4 Forests to Explore in Jackson County

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.

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.

Routt National Forest lands are located in northwestern Colorado. The Steamboat Ski Resort is located in the forest, on Mount Werner. The forest is named after John Routt, the first Governor of Colorado.Routt National Forest contains seven wilderness areas entirely or partially within it. Entirely within Routt are the Mount Zirkel and the Sarvis Creek Wildernesses.

State Forest State Park is a Colorado State Park located in Jackson and Larimer counties east of Walden, Colorado. It is around 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks and alpine lakes.Facilities include a visitors' center, 187 campsites, over 60 dispersed camping sites, 15 cabins and yurts, picnic sites, boat ramps and 94 miles of hiking trails.