FAQs
Select a question below to find answers
For any questions related to "EMPLOYMENT" please go to our employment section. All Forest Service jobs are listed in the USAJOBS database at USAJOBS.
For information about interagency passes, visit Passes and Permits.
The Forest Service no longer gives away trees. We recommend you check with your state forestry department for more. Find your state forestry department by state at National Association of State Foresters. Also, each state has a Forest Service nursery that supplies "source-identified, locally-adapted" seedlings to private landowners. You can locate the nursery for your state on our National Nursery Directory at Reforestation, Nurseries, & Genetic Resources.
Forest Service lodging sources include unique cabin and lookout tower rentals. To make a reservation, you must directly contact the location where you wish to stay. There is a list of locations that offer cabin and lookout tower rentals at Recreation.gov.
The USDA Forest Service does not provide this service, but many state forestry departments do. Contact your state forestry department to see if they provide this service:
Find other state forestry departments: National Association of State Foresters.
Contact the national forest or grassland nearest you at Forests and Grasslands or call (202) 205-4995 during normal office hours. In the Washington, D.C. area, fax your request letter to (202) 690-5658 or mail it with at least three weeks' advance notice to USDA Forest Service, Attn: Conservation Education, PO Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090. Your request letter must include the following:
- Title="list of info required in request letter"
- Which figure you are requesting, Smokey or Woodsy
- Name of the event
- Purpose of the event
- Main audience and expected attendance
- Date
- Time
- Location
- How many hours the figure is requested to perform
- The kind of presentation needed (just an appearance or an appearance combined with an educational activity or talk)
- Contact person and phone number during working hours
- Do you have someone willing to wear the costume?
The Forest Service "Plant-A-Tree" Program permits individuals and groups to donate money for planting trees on National Forests. The trees may be planted to memorialize loved ones or to commemorate special events such as births, weddings, or anniversaries. For a suggested minimum donation of $10, which pays for 10-15 seedlings, donors receive a certificate acknowledging their gift. If desired, the name of the person in whose honor the donation is made will appear on the certificate. The trees, planted mostly in large plantations, will not be individually identified by donor. Smaller (or larger) donations will be acceptable in most cases. Business groups may participate in the program as long as their participation is non-commercial. Donations may be made in person and by mail at all Forest Service offices. Forest Service offices are listed in the telephone directory under "U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture." There are two other similar programs. The American Forests group plants memorial trees in national forests in honor of loved ones.
Horses are allowed anywhere on National Forests unless posted otherwise. You do not have to ride your horse only on established trails and roads; you can ride anywhere, however please do not cut switchbacks. You may take horses into designated wilderness areas; but please use low impact camping and horse tethering methods. Please do not tie horses to trees for long periods; use hobbles or high-lines instead. Avoid wet, muddy trails to minimize damage from horse traffic.
Certain trails and trailheads may not be well-suited to horse use or trailer parking. Restrictions:
Horses are NOT allowed in developed campgrounds unless the campgrounds are specifically established for equestrian use.
The spread of noxious weeds is a serious problem, and we need the help of livestock owners to prevent their spread. Only certified weed-free forage products or pelletized feeds are allowed. Please contact the local ranger station for a list of certified weed-free hay suppliers in your area. If you cannot purchase certified hay, you may use pelletized feeds.
You can target practice in most areas of National Forest, with some exceptions. No shooting is allowed within 300 feet of a campground, trail head, residence, or any place people occupy. Additional areas that do not allow shooting will be posted. You are not allowed to shoot across or on a National Forest road, trail, or body of water. You must shoot in a safe manner, know where your round is going, and have a safe backstop. You cannot place a target on a live tree.
There are established target ranges on some National Forests.
You can generally camp anywhere on National Forests unless the area is posted otherwise. If you need your vehicle to camp, there may be some restrictions on where you can go. You may not drive or camp where you will cause resource damage, such as making vehicle ruts off roadways or damaging trees or streams. We recommend that you camp at least 150 feet from all lakes and streams. The distance you may pull your vehicle off an established roadway will vary, depending on the travel management policies of each forest. Generally, you may not drive more than 300 feet off a roadway to park, but this distance may be less in some areas. Please contact the local office near where you want to go.
If you want to build a campfire, please check to see if any restrictions or fire bans are in effect. You may collect incidental amounts of dead and downed wood (sticks) to burn without a permit, but you may not transport any wood off the forest without a permit. Do not leave a campfire unattended. Make sure your fire is out COLD before you leave.
You may not drive nails into trees or damage live trees in any way.
Yes, you may bring your dog to the Forest, but leashes are required in some areas, including some designated wilderness areas, all developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and day-use areas. In most other areas of a National Forest, including trails, dogs are not required to be on a leash, but they should be under your control at all times. We recommend that you keep your dog on a leash when you are around other forest users, other dogs, or are in bear country.
Dog are not allowed to chase wildlife, except where permitted during hunting seasons.
All designated wilderness areas require dogs to be under control at all times. The areas that require your dog to be on a leash include the following: Cache La Poudre, Comanche Peak, Collegiate Peaks, Eagles Nest, Fossil Ridge, Holy Cross, Hunter-Fryingpan, Indian Peaks, La Garita, Lizard Head, Lost Creek, Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Mt. Evans, Mt. Massive, Mt. Sneffels, Neota, Powderhorn, Ptarmigan Peak, Raggeds, Rawah, and Uncompahgre.
You may have campfires in developed campgrounds but only in the metal rings or boxes provided at the site. You may also have campfires anywhere you are legally camped when you are "dispersed camping" (camping outside of developed, fee campgrounds) in the general forest areas. In hot, dry seasons, there may be SEASONAL FIRE RESTRICTIONS that prohibit open flames of any kind. This may include campfires even in developed sites. It is always a good idea to call the local forest office to find out the most up-to-date information about any fire restrictions before you go.
When camping in designated wilderness areas, you should check to see if campfires are allowed in the area you will be using. Read the campfire regulations at the trailhead before you go into the Wilderness area. You also should break down your fire rings and disperse your campfire ashes to "leave no trace" when you leave the area. You may not leave trash in your campfire ring anywhere on National Forests. You usually do not need a permit to have a campfire, nor to pick up and burn small amounts of dead wood, but you may not take firewood out of the forest without a fuel wood permit.
You do not usually need a permit for general access or use of National Forest lands for recreation. Some heavily-used designated wilderness areas may require a permit to monitor and manage the number of people using the area, but most do not.
You WILL need a permit IF:
- You plan to remove any forest products such as firewood, poles, ferns, rocks;
- You plan to use the National Forest land for camping for an extended period of time (usually more than 14 days);
- You plan to use the National Forest for any type of profit or commercial use, such as outfitting or guiding
Forest product permits include the following: personal-use fuel wood; commercial-use fuel wood; personal-use transplants; personal-use boughs; ferns; posts and poles; mushrooms; and Christmas trees.
Special use permits are issued for the following: outfitting/guiding; still photography/motion picture permits; special events (such as weddings, reunions); and recreation residences.
- Colorado avalanche information
- Wyoming avalanche information (Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center)
Fish Creek Falls, located 5 miles northwest of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, drops 283 feet. Drive up Fish Creek Falls Road from 3rd and Lincoln in downtown Steamboat Springs, next to the Post Office. Travel 5 miles uphill to the self-service fee parking areas. From there, trails lead to an overlook or to the base of the falls. Dogs must be on a leash and bicyclists must dismount and walk their bikes to the first bridge across Fish Creek. Restrooms and drinking water are available during the summer season. The area is designed to be fully accessible and also offers many educational and interpretive opportunities.
Generally, you will need special, written authorization to do something that is not normally available to the general public. This may include the following:
1. If you intend to occupy, use, or build on National Forest system land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
2. If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
3. If an activity on National Forest system land involves individuals or organizations with 75 or more participants or spectators.
A special-use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease, or easement that allows the holder to have certain occupancy, use rights, or other privileges on public lands. The authorization is granted for a specific period of time for a specific use.
1. Your request must be consistent with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and special orders that apply to the National Forests.
2. Your request must be consistent with the Forest Plan that established standards and guidelines for management of the land where the activity will take place. A copy of the forest plan is available at your local Forest Service office and in many libraries.
3. Your request must not endanger public health or safety.
4. Your request must not require exclusive or perpetual use or occupancy.
5. Your request cannot conflict or interfere with administrative use by the Forest Service, other authorized existing uses, or uses of adjacent nonfederal lands.
6. The applicant must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from a prior or existing special-use authorization.
7. No gambling or providing of sexually oriented commercial services can be authorized on National Forest system land, even if permitted under state law.
8. No military or paramilitary training or exercises can be authorized on NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM land unless the exercises are federally funded.
9. No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances can be authorized on NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM land.
1. Contact a Forest Service office and request an application. You will receive an application, depending upon your requested use. Application information is also available on the special uses home page.
2. Prior to submitting the proposal, you are required to arrange a pre-application meeting at the local Forest Service office where the use is being requested. A staff member will discuss your proposal, potential land use conflicts, application procedures and qualifications, probable time frames, fees and bonding requirements, additional coordination with other agencies, environmental reports, and field reviews.
3. Most commercial uses require additional information with the application. You may need business plans, operating plans, liability insurance, licenses/registrations, or other documents. A commercial use is when an applicant intends to make use of NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM lands for business or financial gain.
4. Complete and submit the application form, including supporting documents, to the local Forest Service office. An incomplete proposal could delay the processing.
Recreation events are commercial activities requiring temporary, authorized use of National Forest system land. Examples of recreation events include, but are not limited to, animal, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon races; jeep rallies; dog trials; fishing contests; rendezvous; rodeos; adventure games; youth treks; wagon trains; concerts; and other similar events. A permit is required for these type of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.
A commercial use or activity on NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM land occurs when (a) an applicant intends to charge an entry or participation fee, or (b) the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, regardless of the intent to produce a profit. Money collected may cover expense categories, such as food, transportation, prizes, advertising, purchase replacement of equipment, or compensation for the leader of the activity.
Use is considered noncommercial if the fees charged are used only for the purpose of paying for actual expenses directly related to operating or staging the activity, with any excess funds returned to participants. The fees charged should not include costs for employees or personnel who stage or run the event.
Yes, land use rental fees are required and there are two ways to determine the fees: (1) 5% of adjusted gross receipts for one time events and 3% of adjusted gross receipts for multiple events under a single permit; or (2) using the minimum fees for recreation events that have been established, but may vary, by National Forest.
There may be other costs for which you are responsible as part of your authorized activity. Liability insurance coverage and a performance bond to ensure protection of the environment and site cleanup may be required. Depending on the size and duration of your activity, costs associated with law enforcement, crowd control, safety issues, and sanitation may also be required.
Complete regulations on special use permits and recreation events on national forests are published at 36 CFR 251. You may obtain copies from your local Forest Service office, law library, or by visiting the National Archives and Records Administration's Code of Federal Regulations.
Non-commercial groups uses are any activity conducted on National Forest system lands involving 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators, in which (a) no entry or participation fee is charged, and (b) the primary purpose of the activity is not the sale of a good or service. Examples of non-commercial activities include club or family recreation outings, reunions, and weddings. No permit fee, bonding, or insurance is required for non-commercial group uses.
A permit is required for all non-commercial groups uses.
To apply:
Contact the ranger district office in the area where you wish to have your activity. You must complete an application providing (1) the applicant's name and mailing address; (2) if the applicant is an organization, the name of an individual authorized to receive notice of the decision on the application; (3) a description of the activity; (4) the location and description of the National Forest system lands and facilities you would like to use; (5) the estimated number of participants and spectators; (6) the starting and ending date and time of the activity; and (7) the name of the person or persons 21 years of age or older who will sign the permit on behalf of the applicant. The application must be received by the local ranger district office at least 72 hours in advance of your activity.
Response:
All applications for noncommercial group uses will be deemed granted unless denied within 48 hours of receipt. If your application is granted, a permit will be issued prior to the start of your activity.
Outfitting is providing through rental or livery any saddle or pack animal, vehicle or boat, tents, or camp gear, or similar supplies or equipment, for pecuniary remuneration or other gain. The term Outfitter includes the holder's/permittees employees, agents, and instructors. Guiding is providing services or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, interpretation, or other assistance to individuals or groups in their pursuit of a natural resource-based outdoor activity) for pecuniary remuneration or other gain. The term "Guide" includes the holder's/permittees employees, agents, and instructors. A permit is required for these type of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.
Yes, land use rental fees are required and is the greater of (1) or (4), plus (2) and/or (3), if applicable. The actual amount will depend upon the nature and portion of use of each agency lands and can vary by National Forest and/or Bureau of Land Management Field Area: (1) 3% of adjusted gross receipts, published fee schedule, flat fee, or bid and prospectus. (2) Assigned/Reserved Site fees. (3) Grazing fees. (4) Minimum fee.
There may be other costs for which you are responsible as part of your authorized activity. Liability insurance coverage and a performance bond to ensure protection of the environment and site cleanup may be required. Depending on the size and duration of your activity, costs associated with law enforcement, crowd control, safety issues, and sanitation may also be required.
In the Rocky Mt. Region, you need a back country permit in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (near Rocky Mt. National Park and Boulder, CO). Also, the White River National Forest now requires a Wilderness Pass to use the Holy Cross and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Areas. They are FREE and can be self-issued at wilderness trailheads. Monthly passes are available at the District offices. Entrance Fees and Use Fees are required in some areas but are separate from a back country permit.
Even if the Wilderness you are traveling through does not require a permit, you should register at the trailhead, be aware of all regulations, camp well off the trail and away from streams and lakes, use an existing site (if it's a legal one) and LEAVE NO TRACE. For more information about Wilderness use, please visit Leave No Trace.
In most areas of National Forests in the Rocky Mountain Region, you need to stay on roads and trails that are designated as OPEN to motorized travel. In many areas, you may not take your ATV behind a closed gate, or travel OFF the road or trail (cross-country), unless the area is specifically designated for that use. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in any Wilderness Areas. You may want to contact the local office of the forest you intend to visit for more details and maps to help you learn where you may ride. Many forests have ATV-friendly trails that provide great riding. Illegal, off-road use by ATV's can be a problem in some areas, especially during hunting seasons. Areas may be seasonally closed to ATV use to protect the environment, to prevent erosion on trails and roads, or to provide secure places for big-game animals. Illegal use of motorized vehicles can be disruptive to other hunters and can move entire herds of game animals out of areas and limit the ability of anyone to hunt them. PLEASE use your ATV responsibly. For information on how you can "Tread Lightly" on the land with your ATV, please visit Tread Lightly! UTV/OHVing.
In Colorado, all ATVs must be registered with the State of Colorado. Home state registrations are no longer recognized. Please contact a Colorado State Parks and Recreation Office to register your ATV.
A special-use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease, or easement, which allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of National Forest system land. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.
The Forest Service and BLM manage the habitat for wildlife, while the hunting seasons, bag limits, and licenses for game animals are handled by each state's game and fish agency. In Colorado, that is the Colorado Division of Wildlife. For information, updates on chronic wasting disease and a directory of Division of Wildlife field offices, please visit their website. Links to other states will be available soon.
Hunting is allowed on most National Forest and BLM lands, including designated Wilderness Areas. However, you still need to be aware of and follow any existing restrictions for the areas you wish to hunt. For example, wheeled game carts are not allowed in Wilderness Areas because they are a mechanical device. Also, in some Forest areas, certain roads and trails may be seasonally closed to motorized travel (including ATV's) during the wet fall months to prevent damage and erosion. You should contact the local Forest office or BLM office near the area you wish to hunt to find out about travel management policies and any restrictions that may affect your hunting area. They can also provide you with information about any other activities occurring in your hunting area, such as domestic livestock (sheep or cows), timber sales, prescribed fires, or recreation events.
Wildland Fire Careers with the Forest Service
Seasonal Firefighter - People interested in a job as a seasonal firefighter must apply to the agency they are interested in working for. Each agency (Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Idaho, etc.) has its own process for hiring seasonal employees. You may want to consider applying to more than one agency.
To become a wildland firefighter, you must be between the 18 and 35 years old and pass a physical fitness test. Most agencies hire firefighters on a seasonal basis (generally from May to September). Most employees in land management agencies get basic fire training, no matter what job they have. During seasons where there are a lot of fires, people who have had basic fire training are called upon to help organized fire crews. If you do an outstanding job, regardless of what function you are in, you will be noticed and your chances of getting a "fire job" next season will be greatly increased.
Professional Full-time Firefighter - Check with the agency you are interested in and obtain an information package on how to apply for these types of jobs.
For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
Helicopters - In a typical year, there are 15-20 "heavy" and "medium" helicopters under contract in the United States for wildland firefighting purposes. Also, there are an additional 175 under contract on a "call when needed" basis. Helicopters support firefighters on the ground by dropping water, foam or retardant on flaming trees, brush and even structures to cool hot spots and prevent a fire from spreading. Air tankers - Air tankers are large planes fitted with tanks for transporting and dropping fire retardant or water. Their capability ranges from 2,000 gallons to the larger aircraft that are capable of delivering 3,000 gallons. Air tankers drop their load in a long string, creating a line of retardant. The purpose of the retardant is to slow the fire down in order to give ground support forces the opportunity to build firelines. A pink dye is added to give the pilot an idea of where the drop landed. In a typical year, 40-50 air tankers are under contract to state and federal agencies for wildland firefighting purposes. Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) - A MAFFS unit is a pressurized 3,000 gallon tank system containing either water or a water-based retardant designed to fit into a C-130 aircraft. MAFFS units can only be utilized when there is imminent danger to life and property and other aerial resources are exhausted or committed. Lead Planes - These planes are used to "lead" the air tankers to and through their retardant drops and are also used for aerial reconnaissance of fire areas.
Infrared Aircraft - These are aircraft equipped with highly specialized infrared mapping systems. The Infrared scanners locate hot spots inside and outside a fire's perimeter. Infrared scanners can pinpoint a 6-inch hot spot from an altitude of 8,000 feet (1.5 miles) above ground level and can cover almost one million acres in one hour. Flights are generally flown after sunset and before sunrise when temperatures between the terrain and the fire differ the most, making it easier to pinpoint heat sources.
For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ.
The effects of fire can retard or accelerate the natural development of plant communities, alter species diversity, change nutrient flows, and interact with other physical, chemical, and biological systems. Thus, for most North American ecosystems, fire sustains functional ecosystems.
For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ.
The National Interagency Fire Center maintains a table of past fires and acres from 1983-present.
The Forest History Society maintains a Famous Fires page with the history of the most notable fires in early Forest Service history.
More than 100 years of excluding fire, combined with past land-use practices, have altered the landscape. This has resulted in changes such as a heavy buildup of dead vegetation, dense stands of trees, a shift to species that have not evolved and adapted to fire, and, occasionally, even an increase in non-native fire-prone plants. Because of these conditions, today's fires tend to be larger, burn hotter, and spread farther and faster, making them more severe, more dangerous, and more costly in human, economic, and ecologic terms.
The goal of the fire policy is to restore the natural balance by adopting land management practices that integrate fire into ecosystems as an essential natural process. Fire can be used to reduce the buildup of dead and downed trees and curb insect and disease infestations, while releasing and recycling nutrients essential for the growth and reproduction of many plant species. Land managers must balance wildland fire suppression with the use of fire for resource benefit.
For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ.
A prescribed fire is any fire intentionally ignited to meet specific land management objectives (i.e., to reduce flammable fuels, such as the accumulation of brush, logs, etc. on forest floors; or to help restore ecosystem health). Prescribed fires are preplanned ignitions, with predetermined boundaries. They are conducted only under certain weather conditions (i.e., during periods of low wind) when flame length and heat can be controlled. Land managers must obtain approval of prescribed fire plans from applicable federal or state agencies before conducting planned burns. In addition, all applicable requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) must be met on federal lands. Before federal land management activities (i.e., trail building, timber harvesting, use of fire, etc.) are conducted, NEPA requires that the environmental impacts of these activities be analyzed to assess their impacts on cultural resources, wetlands, soil, water quality, air quality, visibility, and other resources.
For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ.
Besides wildland fire, fuel treatment may be accomplished by mechanical, chemical, biological, and manual means. In some areas, fuel accumulations may be so heavy that use of wildland fire may not be practical. In these cases pre-treatment of the area by another means, such as selective timber harvest, may be necessary before wildland fire may be applied.
For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ.
Wildland fires occur naturally and are one of the many natural sources of particulate matter (tiny particles such as dust, soot, etc.) Particulate matter is the main pollutant of concern from smoke because it can cause serious health problems. Smoke can also adversely affect the clarity (visual range) of our air. Wildland fire is also part of the natural ecological process of many ecosystems. Without wildland fires the ecological health of many forests, rangelands and wilderness areas will decline.
For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ.
Use fire resistant building material. The roof and exterior of homes should be constructed of non-combustible or fire resistant materials such as fire resistant roofing materials, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone. Wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling, and other highly combustible materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals. If a fire does occur near a home in the wildlands, homeowners have the responsibility to create a "defensible space" so that firefighters may safely protect their homes. Examples of defensible space are: cleaning roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials, or Removing portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney, maintaining a fuel break around all structures, etc.
For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ.
Search by FREQUENCY: If you think your question is fairly routine and is frequently asked by others, you can start by reviewing the first 20 questions listed. They are placed at the top based on how often they are viewed. Search by FOREST or TOPIC: Under the word "Topic" drop down to the resource or management topic or sub-topic of interest to you. Many answers apply to all National Forests within the Rocky mountain Region. If you want to see if a specific answer exists for the National Forest you will be visiting, use the drop down menu under "Forest." Search by KEYWORD: Enter keywords that are meaningful to the answer that you are searching. For instance, if you want to know 'Where can I have a Campfire?', some good keywords would be "Campfire, Camping, Fire Ban, Fire Restrictions". Some poor choices for words would be "Rules" or "Permits". Rules and permits are both too general to be valid search keywords. If too many results are pulled and do not seem relevant, try limiting the search categories by using the tips below. CLICK ON the question of interest to view the complete details on the question and answer and to see several related questions. Some quick tips about searching: * If searching with multiple keywords, to make one or two of them mandatory, place a "+" before it. * Try to limit keywords to 3 or 4. * Avoid fill-in words used in speech such as "the, and, but, was, is"
* Try searching by selecting the name of the activity you are interested in, with no keywords, to see what the most popular answers are for that specific activity (i.e., hunting, snowmobiling)
* Be active. This search engine grows with our customers, if an answer is good, use the rating at the bottom to rate it well so that more people will see it. If the answer is poor, rate it as such and we will improve upon it. Please include suggestions to help us improve the answers.
Permits are required to cut and remove a Christmas tree and other products from the National Forest. You should contact the individual National Forest to see if they have Christmas Tree cutting areas and a permitting process. Enter "Christmas Tree" to the search engine above and highlight the National Forest of interest under "Forests" above then click "Search" to see if forest-specific incident/answer information is already in this database.
Going to the Forest links to the left will take you to the individual Forest Web sites. Look for highlighted links or check under Forest Products or Recreation Activities.
Bears are most active in the spring and fall, right after winter hibernation and when trying to gain weight for their winter sleep. Bear sightings are most common were food and trash is accessible to them, such as around campground dumpsters and private homes. You can help discourage bears from visiting by keeping a clean campsite, properly storing food, and removing all garbage. For more information on camping in bear country, please visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife Living with Bears.
If your motor home is shorter than 35’ you may drive it over the Pass. All vehicles over 35’ are prohibited (this is a combined measurement-car and trailer together cannot be longer than 35’). The road is extremely narrow with tight curves.
Peak season is typically the third week of September. However, this is dependent on weather conditions. You may want to call the Fall Colors Hotline at 800-354-4595.
No mechanized devices -- including anything with wheels -- are allowed in all designated Wilderness Areas.
Visitor maps for each national forest and grassland provide forest-wide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. These maps are available to purchase from individual forests, the National Forest Store and many retail outlets.
Topographic maps provide the greatest level of detail and only cover small portions of a forest. These maps are available to purchase from the US Geological Survey, many individual forests, and many retail outlets.
Yes, you can cut firewood on the White River NF, with a firewood permit. The cost is $10/cord, with a two cord minimum. A map is available that marks areas where you may cut firewood. Information on what you can and cannot do when you cut wood is included with your permit. Permits can be purchased at any district office or the headquarters in Glenwood Springs.
You must stay within the designated cutting areas; you may only cut deadwood, standing or down; if you cut a standing tree, you must trim the stump to no more than 12 inches high; always clean your slash (branches and excess material you are not taking); be sure the permit is visible on the back of your load; and have a permit for every 1/4 cord. A cord measures 4'x4'x8'.
No. Hanging Lake, on the Eagle District of the White River NF, has built up over time from carbonates, which are deposited on the shore as the water flows over the bank. Swimming is not allowed because body oils in the water would stop this deposition. It is very tempting to jump in and cool off after the hike, but please don’t. Spouting Rock, which is to the left before the boardwalk, is a stream that shoots straight out of the cliff wall! The path leading behind and past Spouting Rock provides the perfect opportunity to cool off in the spray.
No. Hanging Lake on the Eagle District, near Glenwood Springs, is a geological wonder and home to a small, fragile ecosystem. To preserve this pristine condition, camping is prohibited.
No. Dispersed camping (camping without any developed facilities) is allowed in most areas of the Forest without a permit. However, you must follow travel management restrictions for driving and parking and you are limited to no more than 14 days stay at the same location. Also, to minimize your impacts, please try to camp where others have already camped, especially in fragile areas.
Yes. The time limit is 14 days, whether you are in a developed campground or are dispersed camping with no facilities. At the end of 14 days, you must relocate at least three miles from your previous location. Some campgrounds have shorter time limits, so read the campground information board and check with the local District Office for any special restrictions.
With the increasing visitors to National Forests, this 14-day time limit helps to ensure that places to camp and recreate will be available to everyone. These public lands are not intended to be used as alternative residences.
Yes, you may pick berries for personal use without a permit. Strawberries, thimbleberries, gooseberries, serviceberries and chokecherries are all popular berries to pick. You may need to get to them before the bears do, though!
Allow yourself approximately 2 hours one-way. Remember that you must be off the Pikes Peak Highway by sunset — no overnight parking is allowed. The road is 38 miles roundtrip.
The number is the same for both: 800-354-4595.
Approximately three hours if you're a world-class marathoner. If not, it could take you from 8 to 12 hours, depending on your fitness level. Then again, you could drive up to Pikes Peak in about two hours or take the Cog Railway which would get you there in about 1:15 minutes.
You have to have a permit to remove any minerals or wood products from the National Forest. To obtain one of these permits check with your nearest National Forest Service office.
The first thing to do is contact the local Forest office near where you would like your ceremony. Do this as early as possible, so the Forest Service has time to work with you on a location. Some offices require a permit, but generally you do not need one if you are having a simple ceremony and your wedding party is fewer than 75 people. Some locations that are very popular for weddings are also popular with the general public, or may already have other group activities scheduled. You cannot "reserve" or "close" your wedding site to the general public, but by working with the local Forest office, you can avoid unnecessary user conflicts. You also will have to follow existing regulations about driving into the site and what is allowed there.
A good option to have a site reserved for your use is to reserve a Group Campground. You can make a reservation for many of the group sites in this Region on Recreation.gov.
There are no age limitations. You can visit a local office to find out what jobs are available and fill out an application.
We don’t encourage the use of metal detectors on Forest Service lands because we are interested in protecting and preserving cultural and historic artifacts. Also, you should be aware that the National Historic Preservation Act generally prohibits collecting anything 50 years old or older.
While geocaching is NOT an appropriate use of a designated Wilderness Area, it is increasing in popularity in general forest areas. You must remember to follow all existing regulations when placing or looking for caches. This includes understanding and following all motor vehicle restrictions, avoiding damage to trees or roots, avoiding impacts to streams, wetlands and lakeshores, and minimizing your impacts on other forest visitors. Recreational public use of National Forests is intended to be short-term and low-impact, so that the many other forest visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the same lands also. Permanent or long-term structures or improvements are not allowed. If you are unsure about whether geocaching is appropriate in a certain area, please contact the local Forest office and ask.
Yes, you can collect pinecones for personal use. If you want to resell the pinecones, either wholesale or in items such as wreaths or other objects, you need to get a special use permit. Contact the local forest office for more information.
- Visit their websites or call ahead to the forest office closest to where you want to visit.