Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder


Photo of the large wooden sign marking the entrance to the Boulder Ranger District Office

The Boulder Ranger District encompasses over one hundred thousand acres of the Front Range in western Boulder and northern Gilpin counties. The district includes Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

Many areas of the district are within an easy two-hour drive of Denver and its suburbs, making this one of the top recreation destinations in the state.

At a Glance

Operational Hours: We are currently serving you virtually. Contact us
Reservations: View Campgrounds At-A-Glance table to quickly view the campgrounds that accept reservations.
Permit Info:
Usage: Medium-Heavy
Restrictions:
  • Regulations vary. Be sure to visit individual web pages for your activity, trail or area for updated information regarding regulations, restrictions, closures, directions and other important details.
  • There are areas with target shooting restrictions.
  • Review regulations and permit requirements before visiting Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas.
  • Many roads are open seasonally. Check the Road Status Table for updates.
Closest Towns: Boulder, CO; Nederland, CO; Ward, CO; Allenspark, CO
Operated By: Forest Service

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a popular activity on Boulder Ranger District. Hundreds miles of forest roads and trails are open to mountain biking. In addition to lands of the Roosevelt National Forest, other local public land agencies offer many more miles of mountain biking single track trails, such as Boulder County Parks and Open Space or Jefferson County Open Space. An overview of mountain bike opportunities.

Areas for Mountain Biking at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Road Cycling

Many miles of paved city, county, State and US Highways traverse Boulder Ranger District. Road cycling is a very popular activity in Boulder County, with cyclists commonly appearing on nearly any roadway. Many routes provide a paved shoulder for rider safety.

Areas for Road Cycling at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Campground Camping

Boulder Ranger District offers seven developed campgrounds. All are accessed from the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Colorado Highways 7, 72, and 119). Individual operating seasons vary, however season dates range from mid-May through late October.

No. of Sites 260
Reservation Info Five of Boulder Ranger District's campgrounds offer reservable campsites, and all campgrounds offer at least some sites for first come, first served. Campground reservations are made through the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov
Fire Information Campfires are generally allowed, unless seasonal restrictions are in effect. Visitors may gather dead and down wood for burning while visiting the National Forest. Campgrounds with hosts offer firewood for sale; contact the campground host.

Areas for Campground Camping at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

RV Camping

Five of Boulder Ranger District's seven campgrounds are suitable for RV use. None of our campgrounds offer hookups, dump stations or showers.

No. of Sites 215

Areas for RV Camping at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Dispersed Camping

With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest System lands. Restrictions protect resources, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Some areas may require the use of designated campsites, and some areas, such as Indian Peaks Wilderness, require camping permits. More than 40% of lands within Boulder Ranger District's boundaries are private property. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is a popular activity on the Boulder Ranger District. Seasonal closures exist from February 1 - July 31 annually to protect nesting birds of prey in Boulder Canyon. Closure areas include: Blob Rock/Bitty Buttress, Eagle Rock, and Security Risk Crag. Contact Boulder Ranger District for updates on closure information.

Rock Type Granite

Areas for Rock Climbing at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Day Hiking

Boulder Ranger District offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking. Trails in Wilderness Areas are restricted to non-mechanized modes of travel, such as hiking or horseback riding. Trails are often busy on weekends and trailhead parking is often limited.

Fire Information various
Elevation desc various

Areas for Day Hiking at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Backpacking

Boulder Ranger District offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and backpacking. Trails in Wilderness Areas are restricted to non-mechanized modes of travel, such as hiking or horseback riding. Backpacking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness requires camping permits from June 1 through September 15 annually. Trails are often busy on weekends and trailhead parking is often limited.

Fire Information various
Elevation desc various

Areas for Backpacking at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Horse Riding

Boulder Ranger District and other local public land management agencies have many miles of trails accessible to equestrian uses. Few sites offer equestrian-specific facilities. A few areas or trails prohibit horses. Sites listed here are selected for ample parking with space for turning around trailers, or those that are generally popular for horseback riding. All livestock feed must be compliant with Order Number R2-2005-01 Weed Free Forest Products Order.

Size Restrictions none
Corrals none
Loading Ramp none
Hitching Rails none
Water Availability none

Areas for Horse Riding at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

OHV Road Riding

Areas for OHV Road Riding at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

OHV Trail Riding

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Picnicking

Picnicking is a popular activity across the Boulder Ranger District. While it's simple enough to set up a picnic just about anywhere, the sites listed here offer picnic facilities.

Areas for Picnicking at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Skiing/Snowboarding

Areas for Skiing/Snowboarding at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Boulder Ranger District has many areas to offer for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Most good winter trails are west of Colorado Highways 7, 72 and 119. Those listed here can be relied on to have snow cover for most of the winter season. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center provides avalanche forecasts and safety education for the state of Colorado. Visit their website at: http://avalanche.state.co.us/index.php

Warming Shelters none

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Featured Events

Location

 
  Latitude : 
40.0294203

  Longitude : 
-105.3100176