Want to escape the city and get into the mountains fast? Just west of Fort Collins sits your ticket to 1.5 million acres of pure Colorado adventure — the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests (plus the Pawnee National Grassland if you’re craving wide-open prairie skies). This is one of the most-visited National Forests in the entire country, and for good reason: it’s got everything.

Think hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, scenic drives, camping under the stars, horseback riding, OHV trails, paddling, and even winter sports when the snow rolls in. Closer to home, the Canyon Lakes Ranger District manages 650,000 acres in Larimer County alone — home to four Wilderness areas, three national recreation trails, and Colorado’s only Wild and Scenic River: the Cache la Poudre.

And the history? Pretty wild, too. The forest traces its roots back to 1897 as part of the Medicine Bow Forest Reserve, later renamed the Colorado National Forest in 1910, and finally dedicated to President Roosevelt in 1932. Today, it’s both a playground and a conservation powerhouse — balancing recreation with keeping the land healthy and wild.

So whether you’re planning to pitch a tent at Red Feather Lakes, lace up for a hike in Comanche Peak Wilderness, or just take a weekend cruise up the Poudre Canyon Scenic Byway, there’s no shortage of ways to get your Rocky Mountain fix.

👉 Pro tip: Check the latest trail conditions, road closures, and fire restrictions before heading out. And if you’re camping, book early — spots go fast!

Monday, August 25

Tuesday, August 26