Located along the I-70 corridor of Clear Creek County in the town of Idaho Springs, Clear Creek Ranger District manages approximately 200,000 acres in four different counties. Come climb a mountain 14,000 feet above the ocean's tides, take a relaxing drive through the Rocky Mountains, or wet your fishing line in one of the many alpine lakes and streams.
Visitor Information is co-located with the Idaho Springs Visitor Center, 2060 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, Phone: (303) 567-4382. Open 7 days a week.
To make an appointment to buy a wood permit or meet with district staff please call 303-567-3000.
Firewood permits are available at Clear Creek Ranger District office by appointment only on Thursdays. Call (303) 567-3000 to make an appointment. Permits are $20 per cord with a one cord minimum, five cord maximum. Trees are not precut or limbed and designated areas are not available.
Usage:
Medium-Heavy
Closest Towns:
Idaho Springs, CO; Georgetown, CO; Empire, CO
Operated By:
Forest Service
Information Center:
Clear Creek Ranger District Visitor Information is co-located with Idaho Springs Visitor Center, 2060 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, Phone: (303) 567-4382.
General Information
Directions:
From westbound Interstate 70, take exit 241 and head west on Colorado Blvd to 2060 Miners Street. Forest Service information is available inside the visitors' center and museum.
From eastbound Interstate 70 take exit 239 and head east on Colorado Blvd to 2060 Miners Street. Forest Service information is available inside the visitors' center and museum.
From exit 240, turn right on Miners Street and head to the east end of town.
Mountain biking is a popular activity on Clear Creek Ranger District. Hundreds miles of forest roads and trails are open to mountain biking. In addition to lands of the Arapaho National Forest, other local public land agencies offer many more miles of mountain biking single track trails, such as Clear Creek County Open Space or Jefferson County Open Space.
Areas for Mountain Biking at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs
Clear Creek Ranger District offers eight developed campgrounds. All are accessed from the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, I-70 and Colorado Highways 40, 103, and 119). Individual operating seasons vary, however season dates range from mid-May through mid-October.
Fire Information
Campfires are allowed in the fire ring provided, dead and down wood may be gathered from the forest if available. Wood may also be purchased from the hosts.
Reservation Info
Six of Clear Creek 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
Areas for Campground Camping at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs
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. The Clear Creek Ranger District has a mix of private land and forest land. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.
Areas for Dispersed Camping at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs
Clear Creek 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
Campfires in the James Peak Wilderness are prohibited year round. For all other areas : Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned. Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.
Areas for Day Hiking at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs
Clear Creek 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. Hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness requires a free mandatory self-issuing permit. Free permits are available at each trailhead or entry point into the wilderness. Trails are often busy on weekends and trailhead parking is often limited.
Fire Information
Campfires in the James Peak Wilderness are prohibited year round. For all other areas : Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned. Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.
Areas for Backpacking at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs
Clear Creek 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, linked here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/news/weed_free_order/WEED_FREE_ORDER_06202005.shtm
Corrals
No
Hitching Rails
No
Loading Ramp
No
Size Restrictions
No
Water Availability
No
Areas for Horse Riding at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs
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