Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs


Crater in Mt Evans Wilderness.

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. 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Clear Creek Ranger District Road Status
Reservations: View Campgrounds At-A-Glance table to quickly view what sites are reserveable.
Permit Info: Firewood permits are available online. 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

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

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

Road Cycling

Areas for Road Cycling at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Campground Camping

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.

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
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.

Areas for Campground Camping at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Dispersed Camping

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

Cabin Rentals

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Day Hiking

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

Backpacking

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

Horse Riding

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

Size Restrictions No
Corrals No
Loading Ramp No
Hitching Rails No
Water Availability No

Areas for Horse Riding at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

OHV Road Riding

Areas for OHV Road Riding at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Target Shooting

Areas for Target Shooting at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Group Picnicking

Areas for Group Picnicking at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Skiing/Snowboarding

Areas for Skiing/Snowboarding at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Snowmobiling

Areas for Snowmobiling at Clear Creek Ranger District, near Idaho Springs

Know Before You Go

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Campgrounds At-A-Glance

Location

 
  Latitude : 
39.7399603

  Longitude : 
-105.5241983

  Elevation : 
7,500' - 14,264'