White River National Forest
White River National Forest is the premier alpine recreation area of Colorado, hosting world-class ski resorts, glacial lakes, and high-elevation backcountry trails.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Western United States |
| Subregion | Rocky Mountains |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Eagle County and Pitkin County |
| District | White River National Forest |
| City | Aspen and Vail |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 39 |
| Longitude | -106 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMEWhite River National Forest spans approximately 24,500 square kilometers in central Colorado, serving as a cornerstone of alpine, mountain, and forest recreation. From the iconic ski resorts of Aspen, Vail, and Beaver Creek, to remote high-country circuits and glacial lakes such as Upper and Lower Cataract, the National Forest offers _year-round adventure. Visitors will find a mix of **developed facilities and backcountry camping**, with trail networks that reach above 4,300 meters_ and valleys carved by rockglacier activity; access routes and visitor services vary by zone and elevation. Whether skiing from summit to valley, rafting on nearby rivers, driving along scenic byways, or hiking near timberline, travelers should plan for changing weather, high altitude, and regional variation in permits and access policies.
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