With a holiday weekend approaching and summer winding down, many head to the forest to hike, fish, camp, and enjoy all the Roosevelt National Forest has to offer. Before heading out, visitors should be aware of a few things.
All reservable campsites are full for Labor Day weekend. There are many first come, first served campgrounds on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, but these fill up quickly – sometimes by Thursday – before a holiday weekend. The last to fill are often those in the upper Poudre Canyon and Jacks Gulch Campground.
Need more information about camping opportunities? Please contact the district’s visitor information services at 970-295-6700. Visitor information specialists can also help with a variety of other recreation-related questions. This is the final weekend of the season the visitor center in Fort Collins will be opened Saturdays.
This will also be the last weekend the Stub Creek Visitor Center is open. The Arrowhead Visitor Center in the Poudre Canyon will remain open through Sept. 7 and the Redfeather Visitor Center will be open through Sept. 30. These visitor centers are staffed by volunteers and the district appreciates all the time donated to assist forest visitors.
It is important for visitors to note a portion of the Canyon Lakes District is still closed to all activities. The area closed includes all burned lands from the High Park Fire south of Highway 14 and a small portion north of Highway 14 between Stevens Gulch and Upper Landing picnic areas.
Another important reminder for the public is for each visitor to help prevent wildfires over the holiday and every day by making sure campfires are completely out when leaving. Although the area is not currently in fire restrictions, it is imperative visitors do their part to minimize human-started wildfires.
In order to make sure your campfire is out, please follow these steps:
1. Add water
2. Stir
3. Pass your hand over the campfire ashes to make sure all heat is extinguished.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until campfire is cold to the touch.
These simple steps will help ensure a safer forest for the holiday weekend and fall hunting season. Penalties for abandoned campfires may include civil or criminal charges and restitution costs.
Support Northern Colorado Journalism
Show your support for North Forty News by helping us produce more content. It's a kind and simple gesture that will help us continue to bring more content to you.
BONUS - Donors get a link in their receipt to sign up for our once-per-week instant text messaging alert. Get your e-copy of North Forty News the moment it is released!
Click to Donate