Outdoor Science and Learning
What better place to learn about the great outdoors? The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands includes nearly 3 million acres of outdoor learning opportunities. Please stop by one of our visitor centers, Forest Service district offices or headquarters in Pueblo for information about all the wonderful recreational opportunities.
Opportunities are plentiful to view and experience nature first-hand. Wildlife and plant habitats vary widely from the vast prairies and cool canyons on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Don't forget your camera!
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits
The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands hosts myriad self-guided, interpretive trails, historical landmarks and paleontological finds and provides hands-on, outdoor learning opportunities for the whole family.
Viewing Wildlife
Catch a moose eating in the willows, walk a nature trail, spot deer in the river or look for owls in the trees. There are so many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands to appreciate wildlife.
Viewing Plants
Elevations range from a low of 5,860 feet on the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands to 14,433 feet on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, providing a wide range of plants, grasses, shrubs and trees. The myriad of hiking trails and interpretive sites provide opportunities to view these plants up close.
Viewing Scenery
The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands have National Scenic and Historic Byways and incredible views of historic interpretive sites, expansive scenic prairies and the nation stretched out at the foot of some of the tallest mountain peaks on the Continental Divide.
Visitor Centers
The Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center is located on U.S. 24, 12 miles west of Lake George. It is a great spot to stop and stretch your legs; there's even an interpretive trail for a nice walk. Wilkerson Pass offers fantastic views of South Park and the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges. The visitor center is currently being operated by the Park County Department of Heritage, Tourism and Community Development. Fantastic volunteers are available to assist guests with many of their travel needs.
Visitor Programs
The Comanche National Grassland has many stories to tell, from dinosaurs roaming the ancient shoreline of a vast lake 150 million years ago to Mexican and American traders traveling the Santa Fe National Historic Trail 150 years ago.
Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities
Baby Doe Campground
Bear Lake Trailhead
Belle of Colorado Campground
Bottomless Pit Observation Site
Boustead Tunnel Observation Site
Browns Canyon National Monument
Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
Carrizo Auto Tour Interpretive Site
Carrizo Canyon Picnic Area
Cascade Observation Site