Park

Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National) park

Colorado, USA South Platte watershed 40.029°, -105.532°
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Nearby campgrounds
6
Nearby POIs
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Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National) -- Colorado park
Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National) Colorado · South Platte watershed
About this park

Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National)

The Bowen Gulch Protection Area is a stunning national protected area located in the state of Colorado. It offers a wide range of activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the vast forests, which are home to a variety of animals, including elk, moose, and black bears. The area also offers stunning views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas.

One of the main points of interest in the Bowen Gulch Protection Area is the Bowen Gulch Trail, which takes visitors through a beautiful valley and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The area is also home to several stunning waterfalls and streams, perfect for fishing or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature.

Interesting facts about the Bowen Gulch Protection Area include that it was designated a National Protection Area in 1993 to help preserve its unique natural beauty and protect the wildlife that call it home. The area is also home to several endangered species, including the Canada lynx and the bald eagle.

The best time of year to visit the Bowen Gulch Protection Area is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the trails are easily accessible. However, visitors should be aware that the area can be busy during peak season, so it's best to plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
StateColorado
WatershedSouth Platte
Latitude40.0286°
Longitude-105.5316°
Land designation

Park & land designation reference

A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.

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 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.
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.
Detailed forecast

Plan your visit down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.

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Stay nearby

Area campgrounds

Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National), with reservations status.

Campground Reservations Toilets View
Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area
Rainbow Lakes Campground
Rainbow Lakes
Site H3
Pawnee Campground
Site 28

Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace

Know before you go
Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
Stay on trail
Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
Respect wildlife
Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
Pack it in, pack it out
Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
Leave what you find
Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National) as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.

FAQ

About Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National)

What can I do at Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National)?

Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).

How fresh is the weather data?

The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.

When is the best time to visit?

Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.

How do I get to Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National)?

Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.

Can I get alerts when conditions change?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.

More parks

Other parks near here

Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Protection Area (National) Bowen Gulch Protection Area (National).

Premium feature

Favorites and custom alerts are part of Snoflo Premium. Save parks, set thresholds, and get push notifications when conditions change.

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Manage alerts in the Snoflo app

Custom push alerts are configured in the iOS app -- favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation, fire restrictions), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.

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