The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests include 1.3 million acres of public land in the Rocky Mountains and foothills of north central Colorado. Boundaries extend north to the Wyoming border and south to Mt. Evans. The Arapaho National Forest includes lands on both sides of the Continental Divide, while the Roosevelt National Forest is confined to the eastern side of the Divide.
History & Culture
Arapaho National Forest
The Arapaho National Forest was established on July 1, 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It is named after the plains Indian tribe which frequented the region for summer hunting. The Arapaho National Forest includes land on both sides of the Continental Divide, the ridge of mountains which separates the Platte River watersheds that flow to the Atlantic Ocean and the Colorado River watersheds that flow into the Pacific Ocean.
Roosevelt National Forest
The Roosevelt National Forest was named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, the person most responsible for creating the National Forest System as we know it today. Originally part of Medicine Bow Forest Reserve established in 1897, this public land became the Colorado National Forest in 1910. President Herbert Hoover renamed it Roosevelt National Forest in 1932.
Recreation
Because of the close location to the high-population Front Range communities and other natural areas of nationally known significance, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests rank among the nations top forests for year-round recreation use. The Forests are a major part of the scenic backdrop for tourism in Colorado. Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
2150 Centre Avenue
Building E
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Phone: 970-295-6600
Weather/Climate
Elevations in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests range from about 5,000 feet on the east end, to over 14,000 feet on the highest peaks. With this enormous elevation difference and locations on both sides of the Continental Divide, the climate varies greatly. The weather is generally much warmer and drier at the lower elevations, particularly on the east end of the forests.
For summer, expect warm days and cool to freezing nights, especially in the high country. Much of the highest elevations remain inaccessible until early or mid-July. You should be prepared for both warm and chilly weather. The rainy season lasts from mid-July through August, when afternoon thunderstorms should be expected. The first snow can fly any time from the first of September! Although the skies are often sunny, winter temperatures can be very cold. Abundant snowfall accumulates and supports the many winter activities found on the forests.
