VALLEY SCENE - roaring fork

Aspen, Colorado serves as a great base camp to exploring the abundance of outdoor recreation of the White River National Forest. The 2-million-acre forest is one of the largest and oldest national forests in the Rocky Mountains. It is located in north central Colorado, west of the Continental Divide, split into north/south sections by Interstate 70.

White River National Forest was originally established as a Federal Timber Reserve in October of 1891 by proclamation of President Benjamin Harrison. The scenic beauty of the area, along with ample developed and undeveloped recreation opportunities on the Forest, accounts for the fact that the White River consistently ranks as one of the top five forests nationwide for total recreation use.

The Forest provides an excellent variety of recreation opportunities in all seasons. Visitors can enjoy eleven ski areas, eight designated wildernesses, several National Trails, and approximately 70 Forest Service administered developed sites including campgrounds, picnic grounds, boat ramps and observation sites. This vast Colorado forest offers unlimited opportunities for general motorized and non-motorized backcountry enjoyment. Popular recreation activities within the forest include downhill and cross-country skiing, developed and dispersed camping, four-wheel driving, sightseeing, photography, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, snowmobiling, picnicking, bicycling, horseback riding and backpacking.

The elevation of the White River National Forest ranges from 5,000 to 14,000 feet. Most of the campgrounds are between 5,400 and 10,000 feet. Persons coming from lower elevations should be aware that time is needed to adjust to the higher elevations.