Colorado Public Lands

San Juan National Forest

The San Juan Public Lands encompass some 2.5 million acres managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, stretching across five Colorado counties in the southwestern corner of the state. This terrain ranges from high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, with thousands of miles of back roads and hundreds of miles of trails to explore.

The San Juan Public Lands Center combines the former San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office and one-third of the former BLM Montrose District into one independent, integrated unit. As such, it is the only organization in the country with a single team providing leadership in all aspects of land management and public service for the two federal agencies.

Shared USFS/BLM offices are located in Pagosa Springs, Durango, and Dolores, Colorado, to oversee three combined USFS Ranger Districts and BLM Field Offices. The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is also an attached BLM unit.

San Juan Public Lands abound with natural and cultural treasures. Five distinct life zones range from elevations near 5,000 feet to above 14,000 feet. Several of Colorado’s famous “14’ers” can be found in the Weminuche and Lizard Head Wilderness Areas. The San Juan also includes the South San Juan Wilderness Area.

Cultural resources run the gamut from historic mining ghost towns and mills to Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and pit houses. Some heritage sites offer guided tours; others are unmarked treasures you may happen across in the backcountry.

The area has short, cool summers and long, severe winters in the mountains. The lower elevations experience a more temperate winter. There are several permanent snow fields, and snow patches remain in sheltered areas throughout the summer. You should be prepared for freezing weather at all times of the year.

South San Juan Wilderness

The South San Juan Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1980 and consists of approximately 158,790 acres. Ages of volcanic activity followed by the infinitely patient carving of glaciers left the rough, imposing terrain of the South San Juan Wilderness, an area typified by steep slopes above U-shaped valleys cut sharply deeper by eroding streams. You’ll find high peaks and cliffs, as well as jagged pinnacles and ragged ridges, making travel difficult. Elevations rise as high as 13,300 feet. Thirty-two lakes, most of them formed by glacier activity, hold much of the area’s moisture and drain into turbulent creeks. The Conejos, San Juan, and Blanco River all have their headwaters here, and about 25 miles of the Conejos River has been recommended for Wild and Scenic designation. Erosion of rich volcanic rock in combination with heavy snowfall has produced ideal forestland. Forest ecosystems rise from the shadowy cover of magnificent lodgepole pine to aspen, then through Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir to alpine tundra. Much of the forestland has a peaceful, park like quality under the trees where sun-starved undergrowth grows thin and low. The Continental Divide crosses the heart of the Wilderness for 42 miles.

Rio Grande National Forest

The 1,852,000-acre Rio Grande National Forest provides access to countless developed and natural attractions. The forest includes the rugged and jagged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and the forested tablelands and glacial canyons of the San Juan Mountains. Within these areas high lakes and alpine streams, create livable habitat for wildlife of all sizes. Also in these forested areas are trails, campgrounds, picnic grounds, four-wheel drive roads and scenic highways to interest visitors from all walks of life.

Mountainous terrain influences the climate visitors find in the Rio Grande National Forest. Elevations range from 7,500 feet to over 14,000 feet at the top of several mountain peaks. In general, the climate at low elevations is cool and arid while the high country is cold and humid. Average precipitation varies from under eight inches at the 8,000-foot level to over 50 inches in some alpine areas. Snowfall varies significantly in the Forest. Summer is short and frost may occur anytime in high elevations. Annual temperature extremes range from 90 degrees in summer to 30 degrees below zero in winter. Rapid weather changes, with temperature changes of 40 degrees in periods as short as four to six hours, occur frequently.

Weminuche Wilderness

The Weminuche Wilderness was designated in 1975 by Congress and has approximately 488,210 acres making this Wilderness the largest designated in Colorado. Its average elevation is 10,000 feet. Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom Peaks rise above 14,000 feet in elevation, whle many others reach above 13,000 feet. Fifty miles of the Continental Divide, the geological backbone of North America, dissect the Weminuche, dividing it’s headwaters to either the Pacific or Atlantic oceans.

Gunnison National Forest

The Gunnison National Forest encompasses part of Colorado’s central Rockies and includes two peaks over 14,000 feet, as well as 20 peaks over 13,000 feet in elevation. The La Garita, Collegiate Peaks, Fossil Ridge, Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Raggeds and West Elk Wildernesses are partially located within the forest.

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are a combination of separate National Forests located on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies. These three combined Forests cover 3,161,912 acres of public land in the central and southern Rocky Mountains, an area that lies south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies.

The Forests vary in elevation from 5,800 feet above sea level in Roubideau Creek Canyon to 14,309 feet on Uncompahgre Peak. The Forests include spectacular features like the 355 foot high Bridal Veil falls; the Grand Mesa with over 300 lakes, one of the world’s largest flat top mountains; and Alpine Tunnel, once the highest railroad tunnels in North America.

One hundred and thirty miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail corridor exists within this forest. Summer high temperatures in much of the forest areas reach into the 70s and low 80s. Evenings are cool, with temperatures that can often dip into the 30s in the high country. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are common. Snow is possible at any time of year in the highest elevations. The high elevation roads and trails are often not clear of snow until at least mid-July. The relative humidity is quite low throughout the year.

La Garita Wilderness

Congress designated the La Garita Wilderness in 1964 and it currently has approximately 129,626 acres. La Garita means “the lookout” in Spanish, and this Wilderness amply deserves the name. From the summit of this Wilderness’ single “fourteener” (14,014-foot San Luis Peak), you can gaze across the Rio Grande Valley and down the long stretch of the San Luis Valley. About 35 miles of the Continental Divide lie well above sprawling forestland. On the southern slopes in Watson and Silver parks, you will find a surprising ancient forest of towering spruce and fir. This is a land of rushing streams, broad and gentle alpine meadows, fascinating beaver ponds, long talus slopes and tremendous mountain beauty.

The Wheeler Geologic Area hides in the southeast corner of the Wilderness. It once claimed to be Colorado’s most visited site and is probably the state’s most unusual Geological formation: fine, light-gray volcanic ash compressed into the rock and wildly eroded into a striking series of domes, spires, caves, ledges, pinnacles, ravines, and balanced rocks.

Pike/San Isabel National Forest

The highlights of the Pike – San Isabel National Forests include, but are not limited to; gold-medal fishing, secluded reservoirs, 14,000’ mountains, huge white water, scenic drives and historic ghost towns. The Pike – San Isabel National Forests encompass a vast variety of terrain on the Front Range and in the Central Rockies.

Controlled mainly by the Rocky Mountains, weather in the Pike – San Isabel National Forests varies extremely on a yearly, daily and hourly basis. Colorado’s high elevations means the air contains less oxygen, making it more difficult to breathe for indviduals from lower elevations. High elevations also means increased exposure to ultraviolet rays, making it easier to get a sunburn. Temperatures are affected by elevation, cooling four degrees for every 1,000 feet gained.

When hiking during the summer, particularly on high mountain peaks, it is best to hike in the early morning and early afternoon to avoid afternoon lightning and thunderstorms. The average yearly precipitation is 16 inches, the majority of which comes in spring and summer. Summer temperatures average 72 degrees during the day. Nighttime freezing temperatures are not uncommon during the summer. The mean winter temperature is 26 degrees. The low humidity on the eastern slopes makes both warm and cold temperatures seem more comfortable.

Mt. Massive Wilderness

Congress designated Mount Massive Wilderness in 1980 and it now has approximately 30,540 acres. At 14,421 feet, Mount Massive is Colorado’s second highest peak. Mountains of the Sawatch Range have two distinct characteristics: great height, and a huge, sloping bulk that makes them relatively easy to climb. Nowhere along the Continental Divide does the ground rise higher than the Sawatch Range, the crest of this continent. Just south of the Wilderness stands Mount Elbert at 14,443 feet, Colorado’s highest summit. The Divide marks the western boundary of this area, with the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness immediately to the other side. Dry lodgepole pine forests, typical of the eastern slopes of the Divide, cover much of the lower elevations while spruce and fir lie just below the alpine tundra. Despite the fact that this region was an uplift little touched by glacier activity, a dozen or more lovely glacier lakes lie hidden here.

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

Congress designated the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness in 1980 and it is now approximately 167,414 acres. With eight “fourteeners”, Collegiate Peaks Wilderness possesses the highest average elevation of any Wilderness in the lower 48 states. As you travel through this area, you might notice unusual and deep indentations in the boundary line. These are a legacy of man’s hunt for gold and other valuable metals that are still sought just outside the wilderness boundary.

White River National Forest

At approximately 2.3 million acres, the White River is one of the biggest sections of the National Forest System. With 10 peaks over 14,000 feet, and eight Wilderness areas encompassing more than 750,000 acres, the Forest is world-renowned for its scenery and recreational opportunities. The scenic beauty of the area, along with ample developed and undeveloped recreation opportunities on the Forest, accounts for the fact that the White River consistently ranks as one of the top five Forests nationwide for total recreation use. The elevation of the White River National Forest ranges from 5,000 to 14,000 feet. Most of the campgrounds are between 5,400 and 10,000 feet.

Warm days and cool to freezing nights can be expected in the mountains during the summer. July and August are usually the warmest months. During these summer months afternoon thunderstorms are common. Be prepared for both warm and chilly weather, as well as for rain showers. Fall in the White River National Forest is brief but spectacular, as changing aspens cloak the mountains in gold. Peak color time, while variable, is normally the last part of September. Crisp, sunny days mingle with early snowstorms in what many consider the premier season of the year.

Holy Cross Wilderness

Congress designated the Holy Cross Wilderness in 1980 and has approximately 122,884 acres. Cascading streams, dozens of emerald green lakes, and wide valleys moistened by melting snow make Holy Cross a watery alpine wilderness of glistening beauty. Dominated by 14,005 foot Mount of the Holy Cross, this Wilderness also has 25+ peaks that rise above 13,000 feet. Wildlife including deer, elk, black bears, bobcats, and lynx find abundant homes in Holy Cross, and it streams run full of trout.

Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland encompass roughly 1.5 million acres of public land in the Rocky Mountains, foothills and short grass prairie of north central Colorado. Boundaries extend north to the Wyoming border and south past Interstate 70 to Mount Evans. Topography on the forests varies from rolling hills to snow covered mountain peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation.

Never Summer Wilderness

Congress designated the Never Summer Wilderness in 1980 and it now has approximately 21,100 acres. As the name suggests, Never Summer Wilderness gets hit with large amounts of rain and snow that collect on the storm-wracked peaks, which offer relatively gentle terrain and bear names that hint at their cloud level heights such as Cirrus, Cumulus, Stratus and Nimbus. Seventeen peaks rise above 12,000 feet, with Howard Mountain being the tallest at 12,810 feet. The Wilderness area supplies water to three main rivers, the Colorado, the North Platte, and the Cache la Poudre. In damp gulches above 10,000 feet trees absorb the abundant moisture and grow old and exceptionally large. In the northern section, a series of ponds and bogs provide rare habitats for species. Moose have also been reintroduced to the area and are faring well.

Indian Peaks Wilderness

Congress designated the Indian Peaks Wilderness in 1978 and it now has approximately 76,700 acres. Many of the peaks within the area were named after American Indian tribes of the west. The area is located primarily in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests with a portion of the northern most boundary within Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevations range from 8,400 to just over 13,500 feet. There are a total of seven peaks over 13,000 feet and approximately 35% of the land area is above timberline. The icy remains of the last glacial period sculpted out the rugged terrain of the Indian Peaks. Chill winds off perpetual snowfields have created an environment near timberline of stunted trees and alpine plants unusual for this part of the state.

The Indian Peaks Wilderness is one of the most popular and heavily used Wilderness Areas in the country due to its close proximity to the Denver/Boulder metro area. Camping permits are required during the peak season, June 1 to September 15, and campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental Divide and around most lakes on the west side. Rocky Mountain National Park to the north, also requires backcountry camping permits which can be obtained free of charge.

James Peak Wilderness

James Peak Wilderness was designated in 2002 by Congress with approximately 14,000 acres on the east side of the Continental Divide in Boulder, Gilpin, and Clear Creek Counties of Colorado. The area is named after its most prominent peak, 13294-foot James Peak in honor of Dr. Edwin James, an early explorer, historian, and botanist who was a member of the famous Stephen H. Long expedition to Colorado in 1820. The area’s elevation ranges from 9,200 to 13,294 feet, which includes upper montane, sub-alpine, and alpine ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains adjacent to the Continental Divide.

Vasquez Peak Wilderness

In 1993, Congress designated Vasquez Peak Wilderness with approximately 12,300 acres. Along the southern boundary of the relatively small Vasquez Peak Wilderness and over Vasquez Peak itself you will find seven miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The Wilderness area provides extravagant views over a dramatic area, two-thirds of which lie above timberline. Below timberline sits a region of twisted wood, the result of icy temperatures and fierce winds that keep the spruce and fir dwarfed and confined into low-laying mats. Healthy spruce, fir, and pine cover the lower mountainsides. With much of the area above timberline, sudden thunderstorms can make exposure to lightning in the Vasquez Mountains a dangerous risk. You should plan on hiking early and dropping into the trees before afternoon storms begin. In winter, avalanches are common.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, a visitor to the park has opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures.

Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, eagles, hawks and scores of smaller animals delight wildlife-watchers of all ages. Wildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut (mating season).

359 miles of trail offer endless opportunities to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders. Fly fishers, bird-watchers and photographers discover the splendor that they traveled so far to find. During the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers revel in the white-blanketed tranquility of meadows and forests.

60 peaks rising above 12,000 feet challenge intrepid hikers and climbers. Anyone visiting between Memorial Day and late autumn can see many of these peaks eye-to-eye by driving over Trail Ridge Road. Topping out at 12,183 feet, this is the highest, continuous, paved road in the United States.

Front-country and backcountry campers have hundreds of campsites to choose from. Civilization and its amenities are available in the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake which flank the park on the east and west sides respectively. Ranger-led activities are an entertaining way to learn more about your surroundings. Plan some time to acclimate to the high altitude and come find your adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests extend from north central Colorado to central Wyoming. The Forests encompass portions of many mountain ranges including the Gore Range, Flat Tops, Parks Range, Medicine Bow Mountains, Sierra Madre, and Laramie Range. The topography varies greatly within the Forests due to the large geographic area encompassed. Elevations range from 5,500 feet to 12,940 feet.

The climate of the Forests ranges from semi-arid at low elevations to cold and humid in the high country. Frost may occur at any time, and visitors to the higher elevations should be prepared for harsh weather, including snow and high winds, even during the summer months.

Mount Zirkel Wilderness

The Mount Zirkel Wilderness lies within the Routt National Forest in northwestern Colorado. It was one of the original areas protected under the 1964 Wilderness Act and has since been expanded twice to its present size of 160,648 acres. 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, through pine and spruce/fir forests and up to alpine tundra. It contains the rugged peaks of Sawtooth Range and the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment and North Platte rivers. There are over 70 lakes within the wilderness as well as 15 peaks over 12,000 feet, the highest being 12,180 foot Mount Zirkel. Glaciations have left its distinctive mark of high valleys ending in precipitous cirques. Over 150 miles of trail (including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail) provide access into the wilderness.

Ample opportunity exists to view nature’s dynamic cycle of disturbance and rebirth. The Routt Divide Blowdown in 1997 toppled millions of trees over a 150 square mile area, most of it within the wilderness, with the beetle epidemic and wildfires following its wake. These natural forces have temporarily altered the landscape without permanently eroding its wilderness character.