Arapaho National Forest wilderness guide

National Forest · CO

Arapaho National Forest

Arapaho National Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Rocky Mountains, including hiking, skiing, and more.

National Forest723,7444+ Trails

1908NATIONAL FOREST

Designation

National Forest

Total Wilderness Area

723,744

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Arapaho National Forest

Arapaho National Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Rocky Mountains, including hiking, skiing, and more.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Arapaho National Forest, located in central Colorado, spans across stunning mountain landscapes, lush forests, and pristine wilderness areas. Established in 1908, the forest is integral to the ecological and recreational tapestry of the region. With elevations ranging from 5,000 to over 13,000 feet, the forest encompasses diverse ecosystems from alpine tundra to montane forests. Visitors are drawn to its scenic beauty and the numerous recreational pursuits it offers, such as hiking, snow sports, camping, and wildlife viewing. Notable landmarks include Mount Evans, Berthoud Pass, and areas of the Continental Divide. The forest's rich history is closely tied to the mining boom and development of nearby towns. Today, it remains a favorite for those seeking solitude in nature or thrilling adventure in the Colorado Rockies.

Field Guide · National Forest

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Arapaho National Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Mount Evans Scenic Byway✦ Berthoud Pass Winter Sports Area✦ James Peak Wilderness✦ Kenosha Pass for fall foliage

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Arapaho National Forest

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Arapaho National Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Climbing

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Arapaho National Forest

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Arapaho National Forest

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Arapaho National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee, but some areas require permits or fees for specific activities.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Arapaho National Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Echo Lake Campground

Located near Echo Lake with opportunities for fishing and hiking up Mount Evans.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

West Chicago Creek Campground

Offering basic facilities and access to trails and backcountry areas.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Arapaho National Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Downieville-Lawson-Dumont, Colorado

⌖ 0.60 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Downieville-Lawson-Dumont, Colorado

Downieville-Lawson-Dumont, Colorado offers rugged mountain adventures from hiking and biking to whitewater rafting and skiing. Located near Loveland Pass, this area is a gateway to alpine thrills and wilderness escapes.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and rafting; Winter for skiing

Central City, Colorado

⌖ 5.86 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Central City, Colorado

Central City is a historic Colorado mountain town offering great hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports. Surrounded by national forests and scenic Clear Creek Canyon, it's ideal for outdoor adventurers seeking trails and alpine views.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for snow sports

Black Hawk, Colorado

⌖ 6.78 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Black Hawk, Colorado

Black Hawk, CO is a historic mountain town offering access to hiking, biking, and winter sports in the Rocky Mountains foothills. Combine outdoor adventure with a vibrant gaming and historic district for a diverse trip experience.

Late Spring to Early Fall

Silver Plume, Colorado

⌖ 7.54 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Silver Plume, Colorado

Silver Plume, CO is a small historic town offering easy access to alpine hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports. Set near the Continental Divide and Loveland Pass, it’s a quiet gateway for exploring rugged mountain trails and scenic vistas year-round.

Summer and Winter

Savage, Colorado

⌖ 11.47 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Savage, Colorado

Savage is a peaceful mountain town in Colorado’s White River National Forest, perfect for backpacking, hiking, and fishing in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Experience rugged trails, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife away from busy tourist areas.

Late Spring to Early Fall

Winter Park, Colorado

⌖ 14.40 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park, Colorado, is a year-round outdoor adventure hub famous for skiing and mountain biking. Surrounded by national forests and wilderness, it offers hiking, paddling, and backpacking opportunities with easy access to alpine beauty.

Winter for skiing; Summer for hiking and mountain biking

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Arapaho National Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Dumont on Four Wheels: ATV Tours into the Rocky Mountain Backcountry

ADVEXPEDITION

Dumont, Colorado

ATV/UTVADV Bookable

Dumont on Four Wheels: ATV Tours into the Rocky Mountain Backcountry

One- and two-hour small-group ATV tours from Dumont let riders 16 and older explore Clear Creek County’s rugged Rocky Mountain terrain.

ATV/UTVPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Running the Razor: An Advanced Push Down Clear Creek’s Class IV–V Chute

ADVEXPEDITION

Downieville-Lawson-Dumont, Colorado

RaftingADV Bookable

Running the Razor: An Advanced Push Down Clear Creek’s Class IV–V Chute

A focused guide to Colorado Adventure Guides’ Guided Clear Creek Rafting: Advanced Trip that outlines the fierce rapids, named drops, and who should—and shouldn’t—be on board.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Class III–IV Whitewater on Clear Creek: An Intermediate Guided Run out of Lawson

ADVEXPEDITION

Lawson, Colorado

RaftingADV Bookable

Class III–IV Whitewater on Clear Creek: An Intermediate Guided Run out of Lawson

A roughly three-hour, guided Clear Creek outing of continuous Class III–IV rapids — this guide explains what to expect, where to meet, and how to prepare.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two Hours on Clear Creek: An Intermediate Run Through Rodeo and Idaho Springs

ADVEXPEDITION

Idaho Springs, Colorado

RaftingADV Bookable

Two Hours on Clear Creek: An Intermediate Run Through Rodeo and Idaho Springs

A two-hour intermediate raft trip run by KODI Rafting that threads class II–IV whitewater—including the famous Rodeo rapid—and finishes with a calm float through historic Idaho Springs.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Three Hours to a Glacier: A Short Hike Above Idaho Springs

ADVEXPEDITION

Idaho Springs, Colorado

HikingADV Bookable

Three Hours to a Glacier: A Short Hike Above Idaho Springs

A compact, 3-hour outing (about 1 mile each way) that reaches a mountain lake and adjacent snowfield/glacier, with a return that includes Idaho Springs’ historic Main Street.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two Hours on Clear Creek: A Beginner Family Raft Through Colorado’s Mining Country

ADVEXPEDITION

Idaho Springs, Colorado

RaftingADV Bookable

Two Hours on Clear Creek: A Beginner Family Raft Through Colorado’s Mining Country

A concise field guide to KODI Rafting’s Clear Creek Beginner 2 Hour Raft Trip—what you’ll see, what to bring, and why it’s ideal for first-time rafters and families.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two-Hour Electric Adventure: Ride from Downieville-Lawson-Dumont into Georgetown and up Guanella Pass

ADVEXPEDITION

Downieville-Lawson-Dumont, Colorado

E-BikeADV Bookable

Two-Hour Electric Adventure: Ride from Downieville-Lawson-Dumont into Georgetown and up Guanella Pass

A concise two-hour electric adventure-bike rental through Clear Creek County that takes you into historic Georgetown and partway up Guanella Pass—this guide explains what to expect, who can ride, and what to bring.

E-BikePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Dawn on the Water: A Sunrise Paddle and Lakeside Sound Bath in Georgetown

ADVEXPEDITION

Georgetown, Colorado

HorseADV Bookable

Dawn on the Water: A Sunrise Paddle and Lakeside Sound Bath in Georgetown

A two‑hour morning outing that pairs a gentle sunrise paddle with a lakeside sound bath and a coffee-and-pastry gathering — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

HorsePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Steam and Sandstone: The Georgetown Loop Through Clear Creek Canyon

ADVEXPEDITION

Lakewood, Colorado

TrainADV Bookable

Steam and Sandstone: The Georgetown Loop Through Clear Creek Canyon

A six-hour outing that pairs a roughly 1 hour 15 minute ride on the historic Georgetown Loop narrow‑gauge railroad with stops in Golden and at Red Rocks — a concise guide to what to expect and what to pack.

TrainPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Into the Veins: A Short, Hands-On Descent into Colorado’s Gold Country

ADVEXPEDITION

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Environmental AttractionADV Bookable

Into the Veins: A Short, Hands-On Descent into Colorado’s Gold Country

A 45-minute underground tour through well-lit caverns followed by supervised gold panning — a compact, family-friendly introduction to Idaho Springs mining history.

Environmental AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two Hours of Family-First Hiking in Georgetown: A Short, Scenic Outing for Kids and Caregivers

ADVEXPEDITION

Georgetown, Colorado

HikingADV Bookable

Two Hours of Family-First Hiking in Georgetown: A Short, Scenic Outing for Kids and Caregivers

A focused, 2-hour private hike in Georgetown tailored for families with children 7 and under; this guide covers what’s included, what you must bring, and who the outing suits.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two-Hour Private Snowshoeing Through Georgetown’s Winter Silence

ADVEXPEDITION

Georgetown, Colorado

PrivateADV Bookable

Two-Hour Private Snowshoeing Through Georgetown’s Winter Silence

A private, two-hour guided snowshoe tour in Georgetown that supplies snowshoes, spikes, poles and snacks and adapts the route to daily trail and snow conditions.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip