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Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The forest consists of two disconnected sections, the Medicine Bow National Forest in the north and the Routt National Forest in the south. Together, the Forests cover a total area of 1.8 million acres. The Medicine Bow National Forest is home to the largest elk herd in North America, as well as mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and black bears. In addition to its diverse wildlife, the Forests offer opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.
Address : Laramie, WY 82070, USA

Things to Do at Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

There is no shortage of things to do at Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. With over 3 million acres of forest to explore, visitors can find plenty of opportunity for recreation and contemplation. For those looking to hike, the forests offer over 2000 miles of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes. anglers will find no shortage of places to cast their line, with 300 lakes and reservoirs and 3000 miles of streams and rivers. And in winter, the forests transform into a paradise for snow sports, with over 900 miles of groomed trails for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a place to relax, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests has something for everyone.


Top Activities Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

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History of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests are located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The forest includes the Medicine Bow and Routt mountain ranges, as well as Park and Larimer counties. The name "Medicine Bow" comes from the Native American tribes who inhabited the area, and "Routt" pays homage to explorer John C. Fremont's guide, Christopher "Kit" Carson. The Forest was established in 1908, and covers an area of 2.3 million acres. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and moose. It is also a popular destination for hikers, campers, and fishermen. In recent years, the Forest has been impacted by wildfires, insect infestations, and drought. However, thanks to the efforts of conservationists, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests continue to be a beautiful and bountiful part of Colorado.


Best Time to Visit Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The best time to visit the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests in Rio Blanco County, Colorado is during the summer months of June, July and August. During these months, the days are longer and the weather is warm, making it ideal for hiking, camping and fishing.

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Tips for Visiting Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

  1. Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions.
  2. Bring plenty of food and water with you, as there are no services available in the forest.
  3. Stay on designated trails and roads to avoid getting lost or damaging fragile ecosystems.
  4. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be on the lookout for potential hazards such as slippery rocks, loose footing, and wildlife.
  5. Do not camp or build fires outside of designated areas to minimize impact on the environment.
  6. Don't forget your map! With over 2 million acres of land to explore, it's easy to get turned around in the forest. Be sure to bring a map and compass, and know how to use them before you set out.
  7. Respect closed areas . Some parts of the Forest may be closed due to hazardous conditions or wildlife activity . Please respect these closures and do not try to enter these areas . Trying to access closed areas can result in hefty fines.
  8. OHVs are only allowed on designated roads and trails . Please do not drive off-road as this can damage vegetation , erode soil , disturb wildlife ,and create new trails where none exist.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

  1. The Medicine Bow National Forest was established in 1902, making it one of the oldest national forests in the United States. 
  2. The two forests were merged in 1995 to create the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. 
  3. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding throughout the forest. 
  4. In addition to its abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests are also home to a number of historic sites, such as the Swedish Cabin near Laramie Peak and the ghost town of Sullivan Mine near Walden. 
  5. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests are home to more than 300 species of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, pronghorn antelope, black bears, and cougars.
  6. The forests are also home to two national monuments - the Colorado National Monument and the Fossil Creek National Monument.
  7. The Forest contains more than 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, including the headwaters of the Colorado River.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

In order to exploreMedicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Rio Blanco County, Colorado fully, it would take approximately 3 days. This is because there are a lot of different areas to explore, and each area has its own unique features. 


How to Reach Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The best way to reach the forests is by car. From Fort Collins, take US Highway 287 north for about 50 miles. Then take State Highway 14 west for about 30 miles. The entrance to the forest will be on the right. You can also reach the forest by taking US Highway 34 west from Greeley. Take US Highway 34 west for about 60 miles, then take State Highway 14 west for about 30 miles. The entrance to the forest will be on the right.


Entrance Fee of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

There is no entrance fee to explore Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. However, there are some areas that may require a camping or parking permit. These permits can be obtained at the visitor center or online. 


Opening Hours of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The opening hours of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests in Rio Blanco County, Colorado are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. The forests are closed on weekends and holidays. 


Attractions Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

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Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National GrasslandMedicine Bow–Routt National Forest is the official title to a U.S. Forest Service managed area extending over 2,222,313 acres in the states of Wyoming and Colorado. Characterized by mountain ranges and vast open landscapes, the national forests and national grassland provide abundant and unique opportunities for visitors all year round. The Forests provide year-round recreation opportunities for thousands of people.
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Watson MountainWatson Mountain is a mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains in United States. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and do here. It also offers beautiful views of this area andMount Watson is located in a subarctic climate zone with cold, snowy winters, and mild summers.
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Mount ZirkelMount Zirkel is one of the best mountains in Colorado. At 12,180 feet, it is the high point in Colorado's Park Range. The wilderness straddles the Continental Divide in the Park Range and the Sierra Madre and offers a diversity of ecosystems from sagebrush meadows in the lower areas. Mount Zirkel was named in honor of German geologist Ferdinand Zirkel. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and do.
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Lake JohnLake John is an isolated alpine lake and state wildlife area that offers visitors a peaceful opportunity to escape into nature. The lake offers boating, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor opportunities with an onsite resort open year round for continuous supplies and resources. It is a state wildlife area providing quality fishing for rain- bow and Snake River cutthroat trout.
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Rawah WildernessRawah Wilderness is located on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado. It encompasses 76,394 acres and includes 25 named lakes ranging in size from five to 39 acres. There are 85 miles of trails in the area and elevation ranges from 8,400 feet to 13,000 feet.
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Mount Zirkel WildernessThe Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a popular destination for hiking and camping in Routt county, Colorado. The wilderness area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. There are also numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Zirkel Circle Trail, which encircles the entire wilderness area. Camping is allowed anywhere in the wilderness, but campfires are only permitted in designated areas.

Discover More Attractions in Rio Blanco County, Home of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

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Rio Blanco County
Rio Blanco County, located in northwestern Colorado, is a popular tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The county is home to several National Parks and Wilderness Areas, as well as numerous ski resorts and hiking trails. In addition to its natural beauty, the county also boasts a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the Ute Indian Museum or take a scenic drive along the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Rio Blanco County is on

Location of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest


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