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Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Pawnee National Grassland

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Find a Forest (NF)
or Grassland (NG)

USDA Forest Service
Arapaho & Roosevelt
National Forests
Pawnee National
Grassland
2150 Centre Avenue
Building E
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8119
970-295-6600

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Recreation

Photo of a family gathered around a campfire roasting marshmallows. Their tent is in the background.Welcome to the recreation and wilderness programs. Our forest offers a diversity of outdoor opportunities. These lands are yours—to visit, to care for, but most of all, to enjoy.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your family and friends and head for adventure in Colorado's great outdoors on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland!

Some roads, campgrounds, and trails be closed or delayed in opening due to Mountain Pine Beetle projects.

Accessible Recreation

The Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland offers a number of recreational facilities designed with accessibility in mind for persons with disabilities. Also, there are programs that allow visitor discounts for fees charged on national forests.

Camping & Picnicking

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland have 53 developed campgrounds and 20 developed picnic areas.

Dispersed camping may be for you if you like to camp away from it all, but want to drive there in your car.

Current Conditions

What’s the weather? How are the roads? Is your favorite campground open? What closure orders are in effect on the forest?

Fishing

Find out where to cast your line for stream and lake fishing from the shore or a boat. Information on seasons, licenses, and restrictions is available from the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is a popular activity on the forest. Seasonal closures exist at a few sites to protect raptor nesting areas.

General Recreation

Find out about other recreational opportunities by contacting your local office.

The Arapaho National Recreation Area is located on the Sulphur Ranger District near Granby, Colorado.

The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located on the Boulder Ranger District near Boulder, Colorado.

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

Heritage Resources

Archeological resources and historic places abound on federal lands. Check out the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland history page.

Hunting & Target Shooting

Most of the forest is open to hunting. Information on seasons, licenses, and restrictions is available from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Check out where you can target shoot and our regulations and restrictions.

Maps & Brochures

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

Passes & Permits

Most national forests and grasslands are open, free of charge. Fees and permits may be required for some activities and locations such as camping or backpacking, firewood gathering and Christmas tree cutting. A number of national passes may save you money.

Reservations & Cabin Rentals

While many campgrounds are on a first-come basis, you can use the National Recreation Reservation Service to make reservations for some campgrounds.

Some areas have cabins and fire-lookout towers available for rental.

Rules & Etiquette

General rules for national forests and grasslands include details about camping, pets and other topics. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland have some general ARP rules and etiquette as well. Etiquette expected of visitors is outlined in the Leave No Trace program.

Safety

Have a safe visit when you come to your forests and grasslands—whether driving, hiking, boating, or enjoying other activities. Learn about cell phone use in the great outdoors.

Scenic Drives

There are many beautiful scenic drives scattered throughout the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. Get more information and locations here.

Off-Highway Vehicle Adventures

There are a number of areas on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland to take your off-highway vehicles for a little adventure. Please just remember to tread lightly and be safe.

Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) display National Forest System (NFS) routes (roads and trails) or areas designated as open to motorized travel.

Hiking Trails

Many non-motorized trails are open to hikers, cyclists and equestrian users for enjoyment in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. Check here for a list of our hiking trails.

Mountain Biking

Find out what trails and roads are best for your mountain biking experience on our districts.

Visitor Centers

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

Water Sports

Want to know where to go water skiing? Where can you swim? Where’s a good place to take your canoe? Find out at a Forest Service office near you.

Wilderness

Wilderness is a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed. Find out about our many wilderness opportunities.

Winter Activities

From snowshoeing and skiing to snowmobiling, find out about these and other winter activities on the forest by contacting your local US Forest Service office.

Contact Us

 

USDA Forest Service, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland
Website comments? Please let us know.
Last modified May 13, 2008

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