Welcome!
NOTICE 5/29/2020
On June 1, the Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands will begin re-opening some recreational facilities in a phased approach, allowing the agency to remain responsive to local conditions. For a full list of open areas and up-to-date information on re-openings, visit the forests and grasslands recreation website.
Visitors are asked to stay as local as possible when choosing a site to visit and to pack out everything they bring, especially trash. Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the CDC along with local health and safety guidance.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will remain until replaced or rescinded to enhance public and firefighter safety, protect natural and cultural resources and help minimize human-caused wildfires. It is important to check with the local county you plan to visit as many also have fire and recreational shooting restrictions in place.
Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, forest visitors may not:
- Build or maintain a fire or use charcoal, coal or wood stoves, except in permanent fire pits or fire grates within a developed recreation site (e.g., campgrounds where fees are charged).
- Smoke, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials.
- Use any internal or external combustion engine (including chainsaws) without a spark arresting device properly working and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and a round point shovel.
- Weld or operate acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
- Use explosives, including fireworks.
Responsible recreation will help expand access to facilities, services and other opportunities. Our offices are closed, but we are providing virtual services via email or phone.
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The Pike and San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) covers three million acres. PSICC is a busy urban national forest that has the Front Range and the majority of fourteen thousand foot peaks in Colorado, yet also contains the wide-open grasslands of eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Over 60 percent of the water used by metropolitan area of Denver, CO originates from the South Platte River.
The forest offers a wealth of experiences from historic cabin rentals to the birthplace of developed recreation on the San Carlos Ranger District. The Comanche Ranger District lays claim to the internationally known dinosaur trackway at Picket Wire Canyonlands and continues to excite researchers and visitors alike with new discoveries. With nine Wilderness areas, numerous Scenic Byways and a full spectrum of outdoor opportunities, it is no wonder that the PSICC ranks third highest in the nation for recreational visits at national forests.
PSICC Ranger District & Grassland vicinity map:
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