San Isabel National Forest

Colorado’s San Isabel National Forest contains over 1,120,000 acres of land in eleven South Central and Northwest Colorado counties; Chaffee, Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Lake, Las Animas, Park, Pueblo, Saguache and Summit. This Colorado National Forest contains 19 of the state’s mountains over 14,000 feet (fourteener’s) including the Colorado’s highest peak, Mt. Elbert. Three major mountain ranges are part of the San Isabel National Forest; the Collegiate Peaks, the Sawatch mountain range and the Sangre de Cristo’s.

San Isabel National Forest Ranger Districts

The US Forest Service has more than 600 ranger districts across the United States. It’s administrated by a forest supervisor, a district ranger and a line officer. Ranger districts vary in size and are responsible for overseeing activities such as; trail construction and maintenance, operation of campgrounds and management of vegetation and wildlife habitat. The San Isabel National Forest is overseen by four Colorado Ranger Districts including; the Leadville Ranger District, Pikes Peak Ranger District, Salida Ranger District and the San Carlos Ranger District.

Leadville Ranger District

This Ranger District cares for well over 300,000 acres of the San Isabel National Forest. Features of this district include; the Mt. Massive Wilderness, Holy Cross Wilderness, Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. Other features are; the Ski Cooper Ski area, Tennessee Pass, Fremont Pass and Mosquito Pass, which is the highest 4 wheel drive pass in the United States. Independence Pass, the highest paved pass in the United States is also cared for by the Leadville Ranger District. In addition, the Arkansas river headwaters are found here and let’s not forget that the Leadville Ranger District is home to Colorado’s highest peak at 14,433 ft. – Mt. Elbert. The Leadville Ranger District offices are located in Leadville Colorado.

Pikes Peak Ranger District

The Pikes Peak Ranger District maintains the forest area that surrounds Pikes Peak. This Ranger District, based in Colorado Springs Colorado, has the responsibility of caring for the many forest features in and around the Colorado Springs metro area too.

Salida Ranger District

The Salida Ranger District cares for over 440,000 acres of land in the South Central region of Colorado near the Colorado towns of Salida, Buena Vista and Poncha Springs. According to the National Forest Service, the Salida Ranger District boundaries “encompass a portion of the Sangre de Cristo mountains west to the Continental Divide and Monarch Pass and south to Poncha Pass. The northern boundary stops north of Buena Vista and splits the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area between the Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts. The eastern boundary of the District is situated northeast of Salida and meanders north towards Trout Creek Pass.” The elevation in this ranger district vary from 7,000 ft in the Arkansas river valley to 14,000 ft in the surrounding mountain ranges. “Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, 4-wheeling and camping surrounded by towering peaks that rise above the valley floor. The Arkansas River flows through the valley and is one of Colorado’s premiere whitewater rafting areas.”

San Carlos Ranger District

The San Carlos Ranger District oversees the southern half of the San Isabel National Forest which contains more than 400,000 acres. The Colorado counties within this acreage are; Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas and Pueblo. The Mountain ranges in this Colorado ranger district are the Wet Mountains, the Sangre de Cristo’s and the Spanish Peaks. A large portion of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area falls under the responsibility of the San Carlos Ranger District. The Greenhorn Wilderness in the Wet mountains and the Spanish Peaks Wilderness are also cared for by this Forest Service group. There are 11 campgrounds and 1 picnic ground in this district as well as The highway of Legends and Frontier Pathways Scenic Byways.

Wildlife in the San Isabel National Forest

The San Isabel National Forest is teaming with birds and animals. Walking along any one of the many trails in this forest will bring you in contact with all bird species like Owls, Hummingbirds, Crows, Camp Robbers and Wild Turkey to name just a few. Other larger residents of this forest include Black bear, Mule deer, Elk, Mountain goats, Bighorn sheep  and Mountain Lions. You may also encounter a Moose from time to time. Make sure, that no matter which of these amazing animals you may see, respect them and give them room to go about their business! Make sure that you’re familiar with the behavior of these animals in order to prevent a harmful encounter. They’re all beautiful and a joy to watch, but they can be very dangerous too!

San Isabel Nature

Another aspect of the San Isabel Forest that you’ll appreciate is the diversity of landscapes to enjoy. Dense Lodgepole, Spruce and Aspen tree forest protect and provide homes for the many birds and animals. The forest also protects the undergrowth of brush, ferns, moss and beautiful wild flowers. Crystal lakes and streams provide a home for Brook, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. If you’re a rock hound, the San Isabel National Forest can satisfy your search for Gold and other gems and minerals!

Activities in the San Isabel National Forest

You’ll never lack for something to do when you visit this forest, that is, if you’re looking for something to do! Camping opportunities are plentiful, whether you’re interested in a campground or dispersed camping. Other activities include; hiking, climbing, bicycling, horseback riding and ATV riding. And with all the water sources in San Isabel, water sports of all sorts are a favorite pass time for many! The fishing is wonderful throughout the forest and with a number of larger lakes, motorized boating, water skiing and other boating related sports draw large numbers of visitors to this Colorado National Forest each year! Smaller high mountain lakes provide quite, tranquil boating and fishing opportunities also. No matter how long of a stay you’re planning, you’ll be able to fill as much of your time as you’d like, with fun family activities!