The ultimate in rugged Colorado, State Forest State Park offers visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife and miles of trails. The park stretches along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and into the north end of the Never Summer Range.
Moose is our claim to fame. North Park is considered the moose viewing capital of Colorado, with over 600 moose to be observed year-round.
The State Forest State Park has something for everyone in every season. With so much room and diversity, visitors can experience a bountiful array of outdoor recreational favorites such as camping, hiking, four-wheeling, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, telemarking, snowboarding, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, birding, wildlife viewing and geocaching.
Backcountry camping
Follow "Leave No Trace" guidelines!
Camp 1/4 mile from the trailhead and 100 feet from trails, lakes, steams and bodies of water.
Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings, therefore no backcountry fires are allowed!
A park pass is required for vehicles parked anywhere in the park.
Biking
There are miles of great trails throughout the park. Bicycles are prohibited above treeline and on the Lake Agnes trail.
Birding
Birds that frequent our feeders are Steller's Jays, Gray Jays ("campground robbers"), Mountain and Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-winged and Yellow headed blackbirds, Pine Siskins, House Finches, Gold Finches, Brown-capped Rosy Finches, Cassin's finces, Green-tailed Towhee, White-crowned Sparrows, Gray-headed/Dark-eyed Juncos and Pine Grosbeaks in the winter. In the summer we also have the Broad-tail, Rufous, Black-chin and Calliope Hummingbirds.
Boating
Lakes are closed to boating
Boats are only allowed on the North Michigan Rservoir and only at wakeless speeds
Please call the park at 970-723-8366 with any questions.
Cabins and Yurts
North Michigan Reservoir has 6 cabins available. 2 larger in size that can accomodate parties of 10 or more.
North Park Campground has 2 deluxe cabins that are available for reservations during the summer months. It also has 7 rustic cabins available for reservations
All reservations can be made through Aspira by calling
1-800-244-5613. Or go on to cpwshop.com to make reservations or purchase cpw items.
Never Summer Nordic has 8 yurts and 2 huts available throughout the park.
Camping
There are over 200 campsites through out the park including full-hookup, electric, primitive, and basic campgrounds.
Cross-country Skiing
There are miles of marked trails. Many unmarked areas available. The Gould Loop trail is groomed. Check with the Moose Visitor Center for current conditions in the winter.
Dog-friendly
Pets need a vacation too! Just be sure to keep them on a leash (6ft or shorter) for their protection as well as for the wildlife, and to properly dispose of all waste. Pets are allowed in our cabins for an extra fee of $10.00 per night.
Fishing
State Forest State Park features brook, brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout. In alpine lakes, only artificial fly and lure fishing are permitted. North Michigan Reservoir and Ranger Lakes are both open to bait use. Fly-fishing is accessible and abundant along the Canadian River, and the North and Middle Forks of the Michigan River.
Geocaching
There are 13 geocaches in the State Forest State Park. Five of these serve as all season caches. GPS units are available to rent from the Moose Visitor Center.
Hiking
Miles of hiking trails are available on the State Forest State Park in the summer and winter months.
Horseback Riding
The Kelly Lake trail and the Clear Lake trail make excellent destinations for horseback riders. Horses are not allowed inside the campgrounds, or on the Lake Agnes trail. We offer horse corrals at the Bockman Campground and at the Closure.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in the State Forest State Park.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing in State Forest is excellent during the winter months. Please take additional care when going out on the ice and make sure to double check the ice levels before venturing out. We do not check ice levels on a regular basis here at the park.
OHV Riding
OHV Registrations or Permits are required on all OHV's being ridden in the park.
There are over 80 miles of trails available and open to OHV's. We highly suggest taking it easy if you are a novice on a machine. Motorized vehicles must remain on designated roads and OHVs are not allowed in the campgrounds except to enter and exit each campsite.
Picnicking
There are a few picnic tables located across from the Lake Agnes turnoff on Hwy 14, some at Ranger Lakes day-use area, and some are located at the Nature Trail on County Road 41. Picnic tables are also located at the Visitor Center. During the winter months accessibility will depend on current weather conditions.
Sledding
There are countless areas in the park that are perfect for sledding from late October to early May
Snowmobiling
The State Forest offers approximately 70 miles of groomed trails partially ran by the Snow Snakes, a local snowmobile club. Snow conditions permitting, we open trails for Snowmobiles Mid-November.
Along with groomed trails, riders can enjoy hillclimbs, meadows, and above treeline areas throughout the park.
Snowshoeing
Many areas available for snowshoeing through snow covered forests. The Gould Loop, Grass Creek and The Loops Trails are groomed. Make sure you ask the front desk about Snow Shoe Rentals if you forgot yours at home. Only $5.00 a day!
Snowtubing
There are many hills on the park that are great for tubing!
Winter Activities
Every winter we have our Moonlight Open House which we encourage all to come and check out. We light up the Gould Loop just outside the Moose Visitor Center so that visitors can snowshoe or cross country ski the trail at night. The Chocolate Cabin 3/4 mile down the loop is stocked with cookies and hot chocolate.
Winter Camping
We have a few sites available near North Michigan Reservoir spillway (sites 201, 202, and 205) that are plowed in the winter months and three sites (sites 15-17) at North Park. We have six cabins available all year on the reservoir, and seven more at North Park; During this time of the year expect plenty of snow and rather cold evenings so please come prepared. As always call the Moose Visitor Center (970) 723 8366 with any questions.
