Forest Service seeks comments on Southern Tenmile Range Access Plan
SILVERTHORNE, Colo. (Aug. 15, 2025) – The White River National Forest seeks public comments on a multi-jurisdictional plan to improve recreation management in the southern Tenmile Range south of Breckenridge, including the popular Spruce Creek, McCullough Gulch, Blue Lakes and Quandary Peak areas.
The White River National Forest, Summit County, and Town of Breckenridge have developed the plan in coordination with the Town of Blue River, Colorado Springs Utilities, and other stakeholders. The southern Tenmile area currently receives approximately 237,000 annual visits, with visitation increasing each year. The area is also an important source of water for residents of Colorado Springs and Summit County.
“We simply do not currently have the facilities such as bathrooms to adequately manage this level of visitation,” said Acting Dillon Ranger Amanda Wheelock. “Taking steps now to provide more sustainably managed recreation will help us more sustainably manage recreational use and improve visitor experiences.”
The plan includes expanding the existing Quandary Peak/McCullough Gulch parking reservation and trailhead shuttle system to other access points and designated campsites within the project area, improving trailhead parking lots to include infrastructure such as bathrooms, shuttle stops, and signage, and trail improvements to create a more sustainable and connected system.
“Residents and visitors cherish the beautiful peaks, high alpine lakes and waterfalls at the southern end of Summit County,” said Summit County Open Space & Trails Coordinator Katherine King. “This plan aims to adequately manage the existing use – not increase it - so that we can enjoy this special place in its high quality, natural state for generations to come.”
“As partnering land managers, we have worked diligently to create a plan for the Southern Tenmile component of the Camp Hale National Monument that balances protecting natural resources with preserving a quality user experience. Public engagement is a critical next step in the process to ensure all voices are represented in crafting the best plan possible,” said Duke Barlow, Town of Breckenridge Open Space and Trails Manager.
The partners are hosting a public open house meeting Aug. 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Breckenridge Recreation Center, 880 Airport Road, to provide more information and answer questions.
More information, including the proposal and how to comment, is available at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=68593. Comments will be most helpful if received by Sept. 15, 2025.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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