South Platte Ranger District

On the eastern boundary of the South Platte Ranger District lies the Rampart Range Motorized Recreation Area. This area contains more than 120 miles of trail designed for off-highway vehicles and all-terrain vehicles less than 40 inches in width. The trails, some of which were originally stagecoach, logging or mining roads, provide challenges for riders of all ages and abilities.

For the mountain bike enthusiast this ranger district offers the Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area. The site includes approximately 40 miles of trails that have been developed specifically for mountain biking. Mild winters allow riding eight to ten months of the year. The area is about an hour south of Denver.

Hikers in the region will enjoy the Colorado Trail, which extends over 50 miles throughout the ranger district, with several trailheads and access points. The Devil's Head National Recreation Trail will interest hikers and history buffs alike. Located at the north end of the Rampart Range, this trail is accentuated by Devil's Head Fire Lookout Station. This fire lookout is the last in use in the Pike National Forest. The original structure completed in 1910 on Devil's Head Mountain, a site that provides a commanding view of points north, south, west and east.

For visitors to the area who desire a beautiful day trip in the car, the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway will provide an hour of scenic driving. The road extends from Georgetown on Highway 70 to Grant on Highway 285. The 22-mile drive offers views of Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Evans, and 2 well-preserved examples of Rocky Mountain mining camps.

Recreation - A plethora of outdoor activities can be enjoyed by visitors to the South Platte Ranger District. The list includes, but is not limited to the following: boating, camping, backpacking, fishing, hiking, biking, motorcycle riding and horseback riding. The varied terrain of the region provides excellent opportunities for recreationists of all skill levels to participate in their favorite or a new sport.

Climate - Controlled mainly by the Rocky Mountains, weather in the South Platte Ranger District varies extremely on a yearly, daily and hourly basis. Colorado's high elevation makes the air thinner and harder to breathe. The elevation also makes it easier to get a sunburn, because there is less air between you and the sun to filter ultraviolet light. Temperatures are affected by elevation, cooling four degrees for every 1,000 feet gained.

When hiking, particularly on high mountain peaks, during the summer, morning and early afternoon hikes are best to avoid lightning and thunderstorms. The average yearly precipitation is 16 inches, the majority of which comes in spring and summer. Summer temperatures average 72 degrees during the day. Nighttime freezing temperatures are not uncommon during the summer. The mean winter temperature is 26 degrees. The low humidity on the eastern slopes makes both warm and cold temperatures seem more comfortable.

Location - The South Platte Ranger District comprises the northern section of the Pike National Forest. The Arapaho National Forest shares the northern border of this ranger district, which includes the Mt. Evans Wilderness Area. The Continental Divide forms the western border of the South Platte Ranger District again shared by the Arapaho National Forest. The southern border runs through Kenosha Pass and splits the Lost Creek Wilderness Area shared by the South Park Ranger District. The eastern section of this area includes the northern Rampart Range and ends with the leveling of the foothills on the Front Range.