About National Forests in Colorado

National Forests are 30% of Colorado

Colorado has 11 national forests, covering approximately 14 million acres, about 30% of the state's total land area. These forests are integral to the state's outdoor lifestyle and ecosystem, offering vast areas for recreation, wildlife, and conservation. The largest forests are noted below.

Each forest offers various outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Here’s the list:

1. Arapaho National Forest

Location: North-central Colorado, near Boulder and Estes Park.
Special Features: Known for its proximity to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho offers high-altitude terrain with rugged mountain views. It features the famous Indian Peaks Wilderness and James Peak Wilderness areas. The forest is also a gateway to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and winter sports.

2. Ashley National Forest

Location: Southeastern Utah and Northwestern Colorado.
Special Features: While mostly in Utah, this forest covers part of Colorado as well. The Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a key feature, attracting boating and fishing enthusiasts. The forest also boasts scenic overlooks and abundant wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking.

3. Black Hills National Forests

Location: Primarily in South Dakota but extends into Colorado.
Special Features: Famous for Pine Ridge and its unique rock formations, the Black Hills offer rugged terrain, canyons, and towering pines. They also have significant cultural and historical importance, including Native American heritage sites. Notable attractions include Spearfish Canyon and Mount Rushmore, just outside the forest’s borders.

4. Rio Grande National Forest

Location: Southern Colorado, near the San Luis Valley.
Special Features: This forest is known for its scenic San Juan Mountains and the Great Sand Dunes National Park nearby. It has great hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities, as well as excellent wildlife viewing, especially for bighorn sheep and elk.

5. San Juan National Forests (1.8 million acres)

Location: Southwestern Colorado, around Durango and the Weminuche Wilderness.
Special Features: Famous for its rugged peaks, including Mount Wilson and the Chicago Basin. The San Juan National Forest is a haven for adventurers, offering hiking, backpacking, skiing, and even hot springs. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs through this forest, adding a historical charm. This scenic train has several options, a few notable ones are: Hotel, Adventure, and Tour Packages.

6. San Isabel National Forest

Location: Central Colorado, near Pueblo and Salida.
Special Features: Known for its beautiful mountainous terrain and diverse ecosystems, the San Isabel offers easy access to Royal Gorge and Lake Pueblo State Park. Mount Pisgah and Pikes Peak are close by, making it a popular spot for outdoor recreation like fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

7. Pike National Forests (1.1 million acres)

Location: Central Colorado, surrounding Colorado Springs.
Special Features: Famous for Pikes Peak, one of the most iconic mountains in Colorado, and home to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The forest offers sweeping views of the Front Range, with plenty of hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Crystal and North Catamount Reservoirs offer great fishing and boating.

8. Medicine Bow National Forest

Location: Southeast Wyoming and northern Colorado.
Special Features: Known for its serene Snowy Range, the forest is an excellent spot for both winter and summer activities. Arapaho Glacier and Mirror Lake are standout features, providing beautiful backdrops for hiking and camping. It’s a quieter, less-crowded option for those seeking solitude in nature.

9. Gunnison National Forest

Location: Western Colorado, around the Gunnison Valley.
Special Features: Known for its diverse landscapes, from the high peaks of the Elk Mountains to the lower Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the forest offers some of the best backcountry experiences in the state. It also includes the popular Crested Butte area, a hotspot for skiing in winter and wildflower viewing in summer.

10. White River National Forest (approximately 2.3 million acres)

Location: Central Colorado, near Aspen and Vail.
Special Features: One of the busiest national forests in the U.S., the White River is famous for its pristine alpine lakes, the Maroon Bells, and excellent skiing resorts like Aspen and Vail. The Flat Tops Wilderness and Holy Cross Wilderness also offer incredible hiking and backpacking opportunities. It’s a haven for outdoor lovers year-round.

11. Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

Location: Western Colorado.
Special Features: This combined forest unit is huge and incredibly diverse. Grand Mesa is the largest flat-top mountain in the world, offering amazing views and unique ecosystems. Uncompahgre features rugged mountains, while the Gunnison forest is known for its wild, remote landscapes. The area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, with extensive opportunities for wildlife watching.

Each forest has its own charm and unique features, from towering mountains to serene lakes. Each of these National Forests provides a wide range of recreational activities for every type of adventurer.