Arapaho National Forest

Arapaho National Forest spans north-central Colorado across the Rocky Mountains west of Denver and along the Continental Divide, encompassing 723,744 acres. Established on July 1, 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt and named for the Arapaho people, it includes alpine country, river valleys, and headwaters feeding both the Colorado and South Platte rivers. Its six wilderness areas preserve extensive high-country terrain, some extending into neighboring forests and Rocky Mountain National Park. The forest also supports abundant wildlife and wetlands, with nearly 200 bird species recorded. In recent years, major wildfires have heavily affected the forest, followed by ongoing restoration including large-scale reforestation and repairs.

Colorado · United States