Pike National Forest

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Cheyenne Mountain State Park Glen Oaks Park

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Pike National Forest is a popular destination in Colorado, known for its beautiful natural scenery and outdoor recreational activities.

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Summary

Some of the main reasons to visit the forest include hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The forest covers over 1 million acres and is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including alpine tundra, coniferous forests, and grasslands.

One of the most popular areas within Pike National Forest is the Pikes Peak region, which includes the famous Pikes Peak summit and the Garden of the Gods. Visitors can drive or hike to the top of Pikes Peak and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Garden of the Gods is a stunning geological wonder, featuring towering sandstone formations that are over 300 million years old.

Other areas of interest within the forest include the South Platte River, which is popular for fly fishing, and the Lost Creek Wilderness, which offers scenic hiking trails and camping opportunities. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and mountain lions.

The best time of year to visit Pike National Forest depends on what activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are great for hiking, camping, and fishing, while fall offers stunning foliage colors and hunting opportunities. Winter is popular for skiing and snowshoeing, although some areas of the forest may be closed due to heavy snowfall.

Overall, Pike National Forest is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Colorado. With its diverse landscapes, array of outdoor activities, and stunning natural beauty, it offers something for everyone to enjoy.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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