Copyright: USDA Forest Service
Little Rainbow Lake
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Description
- The Roosevelt is now administered as the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Topography on the Roosevelt National Forest varies from rolling foothills to snow covered peaks at over 14,000 feet, to deep scenic canyons. The Roosevelt includes at least portions of the Rawah, Comanche Peak, Cache la Poudre, and Indian Peaks Wilderness Areas. Two Scenic Byways run through the forest: Peak to Peak, between Estes Park and Blackhawk; and Cache la Poudre - North Park, leading through the Cache la Poudre river canyon, over Cameron Pass, and through North Park. The Cache la Poudre River west of Poudre Park was designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act because of its outstanding recreation and scenic features. In the winter months, downhill skiing and snowboarding opportunities exist at Eldora. Also enjoy nordic skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in many higher elevation Forest locations. Deadman Road near Redfeather Lakes is one popular area.
Recreation - Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and driving for pleasure are popular activities. The Arapaho and Roosevelt rank among the top National Forests for year-round recreation use because of their proximity to the high populations of Front Range communities and their well known recreation areas. Climate - Elevations range from about 5,000 feet on the east end of the forest, to over 14,000 feet on the highest peaks. With this enormous elevation difference, the climate varies greatly. The weather is generally much warmer and drier at the lower elevations, especially on the east end of the forests. For summer, expect warm days and cool to freezing nights, especially in the high country. Much of the highest elevations remain inaccessible until early or mid-July. Be prepared for both warm and chilly weather. The rainy season lasts from mid-July through August, when afternoon thunderstorms should be expected. The first snow can fly any time from the first of September on! Although the skies are often sunny, winter temperatures can be very cold. Abundant snowfall is received which supports the many winter activities found on the forests. Location -
The Roosevelt National Forest encompasses much of the northern mountains and foothills of Colorado, on the east side of the Continental Divide. The forest runs from the Boulder and Nederland area, north to the Wyoming border. It borders the north and east sides of Rocky Mountain National Park.
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