Colorado National Forests
Colorado National Forests encompass a series of high-elevation woodlands and extensive wilderness areas across northern and central Colorado. From alpine tundra to dense pines, each breeds opportunities for backcountry hiking, wildlife viewing, and multi-day camping.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Colorado Plateau & Intermountain West |
| Subregion | Western United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 40 |
| Longitude | -105.5 |
| Maps |
12:55 PM LOCAL TIMEColorado National Forests include the Arapaho and ROOSEVELT National Forests, along with smaller units such as Pike and Routt. These interconnected landscapes form a high-altitude mosaic of coniferous forests, alpine plateaus, and canyonlands, providing habitat for elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Visitors come for cruising alpine trails, remote fishing, and seasonal alpine skiing; destinations like the Indian Peaks Wilderness and parts of the Cache la Poudre and Fraser River corridors are especially notable. The region’s cultural touchstones include historic mining routes, Native American trail corridors, and modern mountain towns. Whether you're planning multi-day backpacking, day hikes with ridge-top views, or winter snowplay, each forest unit has unique access points, trailheads, and facilities; consult regional maps and local ranger offices to tailor your trip.
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