Thursday, February 8, 2024

Visitors to northern Front Range National Forests encouraged to plan ahead and Know Before You Go

Now is the time to start planning your 2024 summer adventures on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland. From camping and hunting to boating on lakes or trekking through the wilderness, most outdoor adventures require advance planning and preparation.

All campgrounds on the Forests and Grassland are extremely popular due to their proximity to major highways and metropolitan areas. Campground reservations are available online six months in advance at recreation.gov, so visitors looking to book for the peak summer season can start planning now.

Online reservations will be required for the most popular developed recreation areas, while wilderness permits and recreation passes should be purchased online. Reservations will be required for Mount Blue Sky and Brainard Lake in 2024. Day use reservations are expected to be available on a rolling basis for both areas beginning in mid-May. The Brainard Lake welcome station is scheduled to open June 14, and Mount Blue Sky typically opens for Memorial Day weekend, depending on snow conditions. More information on reservations will be available in May.

Online permits for the rugged Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, a popular destination for visitors seeking a more remote experience, become available at 8 a.m. mountain time, Tuesday, March 5 on recreation.gov. Permits are required for all overnight camping in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area from June 1 to Sept. 15. Visitors should plan their itineraries in advance by using the resources available on the Forest’s website.

Overnight parking reservations for visitors planning to use the Brainard Lake Recreation Area trailheads for permitted overnight camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area also will be available starting March 5 on recreation.gov. If you plan to use the Hessie or Fourth of July trailheads, check the Boulder County website for information on shuttles and parking. Information on that page will be updated before the season begins.

National Forest maps and annual and lifetime recreation passes that cover fees for National Parks and National Forests can be purchased online through USGS.gov. The Forest Service partners with outdoor retail and visitor center locations around the area to provide National Forest passes, maps, and information. See a full list of current partner locations. Passholders are still required to make reservations and pay administrative fees through recreation.gov.

If you need help planning your trip, call the Forest Information Line at 970-295-6600 or email VisitARP@usda.gov. If calling, press 0 to speak to a Forest Service representative.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

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