White River National Forest

Copyright: USDA Forest Service Maroon Bells in early autumn

Attractions - The scenic beauty of the area, along with ample developed and undeveloped recreation opportunities on the Forest, accounts for the fact that the White River consistently ranks as one of the top five Forests nationwide for total recreation use. The Forest provides an excellent variety of recreation opportunities in all seasons. Visitors can enjoy eleven ski areas, eight designated wildernesses, several National Trails, approximately 70 Forest Service administered developed sites (campgrounds, picnic grounds, boat ramps and observation sites) and over two and one-quarter million acres for general motorized and non-motorized backcountry enjoyment.

Fall in the White River National Forest is brief but spectacular, as changing aspens cloak the mountains in gold. Peak color time, while variable, is normally the last part of September. Crisp, sunny days mingle with early snowstorms in what many consider the premier season of the year.

Recreation - Popular recreation activities on the White River National Forest include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, developed and dispersed camping, jeeping, sightseeing, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating (including sailing and white water rafting) snowmobiling, picnicking, biking,horseback riding and backpacking.

Outstanding downhill skiing and snowboarding opportunities await you at Arapaho Basin, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Ski Sunlight, Snowmass and Vail ski areas, all of which are located on the White River National Forest. Also enjoy nordic skiing near Frisco, at Ashcroft, as well as on the Tenth Mountain, USSA/Alfred Braun and Summit Huts and Trails Systems. Snowmobile recreation opportunities are available in many national forest locations. The Fourmile Park and Flat Tops areas are among the most popular.

Climate - The elevation of the White River National Forest ranges from 5,000 to 14,000 feet. Most of the campgrounds are between 5,400 and 10,000 feet. Persons coming from lower elevations should be aware that time is needed to adjust to the higher elevations.

Warm days and cool to freezing nights can be expected in the mountains during the summer. July and August are usually the warmest months. During this time afternoon thunderstorms are common. Be prepared for both warm and chilly weather, as well as for rain showers.

Winter brings the abundant powder snowfall for which Colorado is famous. Most winter recreation, including skiing and snowmobiling, occurs between Thanksgiving and Easter, but high-elevation sites offer good snow much later into the spring. Safe winter travel in the backcountry demands respect, knowledge and preparedness to deal with changing weather conditions and avalanche hazards.

Location - The two and one-quarter million acre White River National Forest is located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, approximately two to four hours west of Denver on Interstate 70. The White River encompasses much of the area from the Continental Divide, west to Rifle and from Meeker, south beyond Aspen. It includes much of the area around some of Colorado's well known destinations such as Breckenridge, Vail, Glenwood Springs and Aspen.