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White River National Forest, at 2.3 million acres, is the largest forest in the state and spans over ten Colorado counties. It also has more visitors than any other forest in the nation.
Hit the high spots: Colorado 14-ers
The Rocky Mountains dominate the White River National Forest, with many peaks in excess of 14,000 feet, contributing to the reason the forest is world-renowned for its scenery. Thousands of people climb the 14-ers each year.
Wilderness Areas in White River National Forest
The White River contains seven wilderness areas for hiking or horseback riding: the Collegiate Peaks, Hunter-Fryingpan, Raggeds, Flat Tops, Holy Cross, Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak.
Ski country
Sunlight Mountain Resort, just outside Glenwood Springs, is one of twelve ski areas in White River National Forest. The forest has 12 ski areas hosting 7.5 million annual users-- fully half of all downhill skiing in Colorado.
Gold Medal fishing & whitewater adventure
One-tenth of the water that originates as snow or rain on the White River National Forest is diverted to Colorado Front Range cities and agriculture. But what we keep includes some of the best gold-medal fishing on the planet. And the whitewater rafting and kayaking will earn you bragging rights anywhere.
Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant, especially elk. In the early 1900’s only 1,100 elk were estimated to remain in Colorado, including 500 on the White River National Forest. There are now nearly 40,000 elk on the White River, one of every six in Colorado.
Find out more
Visitors are assisted at four ranger districts: Aspen-Sopris (with offices in Carbondale and Aspen), Dillon, Eagle-Holy Cross (with offices in Eagle and Minturn) and Rifle ranger districts.
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