Pike National Forest comprises around 1,729 sq miles in the Front Range. It’s contains most of the forest going west from Colorado Springs.
It’s one of the closest national forests to Denver, yet it’s often overlooked. Highlights include the Deckers region for fishing and camping, as well as tons of forests to access to the west, between Colorado Springs and Denver.
Activities
Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Picnicking, OHV Riding, Scenic Drives, Winter Rec – Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing
Main Attractions
From Colorado Springs west the Pike National Forest looms on either side. There are so many marvelous things to do in this heavily wooded region. These marvels are easy to reach from the Front Range, perfect for a two night getaway.
 Hartsel |
Boating, fishing & camping in South Park
Park County, located within the South Park basin is an outdoorsman’s paradise. Fishing and hunting are prime in this part of Colorado. Blue ribbon fly-fishing and trophy elk hunting are reasons to visit the Pike National Forest each season. Antero Reservoir is a great place for boating and fishing, located just west of Hartsel. You can camp there too.
Spinney Mountain & Eleven Mile are two other popular places to boat and fish in the area, with access to the infamous ‘Dream Stream’, part of the South Platte River. Places like Cripple Creek and Woodland Park make great bases for exploring the nearby Colorado wilderness.
Details
Nearby Towns:
Motor Vehicle Use Maps: Large, PDF’s from the USFS. They show forest service roads.
- Pikes Peak – Monument, Colorado Springs
- South Platte – West – Grant
- South Platte – East – Bailey, Deckers
- South Platte – East Inset – Deckers
- South Park – West – Alma, Fairplay, Hartsel
- South Park – East – Lake George
Pike Campgrounds: Reservations
Website: fs.usda.gov/psicc
