Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

Accessible Recreation

The Pike & San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands 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 Pike & San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands has more than 90 developed facilities including family and group campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and rental cabins.

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?

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 State department of fish and game.

General Recreation

Find out about other recreational opportunities.

Leave No trace Skills and Ethics

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.

Holiday Tree Information

• Regional Holiday Tree Information
• Leadville RD.
• Pikes Peak RD
• Salida RD
• San Carlos RD
• South Park RD
• South Platte RD
• Holiday Tree Identification Guide

Hunting & Target Shooting

Most of the forest is open to hunting. Information on seasons, licenses, and restrictions is available from the State department of fish and game. Check out where you can target shoot.

Maps & Brochures

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

OHVs and Hunting

The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) during hunting season has skyrocketed in recent years. ATVs offer several advantages -- they are easier than walking, they cause less impact than most other vehicles, they can access ATV trails that would turn back full-size vehicles, and carrying an elk out on the back of an ATV is easier than carrying it out on foot.

OHV Recreation Opportunity Maps

• Pikes Peak, North Divide/Rainbow Falls Route Maps (PDF 2.41 Mb)
• Salida, Four Mile Route Map

Passes & Permits

Most national forests and grasslands are open, free of charge. Fees and permits may be required for some activities and locations.

Recreation Residence Permits

Information and examples of documents associated with the Consistency Review and Continuance Determination for Recreation Residence Permits. A recreation residence is an authorized summer home which occupies National Forest System Land.

• Recreation Residence Consistency Review Information
  • Standards and Guidelines (132 KB pdf)
  • Inspection Form (27 KB pdf)
  • Initial Review Letter (33 KB pdf)
  • Decision Memo Cover Letter, December 29, 2006 (39 KB pdf)
  • Decision Memo (74 KB pdf)
  • Fee Appraisal Information Letter, June 8, 2006

Recreation Facility Analysis

This process was called Recreation Site-Facility Master Planning (RS-FMP.) However, the Forest Service recognized, as a result of the findings of a team chartered specifically to review the public participation efforts associated with this analysis process, that the term “master planning” could imply that this is a decision-making process as opposed to an analytic one. Therefore, based on a recommendation from that team, the Forest Service decided to refer to the analysis of recreation facilities more accurately and simply as Recreation Facility Analysis.

Reservations & 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.

• Historic Cabin Rentals

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.

Safety

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

Sightseeing

Scenic drives, visitor centers, special places, and more.

Trails

Many non-motorized trails are open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrian users. Off-highway vehicle users will find many opportunities for motorized enjoyment in the Pike & San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands.

• Non-Motorized Trails
• Motorized Trails
• North Divide/Rainbow Falls Route Maps
• Hiking Safety Tips
• Hiking Safety Tips for Kids
• Leadville, Turquoise Lake Nature Trail Guide 2007

Travel Management Rule (OHV Rule)

• Travel Management Program (National)
• Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)
• PSICC Implementation Strategy/Action Plan
• PSICC Travel Management Contacts

Visitor Centers

There is one Visitor Center in Fairplay - Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center with maps and books, interpretive displays, and helpful information specialists.

Wilderness

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

Winter Activities

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

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

Find out about Recreation Fees.

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