Colorado Map Tourist Attractions
PIKE AND SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS
2,217,446 acres. Administered together, these two spectacular National Forests in central and southcentral Colorado are home to Colorado’s highest peaks, with 22 mountains over 14,000 feet.
Among these mountains are the three highest in the state: 14,433-foot Mount Elbert, 14,421-foot Mount Massive, and 14,420-foot Mount Harvard. Also here is famous 14,110-foot Pike’s Peak.
Other scenery includes alpine meadows, high lakes and creeks, rock outcrops and talus slopes, steep canyons, and forests of spruce, pine, and aspen. Antelope, elk, deer, bear, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep are among the wildlife.
There are six designated wilderness areas: the 106,000-acre Lost Creek Wilderness, 82,000 acres of the 159,900-acre Collegiate Peaks Wilderness,
34,000 acres of the 74,000-acre Mount Evans Wilderness, the 28,000-acre Mount Massive Wilderness, part of the 41,000-acre Lizard Head Wilderness, and 9,000 acres of the 116,500-acre Holy Cross Wilderness.
Activities: These National Forests have more than 1,200 miles of trails for hiking and backpacking. Included are about half of the 470-mile Colorado Trail and a section of the Continental Divide Trail (see entries page 122), plus the 100-mile Rainbow Trail. Difficulty varies from easy to extremely strenuous.
Many trails are open to horseback riding. Mountain bikes are allowed outside of wilderness areas. Cross-country skiing is available during the snow season. Rock climbing is popular in Elevenmile Canyon, and mountaineering is possible on numerous peaks here. Hunting and fishing are permitted in season.
Camping Regulations: Camping is allowed throughout most of the region, as are campfires, except near public use areas or where otherwise prohibited. Campsites should be at least 100 feet
from trails and water sources. No permits are necessary.
For Further Information: Pike and San Isabel National Forests, 1920 Valley Drive, Pueblo, CO 81008; (719)545-8737.
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