The San Isabel National Forest
Welcome
to the San Isabel National Forest, one of eleven National
Forests in Colorado. The Forest includes over one million
acres of beautiful scenery with snow-capped mountains, wildflowers,
autumn colors, mountain lakes, and clear blue skies to enjoy.
Prior
to the establishment of the Forest, the presence of Indians,
Spanish Land Grants, homesteading and the discovery of gold
were important in shaping the land. The lands originally
set aside as a Forest Reserve in 1902 were renamed San Isabel
National Forest in March 1907. From 1907 until 1945 the
Forest grew steadily in size, as several other Forests and
additional lands were integrated into the San Isabel National
Forest. Today the Forest is administered by three District
Offices and the Supervisor's Office.
The
forest is bounded on the west and north by the Continental
Divide, and on the east by the Pike National Forest. The
Wet Mountains, Collegiate Peaks, Sawatch Range, Spanish
Peaks and the Sangre de Cristos provide a variety of scenery.
Elevations range from a low of 5,860 feet to 14,433. The
highest point is Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest peak.
The high elevations account for the comfortable summer temperatures
and year round snow on the higher peaks.
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Another
attraction is the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The
Recreation Area stretches for 148 miles along the Arkansas
beginning in Leadville, and ending at the upper end of the
Pueblo Reservoir. The Area provides numerous opportunities
for fishing, rafting, picnicking and camping, and is managed
cooperatively by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and
Colorado State Parks, P.O. Box 126, 307 W. Sacket St., Salida,
CO 81201. (719) 539-7289.
Black
bear, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wild
turkey, mountain lions are among the animals and birds that
make their homes within the Forest.
Today,
almost 800 miles of trails, ski areas, nineteen peaks over
14,000 feet, scenic byways, numerous roads and highways,
campgrounds and picnic areas provide challenges and opportunities
for everyone.
All
this is yours to enjoy, but please, do so in ways that will
allow others to enjoy it today and tomorrow!
Find
out what's going on in Westcliffe, Colorado today through
our Custer County Links,
or discover the area's past with Westcliffe
History.
