Explore the Majestic Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, a must-visit natural paradise in Colorado for outdoor enthusiasts.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities for all nature enthusiasts. Perfect for a weekend getaway or an adventurous day trip, this stunning destination is a must-visit for tourists exploring Colorado.
A brief summary to Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland
- Denver, Colorado, 80526, US
- +1970-295-6600
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings.
- Bring layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.
- Consider obtaining a Forest Pass for easier access to some areas and amenities.
- Be mindful of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance when observing animals.
- Check for seasonal road closures or trail conditions before your visit.
Getting There
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Car
From Denver, take I-25 North towards Fort Collins. Merge onto US-287 North towards Laramie. After about 40 miles, take the exit for CO-66 West towards Longmont. Continue on CO-66 for approximately 10 miles until you reach the entrance to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Follow the signs for various recreational areas within the forest.
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Public Transportation
Take the RTD Bus from Denver to Longmont (Route 204). From Longmont, you can either take a taxi or rideshare service to reach the entrance of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, which is about 10 miles away. Be sure to check the bus schedule in advance, as service may vary.
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Car
If you are coming from Boulder, take US-36 West towards Lyons. Once in Lyons, turn onto CO-7 East and follow it until you reach the entrance of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. This route offers scenic views of the foothills and is approximately a 30-minute drive.
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Car
For those traveling from Fort Collins, take US-287 South and merge onto CO-14 West. Continue on CO-14 for about 30 miles to reach the entrance of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. This route offers beautiful landscapes and is approximately a 50-minute drive.
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Car
To reach Pawnee National Grassland, take I-25 North from Denver and merge onto CO-119 East towards Longmont. From there, take US-287 North towards Laramie. After about 20 miles, take the exit for County Road 96. Follow County Road 96 until you reach the grassland entrance. This route is about a 1.5-hour drive from Denver.
Discover more about Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Wild Basin
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Grand Lake
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Boss Burgers and Gyros
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Big Horn Restaurant
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MollyB Restaurant
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The Grubsteak Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Country Ace Hardware
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Safeway
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Bottle Pass Liquors
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Local Experience
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Sunshine Herb Corner
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The Mad Moose
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
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