Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests
Thunder Basin National Grassland

General Recreation

Find out about other recreational opportunities. Recreation.gov is your one-stop source for finding recreational opportunities on federal lands.

Accessible Recreation

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland offers a number of recreational facilities designed with accessibility in mind for persons with disabilities.

Camping & Picnicking

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland has more than 89 developed facilities including family and group campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and rental cabins.

Dispersed camping may be for you if you like to camp away from other campers and campground conveniences.

Fishing

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland offers a variety of recreational fishing opportunities in some of the most beautiful settings in northwest Colorado and southeast Wyoming. For information about fishing regulations and license fees in Colorado and Wyoming, please see our links to the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department websites.

Reservations & Cabin Rentals

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin Grassland have cabins and fire lookout towers available for rental. While many campgrounds are on a first-come basis, you can use the National Recreation Reservation Service to make reservations for some cabins and campgrounds.

Maps & Brochures

Visitor maps provide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. Our brochures provide local recreation, wildlife, fire safety, and other information.

Passes & Permits

Most National Forests and Grasslands are open, free of charge. Fees and permits may be required for some activities and locations. Also, there are programs that allow visitor discounts for fees charged on National Forests.

Sightseeing

Scenic drives, visitor centers, special places, and more throughout Colorado and Wyoming.

Rules & Etiquette

General rules for national forests and grasslands include details about camping, pets, and other topics. Etiquette expected of visitors is outlined in the Leave No Trace program.

Hunting

Most of the forest is open to hunting. Information on seasons, licenses, and restrictions is available from the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

River Rafting

The North Platte River, just miles from its headwaters, rushes through a narrow boulder strewn canyon known as Northgate. This popular rafting, kayaking, and fishing river has a gradient of 30 feet per mile for the 10.8 miles between access points Routt Access and Six Mile Gap. Permits are required to be held by commercial outfitters only. Most of the section administered by the USDA Forest Service is located in the Platte River Wilderness Area. Please contact the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District for special wilderness regulations or a list of permitted outfitters and “Leave No Trace” of your visit.

Safety

Have a safe visit when you come to your forests and grasslands—whether driving, hiking, boating, or enjoying other activities.

Trails

Many non-motorized trails are open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrian users. Off-highway vehicle users will find many opportunities for off-road enjoyment in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland.

Visitor Centers

There are several visitor centers on the Forest—with maps and books, interpretive displays, and helpful information specialists.

Wilderness

Wilderness is a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed. There are 10 Wilderness Areas comprising nearly 343,420 acres of the land managed by the forest. Find out about our Colorado and Wyoming wilderness opportunities. Please Leave No Trace when visiting your National Forests.

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Up Coming Events!

Winter Activities

Enjoy cross country skiing and down hill skiing Steamboat Springs and Snowy Range ski areas to snowmobiling Wyoming and Colorado, find out about these and other winter activities. Rabbit Ears/Buffalo Pass Information

Find out about recreation fee demonstration projects.