South Platte Ranger District - Recreation

The South Platte Ranger District is located east of the Continental Divide in the central Rocky Mountains and lies adjacent to the Denver metro area in Park, Jefferson, Douglas, Clear Creek and Teller counties.

The South Platte District is 450,000 acres in size with elevations ranging from 5,800' along the South Platte River, to over 14,000' at Mount Evans.

Feel free to stop by our visitor center on Highway 285 in Conifer to ask what's going on and get maps you may need to enjoy your visit on our district.

Note: For camping near Morrison or Red Rocks Amphitheatre, contact Bear Creek Lake Park at 303-697-6159 or Chatfield State Park at 303-791-7275.

Road Conditions

Due to recent weather events some forest roads are not passable due to snow, snow drifts and ice. Roads may still be open, but a portion or the whole road may not be accessible due to winter conditions. Many roads on or near National Forests are operated and maintained by other local, state, or federal agencies and may also be not passable. Please contact your local Forest Service office for road information.

Active Alerts

Lower and Upper Strontia Springs Canyon Occupancy and Use Restrictions

Prohibiting Use of Motor Vehicles without State License Plate

Forest Development Road 565 Motor Vehicle Seasonal Restrictions Except Snowmobiles

Devil's Head Peregrine Falcon Protection Seasonal Closure Order

Occupancy and Use Restrictions with Designated Camping and Parking Areas

Food Storage Prohibitions on Pike-San Isabel National Forests

Over-Snow Vehicle Use Restrictions in Alpine Shrub and Krummholz Ecosystems

Pike National Forest Occupancy and Use Restrictions

General Information

Year-round

Holiday Tree Permit information.
Wilderness areas have free self-issuing permits near trailheads to help monitor and manage visitor use.
Permits are required for forest products whether used personally or commercially.
Permits are also required for events or gatherings on National Forest lands, or for running a business on National Forest Lands.

The Interagency Senior Pass and the Interagency Access Pass qualifies for a 50% discount at concessionaire run campsites and picnic areas. The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass owner, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass owner's party. Day use is free for holders displaying the Interagency Annual Pass.

Restrictions exist for motor vehicle use, including snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, 4x4 vehicles, E-Bikes, and other Off Highway Vehicles (OHV). Free Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available. These maps indicate which roads and trails are open and to what type of vehicle.
Dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only on the South Platte Ranger District. Designated sites are posted with "Parking" and "Tent" symbols. No parking or camping outside of designated sites. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in.
Wilderness restrictions apply to all designated Wilderness areas.
Climbing Area Restriction: Cliff and Rock faces along Jackson Creek Road 502 restricted from March 1 until July 31.

Please practice Leave No Trace and Stay the Trail ethics.

Some day use areas & campgrounds have day use and/or camping fees.

Getting There

Elevation

14,264'

Directions

South Platte Ranger District Office:

From Denver, CO take C470 to Highway 285 South (toward Fairplay, CO). Travel 17.5 miles along Highway 285 to Kings Valley Drive. The office is located to the right, on the upper/north level of the building.