Central Colorado
Activities and Recreation Areas

Central Colorado Activities

Outdoor Recreation Areas

National Forests

Pike National Forest The 1,105,704-acre Pike National Forest includes a large variety of recreation opportunities for every kind of visitor. For backpackers and hikers the Colorado Trail, Lost Creek Wilderness, and Buffalo Peaks Wilderness provide hundreds of miles of trails. Camping is available in approximately 70 developed  campgrounds throughout the forest. Mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders are provided with countless areas with a variety of terrain to explore. Anglers can fish for brown, cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout on wild trout and gold-medal fishing streams. Winter sports enthusiasts will find many trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The Central Colorado town of Fairplay is a major gateway to recreation in the Pike National Forest.

The Pike National Forest is located south of Denver and north of Cripple Creek, Colorado. The Pegmatite Points form the northern boundary of the Pike National Forest. The northwestern boundary of the Pike National Forest is the Continental Divide. To the west, the Pike National Forest boundary ends at the Park County Line. The southern boundary of the forest lies north of Cripple Creek on Pikes Peak. To the east the border is formed by Colorado Springs and the central plains.

Climate in the Pike National Forest is controlled mainly by the Rocky Mountains. The weather varies extremely on a yearly, daily, and hourly basis. Temperatures are affected by elevation, cooling four degrees for every 1,000 feet gained. The average yearly precipitation is 16 inches, the majority of which comes in spring and summer. Summer temperatures average 72 degrees during the day. Nighttime freezing temperatures are not uncommon during the summer. The mean winter temperature is 26 degrees. The low humidity on the eastern slopes makes both warm and cold temperatures seem more comfortable. 

Rio Grande National Forest The 1,851,792-acre Rio Grande National Forest offers visitor a scenic area full of outstanding recreation opportunities, incredible beauty and breathtaking adventure. The Forest is on the eastern slope of the Continental Divide in south central Colorado. Alamosa is its eastern gateway. Main routes into the area are U.S. Hwy 285, U.S. Hwy 160 and State Hwy 17.

The major drainages on the forest include the Rio Grande, Alamosa, and Conejos Rivers. The headwaters of the Rio Grande River begin in this  national forest characterized by mountain waterways and rugged high country. Recreation  within the forest are many. Visitors can enjoy easy access to hiking, mountain biking, road biking, camping, picnicking, four-wheel driving, horseback riding and more. Many visitors enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during the winter. 

The region's Climate is influenced by the mountainous terrain. Elevations range from 7,500 feet to over 14,000 feet at the top of several mountain peaks. In general, the climate at low elevations is cool and arid while the high country is cold and humid. Average precipitation varies from under eight inches at the 8,000 foot level to over 50 inches in some alpine areas. Summer is short and frost may occur anytime in high elevations. Annual temperatures range from 90 degrees in summer to 30 degrees below zero in winter. Snowfall varies form two feet to eight feet in the Forest. Rapid weather changes, with temperature changes of 40 degrees in periods as short as four to six hours, occur frequently.

San Isabel National Forests The San Isabel National Forest has 1,109,782 acres of mountains, rivers, canyons and meadows. The forest is bounded on the west and north by the Continental Divide and on the east by the Pike National Forest. The Central Colorado towns of Buena Vista, Canon City, Leadville and Salida are major gateways to the San Isabel National Forest.

The recreation opportunities in the San Isabel National Forest are limitless. Visitors will find over 40 developed campgrounds in the San Isabel National Forest. More than 700 miles of trails including the Colorado and Continental Divide Trails are available for backpacking, hiking, saddle trips, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling into the backcountry. The terrain allows challenges for beginners and experts alike.  Area ski resorts offer outstanding downhill skiing and snowboarding. The forest has many small lakes and stream that provide excellent fishing opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, brook, and lake trout. Visitors can visit numerous abandoned mountain homesteads and ghost towns, remnants of the original Colorado settlers, who came to the region to mine gold and silver. A number of scenic byways are available for car touring. Twin Lakes and Turquoise Lake recreation areas offer a variety of water oriented activities including boating and fishing. 

Climate in the San Isabel National Forest is controlled mainly by the Rocky Mountains. The weather varies extremely on a yearly, daily, and hourly basis. Temperatures are affected by elevation, cooling four degrees for every 1,000 feet gained. The average yearly precipitation is 16 inches, the majority of which comes in spring and summer. Summer temperatures average 72 degrees during the day. Nighttime freezing temperatures are not uncommon during the summer. The mean winter temperature is 26 degrees. The low humidity on the eastern slopes makes both warm and cold temperatures seem more comfortable. 

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  Wilderness Areas

	Buffalo Peaks Wilderness The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area is located in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Elevations within the wilderness range from 9,200 feet to over 13,300 feet. The area is characterized by large meadows and forests of Pinyon-juniper, ponderosa pine, and lodgepole pine. Several beautiful stands of bristlecone pine can be found in the southern portion of the wilderness. Wildlife in the area include a large herd of bighorn sheep, elk and mule deer. The Central Colorado towns of Fairplay and Leadville offer access to the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.
	Collegiate Peaks Wilderness A major portion of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area lies within the San Isabel National Forest. The wilderness has 8 peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation. They are Huron Peak (14,005), Missouri Peak (14,067), Mt. Columbia (14,073), Mt. Oxford (14,153), Mt. Yale (14,196), Mt. Belford (14,197), La Plata (14,340), and Mt. Harvard (14,420). The wilderness runs along a 40 mile stretch of the Continental Divide and offers beautiful alpine scenery characterized by numerous cirques and lakes, deep valleys and lofty peaks. The Central Colorado towns of Buena Vista, Leadville, and Salida provide easy access to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area.
	Greenhorn Mountains Wilderness The Greenhorn Mountain wilderness is located in the San Isabel National Forest. This is one of Colorado's newest wildernesses, it was designated as part of the 1993 Colorado Wilderness Act. Elevations within the wilderness range from 7,600 feet to over 12,300 feet. The area is unusual since it is composed of both plains and mountains. The entire southern half of the area is trailless. The wilderness is used lightly and offers excellent opportunities for solitude. The Central Colorado towns of Alamosa and Canon City provide access to the Greenhorn Mountains Wilderness.
	Holy Cross Wilderness A large portion of the Holy Cross Wilderness lies in the San Isabel National Forest. Elevations within the wilderness range from 8,000 to over 13,000 feet. The wilderness is characterized by numerous pools, streams and alpine lakes in beautiful wide valleys. The Central Colorado town of Leadville provides access to the Holy Cross Wilderness.
	La Garita Wilderness Major portions of the La Garita Wilderness is located in the Rio Grande National Forest. "La Garita" means "The Overlook". Elevations within the wilderness range from 9,000 to over 14,000 feet. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail run through the area along its southern boundary. Wildlife in the La Garita Wilderness includes elk, mule deer, black beer, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, snowshoe hares, Golden Eagle and other small species. Streams are inhabited by cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown trout. The Central Colorado town of Alamosa is one of the gateways to the La Garita Wilderness.
	Lost Creek Wilderness The Lost Creek Wilderness is in the Pike National Forest. This wilderness area is characterized by clear streams, open parks and granite canyons, walls and domes. The area includes most of 3 mountain ranges, the Platte River, Kenosha, and Tarryall. Elevations within the wilderness range from 8,000 feet to over 12,400 feet. The area got its name because of the number of times that Lost Creek is hidden by boulder piles. The area is home to a large herd of bighorn sheep in addition to mule deer, elk, bobcat and black bear. Vegetation in the area ranges from Lodgepole pine, aspen, spruce fir and bristlecone pine to alpine tundra. The Central Colorado town of Fairplay offers easy access to the Lost Creek Wilderness Area.
	Mount Evans Wilderness The southern portion of the Mount Evans Wilderness lies in the Pike National Forest. Accessing the wilderness from the north, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway (SR 5) forms a non-wilderness corridor into the center of the wilderness area. Elevations in the wilderness range from 8,400 to over 14,000 feet. The area is dominated by 14,264 foot Mount Evans and 14,060 foot Mount Bierstadt. About half of the wilderness area is above timber line. The alpine area is characterized by broad expanses of treeless alpine tundra, edged at its lower elevations by krummholz habitat formed of wind-etched and deformed spruce and fir along with stands of bristlecone pine. Broad, thick stands of spruce-fir and lodgepole pine stretch out into the lower valleys. The shape of the area is influenced heavily by alpine glaciation. Surrounding the peaks are deep, steeply faced glacial cirques often holding alpine lakes. Broad U-shaped glacial valleys drop away from the peaks into hummocky, moraine covered valley bottoms, followed by narrow V-shaped canyons. Principal wildlife species include bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, marmot, ptarmigan, and grouse. The Central Colorado town of Fairplay is a gateway to the Mount Evans Wilderness.
	Mount Massive Wilderness The Mount Massive Wilderness Area  is in the Leadville Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest. The habitat consists of lodgepole pine, spruce and fir forest with small mountain streams, willow and grass riparian habitat. The terrain is rugged, pristine mountain forest ranging in elevation from 10,000 to above timberline tundra peaks over 14,000 feet. Unique wildlife include the green-back cutthroat trout in the Rock Creek drainage, along with typical forest species such as elk, deer, squirrels, grouse, ptarmigan, marmots, pika, skunks, coyotes, bobcats, bear and etc. The Central Colorado town of Leadville is the main gateway to the Mount Massive Wilderness Area.
	Sangre de Cristo Wilderness The Sangre De Cristo Wilderness lies within portions of the Rio Grande and San Isabel National Forests. This is one of Colorado's newest wildernesses, it was designated as part of the 1993 Colorado Wilderness Act. This long, narrow wilderness starts at Blanco Peak and extends north for approximately 70 miles. Elevations in the wilderness range from 8,000 feet to 14,294 feet at the top of Crestone Peak. Several other fourteeners are included in the area. The wilderness is characterized by deep valleys, sparkling alpine lakes and beautiful cirques. A total of 180 miles of hiking trails can be found in this beautiful wilderness. The Central Colorado towns of Alamosa, Salida, and Westcliffe offer access to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area.
	South San Juan Wilderness A large portion of the South San Juan Wilderness that consists of spectacular mountainous terrain is in the Rio Grande National Forest. The wilderness straddles the Continental Divide south of the famed Wolf Creek Pass, offering high tundra, sweeping vistas, and solitude to the visitor. Elevations within the wilderness range from 8,000 feet to over 13,000. Engelmann spruce and aspen forests cover nearly half of the area, with the rest made up of open grasslands, alpine tundra, and rocky or barren areas. Wildlife that may be observed by visitors include elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, turkey, and black bear. The Central Colorado town of Alamosa is one of the gateways to the South San Jaun Wilderness.
	Weminuch Wilderness The Weminuche Wilderness in the Rio Grande National Forest may be Colorado's wildest land. At the heart of the San Juan Range, the wilderness is cut by 80 miles of the Continental Divide Trail. Scores of peaks rise over 13,000 feet, with three towers in the Needles surpassing 14,000. In a land averaging over 10,000 feet in elevation, alpine meadows and high spruce stands are interspersed with large areas of sharp, granite extrusions and rock slides. The high country originates two drainages that become massive river systems before reaching the sea. To the southwest flow Vallecito Creek, Los Pinos River, Piedra River and the San Juan headwaters, forming the vast San Juan drainage that eventually flows into the Colorado River. To the east, streams like Ute and Weminuche Creeks feed the headwaters of the Rio Grande River. The Central Colorado towns of Alamosa and Creede offer easy access to the Weminuch Wilderness Area.

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Wildlife Refuges

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge  This 11,168-acre refuge is located 3 miles east of Alamosa on U.S. Hwy 160, then 2 miles south on El Rancho Lane. Ducks, geese and shorebirds nest on the marshes. Bald eagles are common November to March. Walking trails, and auto tour route and Bluff Overlook provide wildlife viewing displays. Refuge open daily dawn-dusk. Visitor center open Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-4pm; closed holidays. (719) 589-4021.

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge This 14,189-acre refuge is located (west of Alamosa) 6 miles south of Monte Vista on State Hwy 15. Migratory ducks, geese shorebirds and water birds nest in the area, and mallards and geese reside on refuge grain fields in winter. Sandhill and whooping cranes can be seen October through November and February through April; bald eagles are abundant November through March. Auto tour route open daily dawn-dusk. (719) 589-4021

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State Parks

	Arkansas Headwaters State Recreation Area The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Areas is one of the nation's most unusual recreation areas, stretching for 148 miles along one of the West's premier recreation rivers, the Arkansas. From its northern boundary below the fabled mining town of Leadville to the Pueblo Reservoir, it is a recreation paradise. The recreation area parallels U.S. Hwy 24 from Leadville in the north to Salida in the south. From Salida it parallels U.S. Hwy 50 eastward to Canon City and Pueblo. Opportunities abound for fishing, rafting, kayaking, picnicking, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, mountain climbing and sightseeing among deep canyons, broad valleys, and towering mountains. The Central Colorado towns of Buena Vista, Canon City and Salida are the major gateways to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
	Mueller State Park This picturesque state park is located off Hwy 67 between Cripple Creek and Divide. Mueller State Park anchors at the west side of Pikes Peak and extends over 5,000 acres across some of the most gorgeous land in the state. A popular wildlife watching area, Mueller is home to elk, black bear, eagles and hawks. With the park's groves of aspen, spruce, and fir trees and its panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains, each season is a delight for photographers and sightseers. Almost 55 miles of scenic trails invite you to explore Mueller State Park's rare beauty on foot, horseback or mountain bike. Hiking, pond fishing, hunting, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature study are the park's main attractions. (719) 687-2366
	San Luis Lakes State Park This 2,369-acre state park is located 30 miles north of Alamosa and 15 minutes west of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument on the Los Caminos Antiquos Scenic and Historic Byway. The San Luis Lakes State Park offers Camping, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing and great photo opportunities.

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National Parks & Monuments

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument A beautiful mountain valley just west of Pikes Peak holds spectacular remnants of the earth's prehistoric life. Huge petrified redwoods and incredibly detailed fossils of ancient insects and plants reveal a very different Colorado of long ago. Located north of Cripple Creek on Teller County Road 1, the park offers hiking trails, interpretive programs and a gift store.

Great Sand Dunes National Park The 38,000-acre Great Sand Dunes National Park is 38 miles northeast of Alamosa via U.S. Hwy 160 and State Hwy 150. Too heavy to rise with the winds that carry it northeastward across the flat, semiarid floor of the San Luis Valley, sand settles at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The deposits that have accumulated over the course of 15,000 years have resulted in a 39-square-mile, stark yet ever-changing sandscape that forms a vaguely eerie foreground for the rugged mountains. A self-guided nature trail and camping and picnicking facilities are available.

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Ski Areas

	Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area The Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area located 18 miles west of Salida, Colorado via U.S. Hwy 50 offers a full range of services for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Monarch's season normally begins in mid-November and ends mid-April. Monarch's base elevation is 10,790 feet. The summit reaches an elevation of 11,961 feet, offering a vertical drop of 1,170 feet. The mountain receives an average annual snowfall of over 350 inches.
	Ski Cooper Ski Cooper ski area is located 10 miles north of Leadville, Colorado via U.S. Hwy 24. The Ski Cooper skiing and snowboarding season normally begins November 24 and ends April 2. A full range of services are available for skiers and snowboarders from beginner to expert. Cooper's base elevation is 10,500 feet. The summit reaches an elevation of 11,700 feet, offering a vertical drop of 1,200 feet. The mountain receives an average annual snowfall of 250 inches.
	Wolf Creek Wolf Creek ski area is located 75 miles west of Alamosa, Colorado via U.S. Hwy 160. The Wolf Creek skiing and snowboarding season normally begins early-November and ends early-April. Wolf Creek's base elevation is 10,300 feet. The summit reaches an elevation 11,904, offering a vertical drop of 1,604 feet. The mountain receives an average annual snowfall of 465 inches. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will fine a full range of services at Wolf Creek.
	Fairplay Nordic Ski Center The Fairplay Nordic Ski Center is located on Beaver Creek Road 2 miles north of Fairplay, Colorado. The Fairplay Nordic Ski Center has 22 kilometers of ski trails groomed for both classic cross country and skate skiing.
	Piney Creek Nordic Center The Piney Creek Nordic Center is located next to Ski Cooper 10 miles north of Leadville, Colorado via U.S. Hwy 24. The Piney Creek Nordic Center has 24 kilometers of groomed cross country skiing trails for track and skating.

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