Park
White River National Forest
Today high
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Tonight low
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Campgrounds
60
Trails
60
Points of interest
30
Next 24 hours
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White River National Forest
Colorado · Colorado Headwaters watershed
About this park
White River National Forest
White River National Forest, located in the state of Colorado, is a breathtaking destination that offers a wide array of attractions and recreational opportunities. Covering over 2.3 million acres, it is the most visited national forest in the United States and is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and abundant outdoor activities.
One of the primary reasons to visit White River National Forest is its extraordinary natural beauty. The forest is home to majestic peaks, pristine alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
While exploring the forest, there are several notable points of interest that should not be missed. Maroon Bells, located near Aspen, are two iconic peaks often described as the most photographed mountains in North America. Hanging Lake, renowned for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, offers a picturesque hiking trail. The Independence Pass Scenic Byway provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Glenwood Canyon, with its sheer cliffs and the Colorado River running through it, is a sight to behold.
Interesting facts about White River National Forest include its designation as a National Forest in 1891, making it one of the oldest national forests in the country. It is also home to the largest population of Colorado's state mammal, the bighorn sheep. The forest contains several wilderness areas, including the iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the Holy Cross Wilderness, which offer a true backcountry experience.
The best time to visit White River National Forest depends on the activities you wish to engage in. Summer offers pleasant weather and abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. Fall brings stunning autumn colors as the aspen trees turn vibrant shades of gold, making it a popular time for photography and scenic drives. Winter attracts visitors to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the forest's numerous ski resorts and backcountry areas.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify information from multiple independent sources such as the official website of White River National Forest, visitor centers, travel guides, and reputable travel websites.
One of the primary reasons to visit White River National Forest is its extraordinary natural beauty. The forest is home to majestic peaks, pristine alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
While exploring the forest, there are several notable points of interest that should not be missed. Maroon Bells, located near Aspen, are two iconic peaks often described as the most photographed mountains in North America. Hanging Lake, renowned for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, offers a picturesque hiking trail. The Independence Pass Scenic Byway provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Glenwood Canyon, with its sheer cliffs and the Colorado River running through it, is a sight to behold.
Interesting facts about White River National Forest include its designation as a National Forest in 1891, making it one of the oldest national forests in the country. It is also home to the largest population of Colorado's state mammal, the bighorn sheep. The forest contains several wilderness areas, including the iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the Holy Cross Wilderness, which offer a true backcountry experience.
The best time to visit White River National Forest depends on the activities you wish to engage in. Summer offers pleasant weather and abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. Fall brings stunning autumn colors as the aspen trees turn vibrant shades of gold, making it a popular time for photography and scenic drives. Winter attracts visitors to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the forest's numerous ski resorts and backcountry areas.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify information from multiple independent sources such as the official website of White River National Forest, visitor centers, travel guides, and reputable travel websites.
StateColorado
WatershedColorado Headwaters
Latitude38.9792°
Longitude-106.8239°
In the park
Streamflow in White River National Forest
Live USGS discharge at streamgauges inside the park boundary.
In the park
Snowpack in White River National Forest
Current snow depth at SNOTEL stations inside the park boundary.
In the park
Trails in White River National Forest
Named trails whose route falls inside the park.
2nd Gulch
3.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
3rd Gulch
5.8 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Bar H-L Road
24.9 mi · Hiking, Running
Big Fish Trail
6.6 mi · Hiking, Running
Boneyard Extension Trail (Hillbilly)
1.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Boulder Lake Trail
2.2 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Bowen Lake Road
3.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Brush Creek Trail
6.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Burlingame Loop
0.9 mi · Hiking, Running
Cattle Trail
2.1 mi · Hiking, Running
Cemetary Lane Trail
1.1 mi · Biking
Clinetop Cow Camp Road
1.1 mi · Hiking, Running
Coal Basin Road
1.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Conundrum Creek Trail
10.3 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Crystal Valley Trail
6.5 mi · Biking
Daybreak Ridge
1.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Ditch Trail
2.0 mi · Hiking, Running
Edmunds Powerline Road
0.7 mi · Hiking, Running
Express Creek Road
4.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Four Mile Road
7.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Full Nelson
3.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Geneva Lake Trail
23.3 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Glenwood Canyon
18.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Gore Valley Trail
7.5 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Government Trail
6.7 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Government Trail
2.8 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Grand Traverse Connector
0.9 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Granite Spring
0.5 mi · Hiking, Running
Grouse Lake
3.9 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Highlands Trail
0.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Johnny Meyers Trail
3.4 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Lake Park Road
2.6 mi · Hiking, Running
Leeman Gulch Road
2.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Lone Rock Shg
0.1 mi · Hiking, Running
Lost Lake Trail
3.1 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Lower Sopris Divide
3.9 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Lowline
1.0 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Main Vail Road
8.5 mi · Hiking, Running
Mckenzie Gulch Trail
2.6 mi · Hiking, Running
Mid-Vail Escape
2.1 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Middle Creek Spur
5.3 mi · Hiking, Running
Moore Trail
0.9 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Mountain View Trail
1.0 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Noname Road
1.9 mi · Hiking, Running
North Fork Cutoff Trail
1.1 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Power Road
7.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Powerline-Gypsum
5.1 mi · Hiking, Running
Ragged Creek
1.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Reservoir Park Road
5.1 mi · Hiking, Running
Seraque
0.4 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Sheephorn Creek Road
5.3 mi · Hiking, Running
Smuggler Loop
0.7 mi · Hiking, Running
Testie
1.8 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Tom Blake Equestrian Trail
1.4 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Ute Ave Trail
0.0 mi · Biking
Ute Trail
1.0 mi · Hiking, Running
Viking
2.0 mi · Biking
Village Streamwalk
0.4 mi · Hiking, Running
West Grouse Creek
8.5 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
West Lake Road
4.0 mi · Hiking, Running
In the park
Camping in White River National Forest
Campgrounds inside the park, with today's conditions score.
In the park
Points of interest in White River National Forest
Landmarks and points of interest inside the park boundary.
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.
Loading hourly forecast…
Deep dive
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
Long-term outlook
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Loading 15-day outlook…
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 White River National Forest 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 White River National Forest
What can I do at White River National Forest?
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 White River National Forest?
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.
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.