in the nearby neighborhoods.

Boyd Lake State Park is a smaller area that surrounds Boyd Lake and sports a boat ramp, marina, swim beach, concessions and so more. The park sometimes holds events for the public including fishing derbies and clinics, education programs, and volunteer projects. Activities permitted within the park include boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, and hunting.

The Bridal Veil Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in San Miguel County, Colorado. The trailhead is located just outside the town of Telluride, and the trail winds its way up into the mountains for about 3 miles. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks, as well as a number of waterfalls and cascades. The trail eventually ends at a beautiful alpine lake, where hikers can take a dip or simply enjoy the scenery.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Moffat County, Colorado. The refuge was established in 1980 to provide habitat for wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and black-footed ferrets. The refuge also protects the historic Brown's Park Ute Indian Reservation. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including sagebrush steppe, riverine forest, and marshes. There are also numerous hiking trails and camping sites.

The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness is located in Park County, about 30 miles southwest of Denver. The wilderness area comprises two distinct peaks, East Buffalo Peak and West Buffalo Peak, which are connected by a deep canyon. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and expansive views. Wildlife is abundant in the wilderness, with elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears all making their home in the park.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a popular tourist destination in Teller County. The park features a variety of attractions, including hiking trails, a scenic chairlift, and an observation deck that offers sweeping views of the nearby mountains. Visitors can also tour the historic Manitou Cave, which was once used by Native Americans as a place of refuge. Today, the cave is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand the geological formations that have shaped the area.

The Comanche National Grassland includes over 440, 000 acres in southeastern Colorado. Here, you can explore southeastern Colorado's rich history. Over 1300 visible tracks in the picturesque Picketwire Canyon make it one of the largest documented dinosaur trackways in North America. The natural beauty of Comanche is another draw, with short grass, rugged canyons, and rolling bluffs.

Conundrum Trailhead is located in the White River National Forest in Pitkin County. The trailhead is accessible from both the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the adjoining Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. The Conundrum Trailhead is a popular starting point for backpacking and hiking trips into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. There are several trails in the area, ranging from easy to difficult. The Conundrum Hot Springs trail is a popular destination for backpackers.

Crawford State Park is located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, and bird watching. The park is also home to a number of historical and archaeological sites, which provide insight into the region's rich cultural history. Crawford State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking a wilderness experience in one of the most scenic parts of the country.

Devil's Head Lookout is a U.S. Forest Service fire lookout tower at the summit of Devils Head in Douglas County. The station was first established in 1912, with the original tower built in 1919. In the summer of 1951, the old tower was dismantled and current structure was built. In 1991. Sitting at the highest point of Rampart Range, the fire lookout is the last remaining such structure to be in service along the Front Range of Colorado.

The Eagles Nest Wilderness is a true wilderness experience, situated in the Summit County area of Colorado. The area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and rivers. There are several different trails to explore, each offering its own unique scenery and challenges. Whether you're looking for a short day hike or a longer backpacking trip, the Eagles Nest Wilderness has something to offer. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and you might even see some eagles nesting in the cliffs.

Eleven Mile State Park is a state park in Park County, Colorado. The park was established in 1909 and covers an area of 11 square miles. Eleven Mile Reservoir is the centerpiece of the park and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. The park also offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as picnicking and RV camping.

This 12,000 acre state park is conveniently located just outside Denver, in the Front Range. It includes a visitor center, over 100 campsites and 125 picnic sites. Some of the best camping and hiking in Golden, CO, and the entire state of Colorado, is found at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Here’s everything you need to know for a memorable trip.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is the ideal outdoor getaway perfect for a day or week-long excursion. The 12,119-acre Front Range park established in 1960 has 42 miles of hiking trails. Facilities include a visitor center, over 100 campsites and 125 picnic sites. Commonly seen wildlife includes mule deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, Abert's squirrel and pine squirrel.

The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is located in western Colorado, near the town of Montrose. The area is known for its dramatic gorge, which was carved by the Gunnison River. The gorge is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including bighorn sheep, eagles, and canyon Offense. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and rafting in the Gunnison Gorge. In addition, the area offers several scenic drives, as well as opportunities for backcountry exploration.

The Gunnison National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering 1,672,136 acres. It borders the White River National Forest to the north, the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre National Forests to the west, the San Isabel National Forest to the east and the Rio Grande National Forest to south. There are seven officially designated wilderness areas lying within Gunnison National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.