79 Forests to Explore in Colorado

The Gunnison National Forest is a protected area situated in the western part of the US state of Colorado. It consists of a variety of wilderness terrain, covering vast distances in secluded places like the West Elk Mountains, Raggeds Wilderness, Fossil Ridge, and the La Garita Wilderness. A good trekking destination and also it offers nice views of wildlife and forest.

The Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness is located in the White River and Gunnison National Forests in central Colorado. It encompasses over 485,000 acres and includes the Hunter Creek, Fryingpan River, and South Fork Eagle River drainages. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bears, and cougars. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through the wilderness, offering breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

The James Peak Wilderness encompasses 14,000 acres on the east side of the Continental Divide in Boulder, Gilpin, and Clear Creek Counties of Colorado.The wilderness is named after its second tallest mountain, 13,294-foot James Peak. Peaks can be summited via easy hikes, or more adventuresome 5+ climbs. During the winter many of the summits can be climbed and then ski or boarded down.

La Garita Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness area established in 1980 and covers a total of 37,000 acres. The area is known for its rugged mountain terrain, as well as its abundant wildlife. Visitors to the region can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. It is also home to several rare plant and animal species, including the Gunnison sage grouse. With its diverse landscapes and abundant recreation opportunities, this Wilderness is a cherished natural treasure.

The Beautiful Lake Gulch Trail Is An Easy 1-Mile Hike In Colorado That’s Great For Beginners And Kids. The 2,600-acre state park is quite the hidden gem in the Centennial State and is ripe with adventure. Several hiking trails range from easy to difficult, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers with varying skillsets.

Lake Pueblo State Park is a state park in Pueblo County. The park is located on the shores of Lake Pueblo, a man-made reservoir created by the damming of the Arkansas River. The park covers over 60 miles of shoreline and offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and picnicking. In addition to its many natural features, the park also contains several historical and cultural sites, including the Historic district of Bellvue, Colorado.

This is a beautiful and popular spot in Park County. It's known for its scenic hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and crystal-clear lakes. The area is also popular with backpackers and campers, who come to enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the wilderness. While the Lost Creek Wilderness is a great place to explore, it's important to be prepared before heading into the backcountry. Be sure to bring plenty of food and water, a map and compass, and appropriate clothing for the weather.

Lovell Gulch Trailhead is located in Teller County, Colorado and offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. The trailhead is situated at an elevation of 9,200 feet and provides access to a variety of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, fishing, and bird watching in the area. The Lovell Gulch Trailhead is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike and is a great way to experience the beauty of Colorado.

The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is a large wilderness area, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears. The wilderness is also home to a number of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the area's majestic mountains and forests. This is a popular destination for both day hikers and overnight backpackers. The wilderness also offers excellent fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Marshall Mesa is a great hike if you want open valley views with mild elevation gain. It connects the Marshall Valley and Community Ditch trails. There are many different ways to link up the trails in the area, and options to cross Rte. 93 to access the trails on the east side of the highway. The high vantage point of the mesa offers great views of the Flatirons as well as far off destinations including Longs Peak to the north and Denver to the east.

The forest consists of two disconnected sections, the Medicine Bow National Forest in the north and the Routt National Forest in the south. Together, the Forests cover a total area of 1.8 million acres. The Medicine Bow National Forest is home to the largest elk herd in North America, as well as mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and black bears. In addition to its diverse wildlife, the Forests offer opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests encompass a huge area of land in Moffat County, Colorado. The forests are home to a variety of plant and animal life, and offer a wide range of recreation opportunities. The forests are also an important source of water for the region. The forests are popular with hikers, campers, and hunters, and offer a variety of trails and camping sites. In addition, the forests are home to several ski resorts, making them a popular destination in winter.

Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest is the official title to a U.S. Forest Service managed area extending over 2,222,313 acres in the states of Wyoming and Colorado. Characterized by mountain ranges and vast open landscapes, the national forests and national grassland provide abundant and unique opportunities for visitors all year round. The Forests provide year-round recreation opportunities for thousands of people.

The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge spans an area of 2,144 acres and was established in 1965. The primary focus of the refuge is to provide a habitat for the migrating birds that pass through the area. However, the refuge also supports a variety of other wildlife, including elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes. In addition to its abundant wildlife, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge also features a variety of landscapes, from meadows and wetlands to forests and grasslands.

The Mount Massive Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sawatch Range. The wilderness now contains over 30,000 acres, and it is co-managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The name comes from Mount Massive, the second highest peak in Colorado, located inside the wilderness. It is the only federally designated wilderness area within the National Fish Hatchery System.

Mount Sneffels Wilderness is a protected wilderness area in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The 13,713-acre wilderness was established in 1980 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It is located within the Uncompahgre Plateau and Gunnison National Forests. The wilderness is named for Mount Sneffels, one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado. The wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through the area.

Mount Zirkel is one of the best mountains in Colorado. At 12,180 feet, it is the high point in Colorado's Park Range. The wilderness straddles the Continental Divide in the Park Range and the Sierra Madre and offers a diversity of ecosystems from sagebrush meadows in the lower areas. Mount Zirkel was named in honor of German geologist Ferdinand Zirkel. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and do.

The Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a popular destination for hiking and camping in Routt county, Colorado. The wilderness area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. There are also numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Zirkel Circle Trail, which encircles the entire wilderness area. Camping is allowed anywhere in the wilderness, but campfires are only permitted in designated areas.

Navajo State Park is a major recreational facility in southwest Colorado, drawing more than 300,000 visitors every year. Its area is 15,000 acres, and it has 150 miles of shoreline in two states. Park activities include boating, houseboating, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. There is a New Mexico state park at the southern end of the lake.

A good trekking destination located in the heart of Hisdale forests and is generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 27 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, trail running, and walking.