Hidden Gems

An RVer's Guide to White River National Forest

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION

Hidden Gems of the National Forest System

THOR and the National Forest Foundation are bringing you one step closer to the “hidden gems” of the National Forest system. Get tips for RVing at these national forest destinations and why they are some of the RV community’s best-kept secrets.

About White River National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a world-renowned recreation destination home to iconic destinations such as Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake, 11 ski resorts, 10 peaks over 14,000 feet, and eight wilderness areas that cover more than a third of its acreage. Traveling through its five ranger districts, you can explore the classic Colorado Rocky Mountains of the Gore, Tenmile, Sawatch, and Elk Ranges as well as the distinctly unique Flat Tops. 

A valley overlooking lakes and mountains in White River National Forest.
A lake at the Coulter Mesa Ranch in White River National Forest.
Hikers summit a snowy mountain peak in White River National Forest.

What To Do In White River National Forest

White River National Forest offers sharp contrasts of outdoor opportunities including highly developed year-round recreation near resorts as well as access to primitive backcountry including eight designated Wilderness areas. 

In the summer, hundreds of miles of trails are available to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. In the winter, you can visit one of the Forest’s twelve ski resorts including the world-renewed Veil and Aspen resorts, or enjoy one of the many cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobile trails. 

Hikers hike through a valley of wildflowers with mountains in the Raggeds Wilderness, in White River National Forest.

The Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway cuts through the heart of the original White River Plateau Timberland Reserve. The drive delights with beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife viewing and has a rugged western charm from the many active mines, ranches, and timber-producing woodlands along the byway. Be sure to stop at Trapper Lake, the “Cradle of Wilderness” where you can boat, fish, camp, and hike. 

Other popular attractions in the area include: 

Camp at White River National Forest

List of Campgrounds

History

Trappers Lake is considered the birthplace of the wilderness movement or the “Cradle of Wilderness”. In 1919 the Forest Service sent a man named Arthur Carhart to survey the site for development, but he was so moved by its beauty that he instead argued for its preservation. With the help of conservationist Aldo Leopold, Carhart drafted a memorandum that inspired a movement to preserve land as wilderness. 

White River National Forest

Top Attractions

POINTS OF INTEREST
1
Flat Tops Trail Scenic and History Byway
The Flat Tops Trail Scenic and History Byway is an 82-mile scenic drive northwest of Colorado with elevation ranging from 7,640 to 12,354 feet. You'll experience some of Colorado's least-traveled passes, including Ripple Creek Pass at 10,343 feet.
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2
Trappers Lake
Nestled within the Flat Tops Wilderness, Trappers Lake is home to native cutthroat trout and is surrounded by the Flat Tops Mountains. Trappers Lake is the second-largest natural lake in Colorado after Grand Lake and nicknamed the "Cradle of Wilderness."
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3
Maroon Bells Scenic Area
Considered the most photographed place in Colorado, this landmark boasts 14,000-foot bell-shaped peaks, a mirror-like lake, and plenty of color between wildflower and fall foliage seasons.
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4
Hanging Lake
A National Natural Landmark, Hanging Lake was formed by a geological fault that caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above. Water flows into the lake from Bridal Veil Falls, creating a picturesque sight.
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5
Camp-Hale Continental Divide National Monument
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Camp-Hale Continental Divide National Monument is a historical landmark that was once home to the Army's first and only mountain infantry division. These soldiers trained in mountain warfare techniques, including mountain climbing, alpine and Nordic skiing, and cold-weather survival.
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6
Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area
With more than 119 miles of motorized and non-motorized winter trails and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy snowmobiling, biking, UTV riding, snow biking, and more.
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The multi-purpose garage inside a Keystone Fuzion Toy Hauler, used as additional living space with couches.
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Hidden Gems Series

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In 2020, THOR and the National Forest Foundation entered a partnership that will plant at least 500,000 trees on National Forest lands. Join us by supporting our National Forests and help improve the health of important public lands for future generations.

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