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Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests
Thunder Basin National Grassland

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Find a Forest (NF)
or Grassland (NG)

USDA Forest Service
Medicine Bow-Routt
National Forests,
Thunder Basin
National Grassland
2468 Jackson Street
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-2300

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
307-745-2307

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Welcome to the recreation and wilderness programs. Our Forests offer a diverse abundance of outdoor opportunities. These lands are yours—to visit, to care for, but most of all, to enjoy.

Safety of visitors is the number one concern of the US Forest Service. An effect of the mountain pine beetle infestation is the danger of falling beetle killed trees. From the camping link you will find the campgrounds that will be closed for the summer, along with those that have delayed openings. Call the Ranger District office closest to the campground you are interested in for updated information.


General Recreation

Recreation.gov is your one-stop source for finding recreational opportunities on federal lands.

Travel Management

Motor vehicle use maps (MVUM)

The Forest Service announced a new regulation on November 2, 2005, governing off-highway vehicles and other motor vehicle use on national forests and grasslands. The new rule requires each national forest or ranger district to designate those roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use.

Camping & Picnicking

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland has over 85 developed facilities including family and group campgrounds, picnic areas and boat ramps for you to enjoy. While many campgrounds are on a first-come basis, reservations can be made at some campgrounds.

Many areas offer dispersed camping on a first-come basis. This is a good alternative if the developed campgrounds in the area are full, or if you prefer to camp away from other campers and campground conveniences.

Fishing

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland offers a variety of recreational fishing opportunities in some of the most beautiful settings in northwest Colorado and southeast Wyoming.

Find information about fishing regulations and license fees in Colorado and Wyoming.

Trails

*Parks Ranger District Temporary Trailhead Closures

Many non-motorized trails are open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrian users. Off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts will find a variety of recreation opportunities on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland including single track trails, ATV trails, and 4-wheel drive roads.

Wilderness

Wilderness is a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed. There are 10 Wilderness Areas comprising nearly 343,420 acres of the land managed by the forest. Find out about our Colorado and Wyoming wilderness opportunities. Please Leave No Trace when visiting your National Forests.

Maps & Brochures

Visitor maps provide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. Our brochures provide local recreation, wildlife, fire safety, and other information.

 

Hunting

Most of the forest is open to hunting. Information on seasons, licenses, and restrictions is available from the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Winter Activities

From snowshoeing and skiing to snowmobiling, find out about these and other winter activities.

Sightseeing

Scenic drives/byways, interpretive walks, visitor centers, special places, and more.

Passes & Permits

Most National Forests and Grasslands are open, free of charge. Fees and permits may be required for some activities and locations. Also, there are programs that allow visitor discounts for fees charged on National Forests.

Cabin Rentals

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin Grassland have cabins and fire lookout towers available for rental.

River Rafting

A popular rafting, kayaking, and fishing river, the North Platte has a gradient of 30 feet per mile for the 10.8 miles between access points Routt Access and Six Mile Gap.

Most of the section administered by the USDA Forest Service is located in the Platte River Wilderness Area. Please contact the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District for special wilderness regulations or a list of permitted outfitters and please “Leave No Trace” of your visit.

Permits are required to be held by commercial outfitters only.

Rules & Etiquette

General rules for national forests and grasslands include details about camping, pets, and other topics. Etiquette expected of visitors is outlined in the Leave No Trace program.

Visitor Centers

There are several visitor centers on the Forest—with maps and books, interpretive displays, and helpful information specialists.

Safety

Have a safe visit when you come to your forests and grasslands—whether driving, hiking, boating, or enjoying other activities.

 

 

 

 

Laramie Peak Area Pole Mountain Area Routt National Forest Area Routt National Forest Area Routt National Forest Area Sierra Madre Area Snowy Range Area

USDA Forest Service, Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland
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Last modified September 30, 2008

USDA logo, which links to the department's national site. Forest Service logo, which links to the agency's national site.