Overview

In 1891, with the support of the United States Congress, President Harrison decreed that over one million acres in north central Colorado would be protected under the designation "White River Plateau Timber Reserve," blazing a trail for the inception of America's Forest Service and National Parks systems. These lands now comprise parts of White River National Forest (WRNF), which boasts ten peaks taller than 14,000 feet, as well as 2500 miles of maintained trails and nearly as many miles of forest service roads, providing remarkable access to some of the country's tallest mountains and most bountiful trout-fishing rivers and streams. WRNF has seven Ranger District offices, at Meeker, Eagle, Snowmass, Silverthorne, Aspen, Vail and Carbondale, which oversee designated "Wilderness" areas. These areas are:

• Collegiate Peaks: Includes Mounts Yale, Oxford, Harvard and Columbia, all "14ers;"  also, Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountain Range.
• Eagles Nest: Includes the Gore Range with pristine alpine lakes and lots of snow.
• Flat Tops: Includes 100 miles of fishable streams and vast alpine tundra.
• Holy Cross: Includes 25 peaks taller than 13,000 feet, like Mount of the Holy Cross.
• Hunter/Fryingpan: Includes the headwaters of Hunter Creek and Fryingpan River, both medal winning trout-fishing rivers, and the Williams Mountains.
• Maroon Bell/Snowmass: Includes the famous Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake; also, scenic hot springs at the head of Conundrum Creek.

For comprehensive information about WRNF, visit the official site at www.fs.usda.gov/main/whiteriver/home.

Location

White River National Forest is an expanse of 2.3 million acres of federally protected land located west of the Continental Divide and biforcated into north and south sections by Interstate 70. Towns within its borders include Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge. Forest Service main office: 900 Grand Ave., P.O. Box 948, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602. (970) 945-2521.

Seasons

Each season brings endless options for outdoor recreation and western-style culture. When enjoying these protected wilderness lands, be mindful to carry provisions, such as water, food and warm and wet weather clothing. Some roads, due to high altitude, mountainous nature of the region and rapidly changing weather conditions, are subject to closures. Visit www.cotrip.org for up-to-date information on travel conditions before hitting the road.

Activities

• Hiking and mountaineering.
• Skiing: Cross-country, resort and backcountry.
• Fishing and hunting.
• Off-highway vehicle recreation.
• Biking: Mountain and road.
• Horseback riding.
• Camping: Developed and dispersed.
• Boating: Rafting and floating.

Fees

White River National Forest is free and open to the public. Certain fees may apply for permits to fish, hunt and camp.