Arapaho National Forest – North-Central Colorado | Biking, Boating, Camping, Hiking & Fishing

Arapaho National Forest contains more than 1100 square miles of recreation. It’s located in north-central Colorado, stretching from south of I-70 to north near Rocky Mountain National Park.

Most Denver residents will utilize the Arapaho National Forest the most. It’s located just west of the capital city with access points off I-70. Arapaho Basin Ski Area is located within the Arapaho National Forest. Guanella Pass is one of the most popular scenic drives and camping spots in the region.

Main Attractions

Echo Lake is a high-alpine lake located at the entrance to the Mount Evans Scenic Byway that is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and hiking. An outstanding scenic byway, Guanella Pass is accessible nearly year-round. From Georgetown to Grant, this 2WD road takes about an hour.

Situated between Empire and Winter Park, Berthoud Pass is popular for biking, hiking, and backcountry skiing, meanwhile, snowmobiling can be found in nearby Jonas Pass. Located in Grand County, Vasquez Ridge is a prime place to car camp and hike very close to Winter Park. There is also a small fishing pond and various OHV trails.

Its neighbor, Saint Louis Creek, is a great area by Fraser for hiking and biking. To the north of that lies Stillwater Pass, which holds dispersed camping and multi-use trails close to Lake Granby and Grand Lake. Additionally, the Arapaho National Rec Area is home to 5 great lakes north of Granby on Highway 34 where there are numerous campgrounds and trails to choose from.

Arapaho National Recreation Area – Granby

Argentine Pass – Georgetown

Berthoud Pass – Empire-Winter Park

Clear Lake – Georgetown

Corona, CO Ghost Town – by Rollinsville

Devil’s Thumb Lake – Nederland

Echo Lake Mountain Park – Idaho Springs

Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel – Dillon

Grays Peak – near Georgetown

Guanella Pass Byway – Georgetown-Grant

Indian Peaks Wilderness – Nederland

James Peak Wilderness – Rollinsville

Jones Pass – Empire

Moffat Tunnel – Rollinsville-Winter Park

Mount Bierstadt – near Georgetown

Mount Evans – near Idaho Springs

Mount Evans Byway – Idaho Springs

Never Summer Wilderness Baker's Pass View

Never Summer Wilderness – by Grand Lake

Rollins Pass – Rollinsville-Winter Park

Saint Louis Creek – Fraser

Image of St Mary's Glacier in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Saint Mary’s Glacier – Idaho Springs

Squaw Pass – Evergreen-Idaho Springs

Stillwater Pass – Grand Lake

Vasquez Ridge – Winter Park

Williams Fork Reservoir Grand County Colorado

Williams Fork Reservoir – Parshall

Willow Creek – near Granby

Activities: Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Picnicking, OHV, Scenic Drives, Winter Rec – Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing.

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