Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
These mountain Forests in north central Colorado include popular destinations such as Guanella Pass, Alpine Central Railroad Grade trail, Brainard Lake Recreation Area and the Mount Goliath Natural Area.
Supervisor’s Office 970-295-6600. The National Forests website. Links to Maps
Brainard Lake Recreation Area Although trails leading from Brainard Lake are not particularly easy, you can enjoy walking around the lake’s margins. Watch out for moose! Here is their website.
Alpine Central Railroad Grade As long as you want to do, but 3 miles to Pavilion Point. The trail starts at Silver Plume and goes 13 miles to Mt. McClellan. Here it is described by the Hiking Project.
Guanella Pass Most of the trails from the top of Guanella Pass are too long and steep in places to be included here. However, it is an easy drive from Georgetown to the parking lots at this above-timberline destination, There are flowers and beautiful views and a toilet! Here is a description of some trails that lead off of the pass. And another website about the pass area.
Rainbow Lakes Trail c 2.6 miles round trip along a series of 9 small lakes and beaver ponds. Said to be easy but rocky in places. Another place to watch out for moose. It is north of Nederland. Phone 303-541-2500. Reviewed by AllTrails. Here is the Forest Service’s description and directions, but they have accidentally included it in the webpages for Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico.
Look farther down this Federal section to see listings specifically for Roosevelt National Forest and the Pawnee National Grasslands.