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Colorado
National Forests - White River National Forest
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 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 with eleven ski areas, eight designated wildernesses,
several National Trails, approximately 70 Forest Service administered
developed sites (e.g. campgrounds, picnicgrounds), and over one
and one-half million acres for general motorized and non-motorized
backcountry enjoyment. Popular recreation activities on the Forest
include downhill and cross-country skiing, developed and dispersed
camping, four-wheel driving, sightseeing, photography, hunting,
fishing, hiking, boating (including sailing and whitewater rafting),
snowmobiling, picnicking, bicycling, horseback riding and backpacking.
The elevation of the 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,
and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Be prepared for both warm
and chilly weather, as well as for rain showers.
Fall on the Forest is brief but spectacular, as changing aspens
cloak the mountains in gold. Peak color time is normally the last
part of September. Crisp, sunny days mingle with early snowstorms
in what many consider the premier seasons of the year.
Winter brings the abundant powder snowfall that Colorado is famous
for. 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. |
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