Distance to National Forest lands (Denver, Fort Collins: how much, house, camping)

[Usrname]

I'm trying to figure out the real life driving times from Boulder/Longmont/Denver to closest National Forest lands--the point where the forest land starts/boundary, basically.
Got online maps but it's hard to tell how much time it would take to drive, especially considering traffic...and the online map shows it all mixed: national forests, wilderness areas, state areas. I'm looking for access to National Forest lands, specifically. Thanks!

[ELCO5280]

Arapahoe NF is the closest. From Boulder you can get into the Boulder Ranger District in about 20 minutes. From Denver into the Clear Creek RD you're looking at about 45 minutes depending on traffic all these times can sugnificantly increase.

[Idunn]

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
— Albert Einstein



Together the Arapahoe National Forest, Roosevelt National Forest and associated Pawnee National Grassland comprise some 1.5 million acres. So a lot of area to potentially explore. And as running from the Wyoming border south to Mt. Evans along the Front Range, geographically near urban Colorado. Yet the key lies in access.

While some can literally walk out their backdoor and into adjoining national forest, for most and for all practical purposes enjoying this superb public land means locating an appropriate trailhead. Each will be specific to what they allow access to, basically meaning which hiking trails or roads and where headed.

Five ranger districts oversee this territory, so one might begin by contacting the one in an area of interest, such as the Boulder Ranger District. If off hand and in general the USDA Forest Service seems better at outlining rules and regulations than providing helpful specific information towards access. While they come in all flavors, a ranger (in person) with personal wilderness experience could be a wealth of knowledge.

Aside from asking others, you might visit an outdoor store such as REI, as well check online. There are various trail maps on the market that cover such places as Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks/Gold Hill.

As with eating a buffalo, this is best approached one bite at a time. Do a little investigating and decide on an area you prefer in distance to and in what it offers. Perhaps but a single trail lighted upon by chance. Then go from there in expanding your knowledge, and in time one can have a specific idea of preferred locals. Trails and trailheads will vary widely not only in ease of access to but in how crowded or not, and at which times. Especially in wilderness areas (as much of this land is, whether officially designated so or not) close to the majority of Colorado's population, this is no small consideration.

In example, the trailhead at Wild Basin in RMNP, up along the St. Vrain River, is a quite beautiful hike—and despite the distance involved an often popular one with residents of Boulder and environs. At times in late autumn, and especially NOT on a weekend, it can be an enchanting stroll through the woods. And often in summer, at any time, an exercise not much different than strolling through a crowded mall.

From that standpoint the trails originating from Chautauqua in Boulder make about as much sense. They are popular with residents, if otherwise quite nice; and access to from much of the Front Range is distinctly simpler.

A certain conclusion that can be drawn from this is that one, to be happiest, should learn exactly what they are looking for. There are many fine forest/urban interface trails. There are as well places farther removed where one will seldom see another. Distance and ease from urban areas is a general rule of thumb in popularity, if hardly definitive. One will have a good deal of company in a summer hike up to the top of Longs Peak, with that anything but simple or easy. Yet conversely one can be near areas quite popular and still off in one's own little private enclave of wilderness. That can take more effort, and especially knowing what to seek. That comes with time. And not everyone would welcome as much, in being alone. So we return to what one individually wishes. Whether eating dust in a 4x4, or all the various permutations in hiking, each will have their best specific trailheads.

Especially if new to this, one might want to have a map on their person when out and beyond. There are a variety to choose from: Forest Service maps which are good in a general way; as mentioned, specific trail maps; as well quite detailed USGS topographic maps. Online, there are various resources. Here are two online (north and south) of Arapahoe and Roosevelt national forest areas along the Front Range mountains. They are online versions of that one could otherwise likely secure in paper. Note that the controls at the bottom of the maps are vital to zooming in and out, as well viewing desired areas of the maps:

• Arapaho/Roosevelt NF Visitor Map 1997 - Southern Portion

• Arapaho/Roosevelt NF Visitor Map - Northern Portion


In viewing either of these maps one will soon see that national forest boundaries can be a patchwork in places, particularly in proximity to urban areas. That wilder and more cohesive tends to be farther removed, as in west towards the Continental Divide. Also note that these are all political boundaries, inventions of mankind. Forest Service land is the least protected. They are not kidding when they say 'Land of Many Uses,' like that is some kind of benefit, if in practice meaning anything from a pleasant hike through pristine wilderness to clearcuts and mining operations. National park land is distinctly more protected, and often quite wild. By designation that most wild is official 'wilderness,' and that just that much more so, designated 'primitive.'

A place one might begin is at Nederland. It is a small town not far removed from Boulder in the mountains. One will notice a few parking areas and informal trailheads in this beautiful canyon, most popular with climbers. The Peak to Peak road, running from Black Hawk to Estes Park, would offer a number of possibilities. From Nederland there are a number of hiking options:

• Nederland Area Chamber of Commerce

[otterprods]

There are sections of Pike National Forest that are less than 10 miles from Denver City Limits. But if you're NW of the city then Arapahoe will still probably be closer. I live well south of Denver and can walk to the NF border from my house in about 10 minutes. So if you really just care about NF access then that may be an area to explore. Tougher to get to from north of the city though. There is no substitute for a good print map (or a digital repro of one) when looking to isolate things like National Forest Boundaries. For example, the higher-res version of this:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/recreation/m...-speed-map.gif

[Usrname]

Thanks for all the detailed information! And a 20 minute drive from Boulder...isn't bad at all.
Where I live right now, the closest National Forest is 2.5 hour drive away. There're many other nature parks and preserves close around, but one can't park or walk there after "sunset" and can't really camp there much...which makes these seem more like someone's private lands due to all the restrictions, not to mention lack of places to park or have to shell out $6-$10 to park...I used to live within 5 minute drive from National Forest border in the crest of Sierra Nevada, something I really miss.

[Idunn]

Originally Posted by Usrname

... There're many other nature parks and preserves close around, but one can't park or walk there after "sunset" and can't really camp there much...which makes these seem more like someone's private lands due to all the restrictions, not to mention lack of places to park or have to shell out $6-$10 to park...I used to live within 5 minute drive from National Forest border in the crest of Sierra Nevada, something I really miss.

You might consider a drive through Jackson County.

I believe most trailhead parking in this state is free. Whether crowded or a parking space available is another variable matter. There certainly can be restrictions, however. As I recall, all of Boulder Canyon between Boulder and Nederland is posted as 'no camping,' and basically clear out and not be there at night. The biggest problem with trailheads within RMNP is whether they are crowded or not, but otherwise free save the park admittance fee (for regular visitors the $40 RMNP annual pass, or $80 all park pass, are a relative bargain). However they do require a permit for overnight camping, with proof of that displayed on the windshield of the parked vehicle. There are other areas outside of but near the park where one can freely park, no permit on window. One is supposed to have a permit for wilderness camping, if practically so only applicable to those (being most) who camp in designated campsites (and subject to passing rangers).

One used to be able to drive from Boulder up Flagstaff Mountain to the city park high above town. With always magnificent views, it was a delight at times to park up there at night simply to gaze across a city of lights from such a vantage. They have since installed gates. Which last I checked were simply locked at night, if maybe that is variable. In their wisdom, or avarice, they have also since made all more formal and require an admittance fee. One knowing the difference will likely see this as no improvement, and unfortunately a growing trend across this nation.

The fact is this nation is far less free than it was even a few decades ago, with this malaise extending into our wilder regions. To escape as much one must become just that much more proactive and creative.

It is illustrative to drive from Fort Collins up along the Cache la Poudre River (CO 14). It is a lovely canyon and popular place with residents. There are a good number of formal public picnic and camping places scattered through the length of this canyon, to near the top of Cameron Pass (10,276 feet elevation). One is supposed to camp only in these designated places, and all are infested with a hefty dose of rules and regulations. Surely fees as well, with, I believe, that extending to most places one might wish just a picnic.

Thus it is informative and a breath of fresh air to crest this scenic pass and drop down into Jackson County. In traveling as far one might make their way to the only municipality and county seat of Walden, thence south over Willow Creek Pass (on the Continental Divide—which Cameron Pass is not—9,659 feet elevation) to near Granby, and then looping back through RMNP via Trail Ridge Road. One may first notice that the traffic that was lessoning the farther towards Cameron Pass they traveled is all the lighter now. And sense of extended urban malaise reaching well out has all but vanished. The Front Range is now distinctly behind one. Jackson County has a population of but 1,348 souls (2012 estimate). The principal feature of this county is North Park, this large valley populated with scattered large ranches. I do not know the exact particulars, but at a glance all is different. One will run across various turnoffs and places alongside the river, little peopled, but maybe someone parked here or there making camp where they liked. By and large there is not a rule or regulation in sight, not even the signage to hold them. It is all as Colorado once was, and places within it still are.

Insofar as the Front Range and those contending with it are concerned, it will take just that much more effort and creativity to find your own special place. Geographically it is often spectacular country. From that standpoint a great place to be. The population makes access problematic. It can be more than worth it, if requiring dedication to find the untrammeled essence.