Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide White River National Forest Summit County, Colorado

system encompasses a wide variety USFS VISITOR of ecosystems throughout the country HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY including swamps in the Southeast, INFORMATION tundra in Alaska, snowcapped peaks in the Rocky Mountains, hardwoods Dillon Ranger District Office TO WILDERNESS! forests in the Northeast, and deserts (970-468-5400) is located at 680 in the Southwest. The 757 designated Blue River Parkway (Colorado Hwy 9) n 2014, the nation support for wilderness, Wilderness Areas within the NWPS in Silverthorne across from Target. will celebrate the Congress has added are managed by all four federal land I 50th anniversary of over 100 million acres managing agencies: the Bureau of VISITOR CENTER HOURS President Lyndon B. to this unique land Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Summer Hours Johnson signing the preservation system. Service, Forest Service, and National (Memorial Day to Labor Day) Wilderness Act into The founders of the Park Service. About 5% of the entire Monday – Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm law. This historic bill wilderness system saw United States—an area slightly Call for Saturday hours established the Nation- a fundamental human larger than the state of California—is Winter Hours al Wilderness Preser- need for Wilderness. protected as Wilderness, with over Monday – Friday vation System (NWPS) They were thinkers half this total in Alaska. In the lower 8:30am - 4:00pm and initially set aside like Howard Zahniser, 48 states, Wilderness areas amount to Closed for Lunch 9.1 million acres of fed- Aldo Leopold, and an area about the size of Minnesota. 12:30pm - 1:30pm eral wildlands for the Bob Marshall. These In Summit County the Dillon Ranger Closed Holidays use and benefit of the visionaries shared a District manages the Eagles Nest and American people. The passionate conviction Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Areas. The Visitor Center offers a variety 1964 Wilderness Act that wilderness is a (See Pg. 5.) of services: defines “Wilderness” vital link to human On September 3, 2014, the • Summer and winter recreation as areas where the well-being and to nation will celebrate the 50th birthday information earth and its communi- American culture. of this landmark event that made • USFS Permits and Federal Passes ties of life are left un- The NWPS provides history — its grand, golden • Topo maps, trail maps, field changed by people, where the primary many benefits, such as those relating anniversary. guides, & books for sale forces of nature are in control, and to ecological, geological, scientific, For information on • State of Colorado Snowmobile and where people themselves are visitors educational, scenic, spiritual, events in Summit OHV registration who do not remain. Over the past 50 economic, recreational, historical, County, please go to • Gifts • Presentations (Grades K- 12) years, and as a result of America’s and cultural uses and activities. This www.summitwild50.org. More information on Pg 12.

GENERAL INFORMATION

BIKING/WALKING: The Summit any residence, building, campsite, MOUNTAIN BIKING: Permitted County Recreational Pathway System developed recreation site, or occupied on designated trails within the (Recpath) is a 55 mile long network area. Shooting across roads, trails or National Forest, but prohibited in of paved pathways opened to non- bodies of water is prohibited as well as all Wilderness Areas. See Pg 10. motorized uses. It runs throughout in any manner or place which exposes a Summit County and to Vail. person or property to injury or damage. NATURAL HERITAGE: Removing Damaging natural features is prohibited. any pre-historic, historic, or BOATING/SWIMMING: Boating Please collect spent casings. archeological resource, structure, is permitted on Dillon Reservoir. site, artifact or property from the National Boating and swimming are HUNTING: Allowed on Forest is prohibited. permitted at Green Mountain National Forest lands with certain Reservoir. See Pg 2. restrictions and regulations. OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES (4WD/ A valid Colorado hunting license, available ATV/Motor Bikes): Permitted on CAMPING: Opportunities for at businesses throughout the county and designated roads and trails within camping on National Forest lands online, is required. Check with Colorado the National Forest, but not within include: developed campgrounds Parks and Wildlife for information. Dillon Wilderness Areas. Colorado State (tent and RV), backcountry (backpacking), Ranger District does not sell hunting registration is required. See Pg 10. and vehicular (dispersed) camping. licenses. What’s Inside? Different regulations apply for each, SNOWMOBILING: Permitted in especially in Wilderness Areas. See Pg 2. LIVESTOCK: Saddle, pack, and certain areas within the National Campgrounds/Day Use Areas...... 2 draft animals are permitted in the Forest, but not in Wilderness Areas. FIRE RESTRICTIONS: At certain National Forest unless otherwise Colorado State registration is required. Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs...... 2 times, fire bans and/or restrictions posted. Use only certified weed-free forage See Pg 11. History of Summit County...... 4 may apply to the National Forest and minimum impact techniques (e.g. do and Summit County. Check with local not tie animals to trees or within 100 ft WINTER RECREATION: Cross Important Contacts...... 12 officials for more information. of a body of water or trail). Hay and straw country, nordic, and alpine skiing; Passes and Permits...... 12 are prohibited in Wilderness Areas; use snowboarding ; and snowshoeing FISHING: Permitted on most public pelletized feed and rolled grain. are permitted on National Forest land. Scenic Drives...... 4 waters in the county. Check with See Pg 11. Summer Recreation Opportunities...... 10 Colorado Parks and Wildlife for MINING/GOLD PANNING: information. Fishing licenses are not sold at Summit County has many existing WOOD CUTTING: Fuel wood Featured Trails and Map...... 7 the Ranger District office but are available mining claims on National Forest cutting is permitted within the Wilderness...... 5 throughout the county and online. See Pg 10. and other lands. Before any mining or National Forest at certain times of panning activities, contact Bureau of Land year and at designated locations with the Wildlife & GUNS/FIREARM USE in the Management (www.blm.gov) to avoid claim purchase of a Fuel Wood Permit. See Wildflowers...... 8 & 9 National Forest: Shooting is violations and the Dillon Ranger District for Pg 12. Winter Recreation Opportunities...... 11 prohibited within 150 yards of specific details. A MESSAGE FROM THE of managing land for many diverse uses and users: recre- DILLON RANGER ation (including winter sports), tourism, wildlife, fisheries, DISTRICT threatened and endangered species, archeological and an- thropological sites, wild fires, illon Ranger District is the steward wilderness, and commercial of over 312,000 acres of National interests such as grazing, DForest system land in the White minerals, timber, outfitting River National Forest - the top recre- and guiding. DILLON RESERVOIR ational forest in the nation. The District Dillon Ranger District has shares the same boundaries as Summit much to offer with a wide Encircled by Swan Mountain and the dramatic Gore and Tenmile Ranges, County. With help from invaluable part- range of recreational activities Dillon Reservoir is the heart of Summit ners like Friends of Eagles Nest Wilder- for every season and diverse County. It is owned and operated by ness and Friends of the Dillon Ranger landscapes in a spectacular Denver Water and is one of Denver’s District, we are stewards of National setting of the Rocky Mountain main water sources. In addition to boat- Forest System lands which cover approx- high country, ing, it offers a variety of other activities imately 75% of the county and include This year we commemorate the 50th Jan Cutts, including fishing, picnicking, bicycling, two Wilderness Areas: Ptarmigan Peak anniversary of the Wilderness Act. We District Ranger paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, and Eagles Nest. hope you will join us in celebrating Dillon Ranger District and hiking. Water contact including The U.S. Forest Service, started by Wilderness and the many benefits these swimming, water skiing and SCUBA Theodore Roosevelt in 1905, is part of wildlands provide the American public diving are prohibited. During the winter season, non-motorized uses are allowed the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The throughout the country and here in our on the ice. Camping and campfires Forest Service has the responsibility own back yard. are allowed only in designated campgrounds around the reservoir. More information is available at are not allowed at lakes or www.denverwater.org/Recreation/Dillon/. within 100 ft of streams. • Choose an existing campsite GREEN MOUNTAIN and park at least 100 feet from RESERVOIR water unless designated. (Recreation Fee Area) • Stay on established roads and trails. Do not drive through Green Mountain Reservoir is located streams or wetlands. 15 miles north of Silverthorne along Hwy 9 and has views of the Williams • Pack out all garbage. Do not burn Fork and Gore mountain ranges. In aluminum foil or cans in campfires. addition to boating, it offers a variety Water, essential to all living things, is Driving a vehicle through a stream • Keep fires small, bring your of activities including camping, fishing, especially precious in the arid West. Our or lake can cause major damage to own firewood, and never picnicking, jet skiing, water skiing, lakes and streams are particularly vital the bottom of a stream as well as kill leave a fire unattended. swimming and hiking. Fee stations to animals such as fish and beaver, and incubating fish eggs and the aquatic • Protect fish and their young: for campgrounds are located in the aquatic insects which live in and around insects that the fish eat. Gas and oil campgrounds. Don’t build play dams, avoid fish water . Improper camping and day use leaking from a stream- side vehicle can spawning areas, leave driftwood Season passes are also available at the around water sources can negatively damage both aquatic and land animals. and log jams in place, and know Dillon Ranger District. impact the wetlands, stream banks, and The Dillon Ranger District’s “Respect the fishing and hunting rules. More information is available at stream habitats that are their homes. River” program includes habitat restoration www.greenmountainreservoir.com. Camping too close to water can cause and environmental education about our • Protect the water: Wash well away too much sediment to wash into a stream aquatic environments. from the water, use biodegradable ATTENTION BOATERS! or lake, impacting the ability of fish to soaps, dispose of all waste water and All boats must be inspected for Aquatic feed and reproduce, or can cause banks TO HELP US PROTECT OUR fishing spoils 200 feet from water. Nuisance Species (e.g., zebra mussels) at to fall apart, making it challenging for STREAMS AND LAKES: • If no toilet is available, dig a 6 inch both Reservoirs before entering the water. beavers to build dams and for stabilizing • Remember, it is illegal to camp deep hole at least 200 feet from bank-side vegetation to grow. This within 100 feet of a stream or water and pack out paper waste. vegetation also provides homes and lake unless the site is designated • Respect restoration sites food to many animals. for camping, and campfires and structures.

DILLON RANGER DISTRICT CAMPGROUND & DAY USE AREAS For Campground Reservations: 877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov. Reservations may be made from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 240 days in advance. Most campgrounds are open from mid-May to Labor Day. Maximum length of stay at all sites is 14 days. RV Dumping stations DISPERSED CAMPING are located at the Silverthorne and Breckenridge Sanitation Plants. Fees charged at all campgrounds. This term is used for vehicle- DILLON RESERVOIR CAMPGROUNDS based camping anywhere Max. RV/ Can in the National Forest Site Name # of Sites Site Services OUTSIDE of a designated Trailer Length Reserve? campground. It is generally Giberson Bay 25 ft 4 picnic NO allowed anywhere except within Heaton Bay ** 50 ft 81 H O, electricity YES 100 feet of a lake, trail, or stream, or 2 where posted as closed. It is especially Heaton Bay Picnic Area** 35 ft 7 picnic NO appealing to people who enjoy the Lowry 32 ft 24 electricity YES solitude and experience of camping Peak One 50 ft 79 H O YES away from developed campgrounds 2 and other campers. No toilet facilities, Pine Cove 40 ft 33 NO garbage services, treated water, or **Special note for Heaton Bay Pine Cove Day Use 30 ft Parking only NO campers: Vehicles over 10 ft in fire grates are provided. Typically, length, RV’s, panel trucks, and trailers dispersed camping is not allowed in Prospector 32 ft 107 YES of any type are prohibited at all times on the dam portion of the Dillon Dam the vicinity of campgrounds, picnic Windy Point Group Site Forest Loop 50 ft Groups only YES areas, or trailheads. However, even Road. Use Frisco Exit 203 on I-70 to gain access to campground. here occupying a campsite is limited to Windy Point Group Site Lake Loop 50 ft Groups only YES 14 days. GREEN MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR CAMPGROUNDS* For a list of suggested sites, contact the NEW 2014 DILLON RESERVOIR Max. RV/ Can Dillon Ranger District or see Site Name # of Sites CAMPGROUND FEES Trailer Length Reserve? fd.usda.gov/activity/white river/recreation/ The concessionaire- operated campgrounds camping-cabins Blue River 35 ft 25 NO and day use areas at Dillon Reservoir have Cataract Creek 25 ft 5 NO implemented new fees for 2014. Fees BACKCOUNTRY per site: Heaton Bay CG- $21.00 (+ $5.00 CAMPING Cow Creek North 50 ft 15 NO for sites with electrical hook-up), Lowry CG- Cow Creek South 50 ft 44 YES $20.00 (+ $5.00 for sites with electrical Permits are not needed to backpack Elliot Creek 25 ft 24 NO hook-up), Peak One CG- $21.00, Pine Cove in the Dillon Ranger District. Please CG - $19.00, Prospector CG- $20.00, follow Leave No Trace ethics (See Pg 5) McDonald Flats 30 ft 12 NO Windy Point Group Site (Forest) -$200.00, while in the backcountry and observe McDonald Flats Boat Ramp 45 ft Parking only NO Windy Point Group Site (Lake)-$250.00. the specific regulations which pertain Fees at Day Use areas are $7.00 per Prairie Point 50 ft 22 NO to the Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak day. Season passes for Day Use areas Wilderness Areas. Again, occupying a Willows 25 ft 25 NO can be purchased from any Dillon Reservoir campsite is limited to 14 days. *No electricity or water at any Green Mountain Reservoir sites. campground host.

2 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver FIREWISE IN THE FOREST WILD FIRES

cool before refueling. Avoid spilling flammable liquids and store fuel away from appliances.

Forest fires often start from campfires. A camper can be held responsible for suppression costs if their campfire starts a wildfire. Before building a fire on National Forest lands, first contact the Ranger District or local officials for information on current fire restrictions or bans. Then follow these steps: • Use a camp stove instead of a campfire if possible. FOREST MANAGEMENT With the large amount of Fire suppression resources in FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE beetle-killed trees in the forest, • Campfires should be at least 100 feet Summit County have worked together everyone must do their part to (35 adult paces) from lakes, streams, diligently to be prepared for wild fires. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE prevent wildfires. A few simple trails. In addition, campfires are not Visit co.summit.co.us/extension for The recent Mountain Pine Bee- precautions will diminish the possibility of allowed above tree line or at lakes in valuable information from Summit tle epidemic, responsible for killing a wildfire: Wilderness Areas. County government. Then register at millions of lodgepole and ponderosa www.scalert.org for text messaging • Do not discard cigarettes, matches, • Use an existing fire pit if possible, pine trees from New Mexico to Alaska, on all emergency concerns. In case and smoking materials from moving circled with rocks. Keep the fire site is in decline. In the aftermath of this of a threatening wild fire, Summit vehicles, or anywhere in the forest. away from overhanging branches. outbreak a healthy understory and County will also use landline phone new views of the forest are emerging as • Possessing or using any kind of • Clear a 5-foot area around the pit, messages via reverse 911 to alert it recovers from this critical situation. In fireworks is illegal on our National removing burnable debris down to the people in target areas as well as the wake of the MPB outbreak, we can Forest lands. soil. Keep anything combustible and emergency alerts delivered by radio play a role by encouraging the diversity extra wood well away from the fire. • Use caution when cooking on an open and television. in tree species and ages necessary flame or grill anywhere, even in the • Keep a bucket of water and a shovel for overall forest health by actively backyard. nearby. If you are in the forest and managing our public and private lands. see smoke or flames, return Some forests may grow back with more • All internal or external combustion • When you leave, make sure the fire is immediately to a safe area. natural diversity than exists today, engines (including chainsaws) must be completely out. Drown the fire with and others may regenerate back to equipped with a spark arrestor. water and stir with a shovel or stick. Call 911 with the location of the single-aged lodgepole pines. Repeat until the area is cold to the area of concern. The emergency • All Off Highway Vehicles (OHV’s) must touch. (Don’t bury coals. They can operator will call the proper Visitors to our area will likely notice have an approved spark arrestor. sections of the forest in which dead smolder and break out.) response team. This is not the trees have been removed. These range • When camping, take care when time to be concerned with a from corridors cleared alongside trails, using and fueling lanterns, stoves, Never leave a campfire unattended, false alarm! roads, and powerlines to multiple acres and heaters. Make sure they are not even for a minute. of clear cuts near our communities. These areas have been treated to reduce the risks posed to humans, our IS YOUR MOUNTAIN HOME FIREWISE? Organized communities are encouraged to create infrastructure, and our water supply by linked defensible space throughout their neighborhoods. Linked defensible space creates a much falling trees and buildup of native fuels. better buffer from wildland fires and ember storms than individually protected homes. To learn more These areas are monitored for regener- ation and replanted if necessary. about defensible space on your property contact your local fire department or Dan Schroder, Colora- As the young forest continues to de- do State University Extension Agent in Summit County, 970-668-4140, [email protected]. velop, the U.S. Forest Service and other public land managers can actively encourage diversity away from a single photos of noxious weeds courtesy of species of pine trees. In other cases it NOXIOUS WEEDS - THE BAD GUYS dr. mary dubler and thinkstockphotos.com will monitor, gather information, and A noxious weed is a non-native plant which, having no natural checks in our practice adaptive management to environment, damages grazing land, crops, the environment, ecosystems, humans, Noxious weeds can be controlled avoid the situation seen today. or livestock. Some are truly “weeds” and some are escaped ornamentals. Most were culturally (adaptive seeding), introduced here from abroad by ignorance, mismanagement, or accident. They mechanically (mowing, digging, out-compete native plants and wildflowers for space and nutrients. Many produce pulling), chemically (spraying), or thousands of seeds that can live in the soil for years. biologically (with natural enemies). To eradicate noxious weeds: Noxious, invasive weeds are a serious threat everywhere. Over thirty-three are in Summit County. The five most threatening here are: • Identify the plant. Use plant identification tools or take a Oxeye Daisies, a Yellow Toadflax sample in for identification. (Butter and Eggs), a perennial, reproduces • Find out what methods work perennial resembling from seeds and roots. It best for that weed. has one flower per stem a snapdragon, is toxic WATCH OUT! with 10 -30 white rays to cattle, very invasive, • Plant adapted grasses which are and difficult to control. per flower from a yellow proven competitors. FALLING TREES ARE A Often sold in seed HAZARD IN THE FOREST disc center. It irritates the legs and faces of packets as “wild snap- • To avoid spreading weed seeds, animals. Its rampant growth chokes out other dragons”, it reproduces put any picked weed flowers • Be aware of your surroundings and plants. Blooms in early summer (do not con- from seeds and roots. and plants in trash bags. avoid dense patches of dead trees. fuse with native Shasta Daisy.) Up to 2 ft. tall. 1 – 3 ft. tall. They can fall without warning. • Keep properties weed free and Non-native participate in local weed pull • Stay out of the forest when there False Chamomile, projects. are strong winds that could blow Thistles crowd an annual, reproduces down trees. If you are already out other plants and from seed and has small • Use only certified weed- free there when winds increase, head are toxic to wild and (less than 1”) daisy- like forage for livestock on public to a clearing out of reach of any domestic animals. flowers with ferny or lands and only pelletized feed feathery leaves. Its sap potential falling trees. Canada Thistle, and rolled grain in Wilderness can irritate skin and Areas. • Place tents and park vehicles in a perennial, is mouths. Up to 3 ft. tall. For more information on noxious areas where they will not be hit if extremely difficult to weeds, visit www.ext.colorado. trees fall. kill, reproducing from roots and seeds. Small purplish fading to edu/sam/weed-pocket.pdf or the • When driving in remote areas of white flowers (less than 1”) with a single Houndstongue, Summit County website at http:// the National Forest, park close to flower head on each stalk. 2 to 4 ft. tall. a biennial, has five- www.co.summit.co.us/index. a main road rather than a spur or aspx?nid=114 or call Summit Musk and Plumeless Thistle, petaled, drooping one way section. If trees fall across County Weeds Management biennials, have pink to purplish flowers, reddish-purple flowers a road, you may be trapped. (970-668-4218). and grow only from seed, starting their with hairy, pointed leaves. Report noxious weeds • Bring an axe or a chainsaw to first year as ground rosettes. Musk It is toxic to animals and on National Forrest remove fallen trees from roads in thistles have large flowers (1.5” to 3”) makes Velcro-like seeds lands to Dillon Ranger case you become trapped. and leaves with a white midrib and/or that stick to clothing and animal fur. Up to 4 ft. tall. District. • Do not rely on cell phones for white edges. Plumeless thistle stalks safety as there is no coverage in and leaves are very thorny with flowers many areas of the National Forest. ½” to 1”. Both grow up to 6 ft. tall. www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide 3 Boreas Pass shrubs. Their long legs allow them to LIVING WITH WILDLIFE IN traverse deep snow and willow bottoms in search of food throughout the year. MOOSE Moose breed during September and October, a period known as the ‘rut.’ COUNTRY Bulls can be very aggressive during this time. Cows give birth between May Summit County is home to a healthy, and June, with twins common in areas growing population of Shiras Moose, the with good habitat. Cow moose are very largest mammal in Colorado. protective of their calves and will charge Moose are an amazing viewing aggressively if threatened. opportunity; however, the charismatic animals have few natural enemies and If you see a moose: are not threatened by humans. Though • Keep your distance! Enjoy them with they are generally passive and curious, cameras, binoculars or scopes. their large size and strength makes them very dangerous if approached or Moose are the largest member of the • If a moose, or any wild animal, reacts provoked, especially by dogs. deer family; however, they are mostly to your presence, you are too close! Because they resemble their primary solitary animals and do not travel in • Never let a dog harass, chase or predator, moose will charge any dog that herds. Adults can weigh between 800- bark at a moose! approaches. In several cases, an angry 1200 pounds, standing six-feet-high at • If you sense moose aggression - ears moose has chased a dog back to the the shoulder. They have dark brown, laid back, hackles raised, licking snout dog’s owner, resulting in severe injuries almost black, fur with long gray legs, - move away slowly and look for an to the person. Keep dogs on leashes! long heads, large snouts and a distinctive escape route. ‘bell’ or ‘dewlap’ hanging from their Moose were sparse in Colorado • If it charges, run! Quickly get behind throat. Bulls grow large, palmated antlers until 1978 when wildlife managers something LARGE (rock, tree, car, etc)! transplanted 12 into North Park, near which they shed every winter and regrow each year. Moose can live up to 20 years Walden, followed by an additional dozen For more information on in the wild. in 1979. Bolstered by other transplant Living with Wildlife, contact Moose means ‘eater of twigs’ in the efforts, they have been successfully Colorado Parks and Algonquin language, an appropriate reproducing and expanding their range, Wildlife or see name as their main diet consists of numbering over 2000 animals across the www.wildlife.state.co.us. SCENIC DRIVES state today. willows, aspen, pine trees, and woody

These drives can be accessed with 2WD vehicles. Before attempting any drives in winter weather, please check for closures or adverse conditions. A SHORT HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY

With scenic views, access to mining and railroad ruins (Baker’s Tank), plus aspen ARTICLE BY RICK HAGUE, viewing in the fall, popular Boreas Pass breckenridge heritage alliance Road is suitable for passenger vehicles, although it is unpaved and frequently e can describe the history of potholed. No vehicle access in the winter. Summit County in terms of gold From the south end of Breckenridge, turn Wand its different colors: brown, east on Boreas Pass Road. (Map F7) yellow, white, and green. State Hwy 91 heads south over The Mountain Ute Native Americans Fremont Pass* past the Climax and their predecessors for thousands of molybdenum mine to the historic mining years sought “brown gold” – the herds town of Leadville. The Arkansas River’s of mountain buffalo, elk, deer, and headwaters are at the bottom of the other game that roamed the county, valley. Take exit #195 at Copper Mountain migrating with the seasons. The Utes left Resort from I-70. (Map G5) little evidence of their Once the easiest access to Summit presence, but most of County, Hoosier Pass* straddles the today’s roads and trails Continental Divide at the northern end follow their of the Mosquito Range. The Blue River, early routes. a tributary of the mighty Colorado, runs The early 1800s beside the road for most of way. Take exit also saw a quest for #203 (State Hwy 9) from I-70 at Frisco. “brown gold” – trappers (Map G7) seeking beaver, otter, Loveland Pass*, which bypasses and muskrat pelts the Eisenhower Tunnel, is the highest for wealthy, fashion- mountain pass in the world that regularly conscious patrons in stays open during the winter. Three ski Paris, London, and clockwise areas flank the route through the pass. New York. These trappers also left little from top: Sts. The summit is a high alpine environment, evidence behind. They called valleys John’s Mine ; with mountain goats frequently visible and “holes” and held annual rendezvous or Mining Dredge spectacular views. The twisty road can general gatherings to trade and party. ; Early Miners be treacherous during the winter months. LaBonte’s Hole was the site of such a with Rocker; Follow U. S. Route 6 south at Exit #205 gathering, located near the confluence of Mountain Ute Silverthorne/Dillon from I-70. (Map C7) the Blue, Snake, and Ten Mile rivers, now Indians. An unpaved 4WD trail, Shrine Pass beneath the surface of Dillon Reservoir. Road can be traveled by sturdy 2WD The spring of 1859 witnessed the first vehicles and light trucks in good weather. seekers of yellow gold – the 59ers of It winds through a beautiful valley with the Pikes Peak gold rush. They streamed aspen and pine forests and wildflower into Summit County over Georgia, meadows, offering views of Mount of the Breckenridge, Hamilton, Tarryall, and Holy Cross to the southwest. No vehicle Hoosier Passes, desperately seeking access in the winter. Exit #190 at Vail Pass “placer” gold – nuggets and flakes connecting all of the main towns to recreational potential of the new lake from I-70 into the parking area. Turn right, associated with stream sediments. After the outside world and bringing in fresh and its surrounding mountains, rushed in. heading west, onto the Shrine Pass dirt the initial rush, life quieted down until the produce, supplies, and people. The “High And thus the Breckenridge ski area was road (FSR12). (Map E4) early 1880s when a second rush began Line” – so-called because it went over born in 1961, to be followed shortly by The drive up Ute Pass Road in the – this time for silver, lead, zinc, and the continental divide twice on its way to Keystone and Copper Mountain. Williams Fork Range (which the Ute gold mined underground. The sounds Leadville – carried mineral products and The boom of second homes, restaurants, Indians used in their travels through of drilling and blasting echoed through lumber to Denver and points beyond. shops, and other development Colorado) offers exquisite views of the the valleys into the early 1900s. Wild The mining boom quieted down – continues today. Gore Range and the Blue River Valley mining camps like Breckenridge, Frisco, other than gold dredging in several local The quest for “green gold” continues to far below. One of the most impressive (old) Dillon, Keystone, and Montezuma rivers - from roughly 1910 through the the present – the enjoyment of forests, views of the Eagles Nest Wilderness is eventually turned into “civilized” villages 1950s when the quest for “white gold” streams, lakes, and mountains for hiking, from the top of Ute Pass. Travel North that sported families, schools, and stores. began. Dillon Reservoir was built in the biking, fishing, hunting, and similar from Silverthorne on State Hwy 9 During this time, ranches sprang up in early 1960s; the town of Silverthorne activities. This quest has brought with approximately 10 miles. Turn east on the flatter, northern part of the county. was born as the dam’s construction it an appreciation for the environment County Road 15 (Ute Pass Road). Much of their produce was sold to the headquarters. Land developers, eager and the need to preserve it for future (Map A4) miners. The railroad also came in 1882, to cash in on the second-home and generations. *These passes cross the Continental Divide

4 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver “If future generations are WILDERNESS … to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, OUR LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.”

-President Lyndon B. Johnson, on the signing of the Wilderness Act of 1964

WILDERNESS FACTS • The National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) was created on September 3, 1964, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed The Wilderness Act. • The NWPS now includes 757 areas (109 million acres) in 44 states and Puerto Rico. • About 5% of the entire United States— an area slightly larger than the state of California—is protected as Wilderness. • Wilderness areas represent a variety of landscapes including desert, mountains, rivers, prairies, saltwater marshes, swamps, beaches and sand dunes. • Alaska, California, Arizona, Eagles Nest Wilderness Idaho and Washington have the most wilderness acres. SUMMIT COUNTY WILDERNESS AREAS SPECIAL REGULATIONS EAGLES NEST PTARMIGAN PEAK THAT APPLY TO THESE WILDERNESS AREA WILDERNESS AREA LOCAL WILDERNESS This area was designated Wilderness This area was designated Wilderness in 1976 and has a total of 133,471 in 1993 and has a total of 12,760 AREAS: acres. The Gore Range begins north of acres. The Williams Fork Mountains Interstate 70 near Frisco and continues leap up and away into Ptarmigan Peak • Motor vehicles, motorized or north toward Green Mtn. Reservoir. Wilderness from just below the western mechanized equipment, and Heavy snow accumulates on the heights entrance to the Eisenhower Tunnel on mountain bikes are prohibited. of the mountains of the Gore Range, Interstate 70. A typical lodgepole-pine • Group size is limited to 15 people. providing a major contribution to the forest rises to Engelmann spruce and • Dogs must be leashed at all times. waters of the Colorado River. This is an subalpine fir and then on to alpine area more vertical than horizontal, with tundra at the highest elevations. From • Campfires are not allowed at the sheer rock faces, steep ridges, deep the boundary along the top of the lakes, within 100 ft of streams or valleys, jagged peaks, and dense forests mountain ridgeline, the terrain drops into trails, or above treeline. in the lower elevations. Approximately the wet, lush, and lovely drainages of the • Camps must be at least 100 ft 180 miles of trail provide access to this South and Middle Forks of the Williams from lakes, streams and trails area, many of them dead-ending at a Fork Rivers. • Hay and straw are prohibited for spectacular lake. livestock- use pelletized feed or What Is Wilderness? “A wilderness, in contrast with those rolled grain. • Pack and saddle animals should areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, not be hitched or tethered within is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its 100 ft of lakes, streams or trails. community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself • Equipment, supplies, and personal property cannot be left longer than is a visitor who does not remain.” 72 hours. -Federal Wilderness Act of 1964 Wilderness boundary sign

OUR NATIONAL FOREST IS BEING on areas where vegetation is absent. In Respect Wildlife. Observe wildlife from pristine areas, disperse use to prevent a distance. Feeding wildlife alters their the creation of campsites and trails. natural behavior. Protect wildlife from “LOVED TO DEATH” Dispose of Waste Properly. Pack it in, your food by storing rations and trash pack it out. Inspect your camp for trash securely. Many popular areas have become Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. or food scraps. Deposit solid human Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Be crowded and show signs of resource Travel and camp on established trails waste in catholes dug six to eight inches, courteous, respect the quality of other damage. It is important for all of us to and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, at least 200 feet from water, camp and visitors’ backcountry experiences and let or snow. Good campsites are found, trails. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene nature’s sounds prevail. “Leave No Trace” not made. Camp at least 200 feet from products. To wash yourself or your lakes and streams and focus activities dishes, carry water 200 feet away from This copyrighted language has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Plan Ahead and Prepare. Know the streams or lakes and use small amounts Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org. terrain and any regulations applicable of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained to the area you’re planning to visit and dishwater. be prepared for extreme weather or Leave What You Find. Cultural or other emergencies. This will enhance historic artifacts, as well as natural your enjoyment and ensure that you’ve objects such as plants or rocks, should chosen an appropriate destination. Small be left as found. groups have less impact on resources Minimize Campfire Impacts. Cook on and the experience of other backcountry a stove. Use established fire rings, fire visitors. pans, or mound fires. If a campfire is built, keep it small and use dead sticks found on the ground. www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide 5 FEATURED TRAILS AND ROADS Challenge Level: E=Easy; M=Moderate; S=Strenuous (W)=Trail is all or part in Wilderness Area; L=Loop Trail; V=Varies

Hiking OHV & X/C Ski & Map Key Miles Challenge Mountain Motor- Snow- Elevation Gain/ Coordi- # Trail Name One Way Level Horse Biking cycle 4x4 shoe Loss nates 1 Acorn Creek (W) 4.0 S • • 2965/294 B4 2 Angler Mountain 2.5 M • • 1200/0 C5 3 Argentine Pass 2.2 S • • 1958/66 C8 4 Bakers Tank 2.7 E-M • • • 796/326 F7 5 Bemrose Ski Circus 5.7 L E-S • 1805/1813 G7 6 Boreas Pass Road 6.6 E-M • • • • 1153/11 F7 7 Boulder Lake - Lower (W) 2.7 M • • 828/571 C4 8 Buffalo Mountain (W) 2.8 S • 2996/0 D5 9 Burro 4.0 E-M • • • 414/904 F6 10 Cataract Lake - Lower (W) 2.0 E • 136/126 B2 11 Cataract Lake - Upper (W) 5.0 S • • 2650/634 B2 12 Chihuahua Lake 3.4 S • • 1774/0 C8 13 Upper Crystal Lake 5.0 S • • 2805/0 F6 14 Deer Creek Road 4.0 M-S • • • • 2059/7 D8 15 Eaglesmere Lakes (W) 3.6 M • • 1695/22 B2 16 Elliott Ridge (W) 6.1 M • • 1525/273 B1 17 French Gulch 4.1 E-S • • • 1749/9 E7 18 Georgia Pass Road 4.5 S • • • • 1791/35 E7 19 Gold Hill 3.0 M • • • 1070/368 E6 20 Gore Range (W) 45.0 E-S • • 7600/8147 B2-F5 21 Grays & Torreys Peaks - Primary Route 4.2 S 3566/565 B7 22 Hunkidori Mine Road 3.1 M-S • • • 978/258 C7 23 Indiana Creek Road 1.8 M •••• 782/0 F7 24 Keystone Gulch Road 6.6 E-M • • • • • 2363/0 D6 25 Lenawee 3.8 S • • • 2495/708 C8 26 Lily Pad Lake (W) 1.4 E-M • 127/35 D5 27 Lost Lake (W) 5.6 M • • 2249/118 B3 28 Mayfl ower Gulch 2.8 M-S • • • • • 1435/16 G5 29 McCullough Gulch 1.3 M • • 815/1 G6 30 Meadow Creek (W) 4.7 M-S • • 2743/0 D5 31 Mesa Cortina to So.Willow Falls (W) 4.2 E-M • • 1043/253 D5 32 Middle Fork Road (Swan RIver) 9.2 M • • • • 3136/1020 E7 33 Miners Creek Road 2.5 M-S • • • • • 845/12 E6 34 Mohawk Lakes via Spruce Creek 3.4 M • • • 1977/37 F6 35 Mount Baldy 4.5 S ••** • • 3035/0 F7 36 Mount Royal/Masontown 2.0 S • • 1385/13 E5 37 North Ten Mile Creek (W) 3.4 M-S • • 1668/0 D5 38 North Fork Road (Swan River) 4.2 M • • • • 1774/0 E7 39 Old Dillon Reservoir 0.8 E-M • • 137/10 D5 40 Oro Grande 4.4 E • • • 403/481 C6 41 Peaks 7.8 M-S • • • 253/1218 E6 42 Pennsylvania Creek Road 2.5 M • • • • 2102/937 F7 43 Peru Creek Road 4.0 M-S • • • • 968/11 C7 44 Ptarmigan (W) 6.1 M-S • • • 2827/404 C5 45 Quandary Peak 3.1 S • 3330/0 G6 SUGGESTED HIKES: 46 North Rock Creek 1.6 M-S • • 543/5 C4 (#) = KEY # FROM TRAIL/ROAD INFORMATION TABLE, SHOWN AS TRAILHEAD ON MAP. 47 Saints John Road 2.9 M-S • • • • 968/11 D7 48 Sally Barber Mine Road 1.4 E-M • • • 393/0 E7 EASY TRAILS FOR THE White Falls (#29): This hike offers majestic cascading WILDFLOWERS WHOLE FAMILY water and waterfalls. The fi elds are often covered with SPRING SNOWMELT 49 Sapphire Point 0.7L E • • 98/107 D6 July is the peak season for wildfl ower viewing. Favorite an abundance of wildfl owers. Above the waterfall is a French Gulch (#17): The fi rst few miles climb up the val- SCHEDULE 50 Shrine Mountain Trail 2.3 M • • 940/160 E4 beautiful glacial lake. places are Acorn Creek (#1), Boreas Pass Rd (#6), ley (French Gulch) with views of Mt. Guyot. Then climbs 51 Slate Lake - Lower (W) 8.3 M • • 1834/1412 B3 Shrine Mountain Trail (#50), Wilder Gulch (#64), by elevation in an average steeply to French Pass with spectacular mountain views. South Willow Falls (#31): Four silvery cascades, a selt- Tenderfoot (#57), Gore Range Trail (#20), Upper snowfall year 52 Slate Lake - Upper (W) 9.3 M • • 2797/1412 B4 zer-fi zzle chute, plunge over mammoth rocks at the falls. Lower Cataract Lake (#10): Beautiful mountain lake, a Cataract Lake (#11), and Ute Peak (#59). 53 Spring Creek Area V M-S • • • • • V A1 waterfall, a picnic, a great summer outing place. MID-MAY 54 Straight Creek 5.4 E-M • • • • 1809/0 C6 SPECTACULAR SCENERY & dry 9,500’ and lower Oro Grande (#40): A gentle, undulating trail with little BIRDWATCHING 55 Surprise Lake (W) 2.6 M-S • • 1489/0 B2 elevation gain. Outstanding views of Dillon Reservoir and DESTINATION HIKES JUNE 1ST the mountains of the Tenmile and Gore Ranges. Alfred M. Bailey Bird Nesting Area (#46) and Blue 56 Swan Valley Area V M-S • • • • • V E7 Baker’s Tank (#4): Century old water tank used to dry 9,500’ to 10,000’ River State Wildlife Area A3 Sapphire Point (#49): A loop hike with picnic tables service locomotives. (Coordinates on map. 57 Tenderfoot 1.8 M-S • • • 639/18 C6 Access at Prairie Point Campground). MID-JUNE midway; don’t miss sunset at the overlook! Buffalo Mountain (#8): After passing two historic dry 10,000’ to 10,500’ 58 Tipperary Lake (W) 4.5 M • • 1670/652 B2 mining cabins, the trail climbs steeply to the 12, 774 59 Ute Peak 4.9 M • • 2974/253 A4 ft summit. If you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of a JULY 1ST WATERFALLS AND CASCADES FOURTEENERS 60 Vail Pass Winter Rec. Area* V E-S • V F4 mountain goat at the top! dry 10,500’ to 11,500’ Cataract Creek Falls (#10): This trail circles Lower Interested in Colorado’s famous Fourteeners? DRD is 61 Webster Pass Road 3.7 M-S • • • • 1507/0 C8 Lenawee (#25) and Chihuahua Lake (#12): Many MID-JULY Cataract Lake through evergreen and aspen forests with home to Quandary Peak (#45) and Grays and Torreys mining relics and spectacular views. dry 11,500’ and above 62 Wheeler Lakes (W) 3.1 S • • 1437/29 E5 views of the surrounding mountains. The falls can be Peaks (#21). They provide incredible views, but to stay Mayfl ower Gulch (#28): Glacier-carved amphitheatres, 63 Wheeler National Recreation Trail 14.0 S • • • 4843/2932 E5-G6 seen across the lake, dropping 300 ft down the cliffs. safe follow the designated routes and be prepared for an many mining ruins, and magnifi cent views! Climbing to the falls is not recommended. extended hike above treeline. These fragile alpine eco- FREE individual guides for 64 Wilder Gulch 3.5 M •• • 1253/21 F4 Continental Falls (#34): This hike is a steady climb Shrine Mountain (#50): Beautiful panoramic views; can systems are very susceptible to damage from foot traffi c, all trails are available at the 65 Williams Peak Road 11.4 M-S • • • • 4042/625 A2 past beautiful lakes, endless braids of cascading water, a see Mt. of the Holy Cross on a clear day. so please practice Leave No Trace principles. For more DRD Visitor Offi ce or at 66 Willow Lake / Salmon Lake (W) 7.7 M-S • • 2367/434 C4 spectacular waterfall, old mining cabins, wildfl owers, and Willow and Salmon Lakes (#66): Pristine lakes and about climbing Fourteeners safely and sustainably, see www.dillonrangerdistrict.com *RECREATION FEE DEMO AREA **LICENSED MOTORCYCLES ONLY views of the valley and mountains. magnifi cent mountain amphitheatres. the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative at 14ers.org.

6 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver FEATURED TRAILS AND ROADS Challenge Level: E=Easy; M=Moderate; S=Strenuous (W)=Trail is all or part in Wilderness Area; L=Loop Trail; V=Varies

www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide 7 Common Trees and Wildlife of Summit County All illustrations © Zackery Zdinak Fir Spruce Lodgepole Pine Aspen Needles are soft and flat. Has sharp needles and Needles grow in twisted clusters of Deciduous trees with heart Douglas fir has red grayish- brown, scaly, rough two. Most here are now affected by shaped leaves and silvery bark and the bark. Engelmann spruce is pine beetles. Red needles indicate bark. Often, aspen Subalpine fir (which is the most common spruce dead or dying trees. groves are one a “false” fir) has here; the Blue Spruce organism silvery smooth is Colorado’s state connected at bark. tree. Many root system. animals eat its twigs, bark and seeds.

Moose Elk Mule Deer Mountain Goat Name means “twig eater” in Native American name is Gray in color, White with black horns. the Algonquian language. “Wapiti”. In winter found known for large Found above timberline on Found in wetland willows in mountain valleys; “mule size” ears. In steep, rocky and the forest, it in summer near winter found slopes. Male is can be fearless timberline. Fall in mountain valleys bigger with and aggressive if mating call is a and in summer larger horns. threatened. distinctive forest wide. Often unafraid “bugle”. of humans.

Big Horn Sheep WILDLIFE SAFETY ... The animals that live in the forest are not tame. Black Bear Tan colored. Male has large, curved Although they may become somewhat accustomed to humans, at any time their All Colorado bears are behavior can be unpredictable and even dangerous. horns; female has smaller spikes. “Black Bear”. Colors range Found on rocky, exposed cliffs and • Always observe wildlife from a safe distance. Use a camera or binoculars to “get from black and brown to talus slopes. Often close.” Do not approach or try to feed a wild animal. cinnamon. Take precautions • Always leave a wild animal an escape route to avoid a confrontation. seen grazing by with food and • Keep a clean camp to discourage unwanted encounters. roadsides. • To protect yourself, your pet, and wildlife, keep your pet on a leash in the forest. garbage in • Animals with young are especially sensitive to disturbance and can be very bear country. aggressive. Please observe any posted spring closures. For more information on wildlife and wildlife safety: www.wildlife.state.co.us

Mountain Lion Can you tell them apart? They both live on the ground and are Lynx important food sources for many predators. They eat plants, fruits, seeds, and insects and Large cat often found where are ready guests at any picnic. But don’t feed them! It’s bad for their health. Medium sized cat; grayish deer and elk are abundant brown; long ear tufts; long (main food source). Usually Golden-Mantled Ground Chipmunk legs and large snowshoe-like solitary animals. Very Squirrel Small rodent with paws. Reintroduced to secretive and seldom Lives on the ground, not in trees. stripes on head and Colorado in 1997 and seen by humans. Stripes are only on the body, body. Uses its cheek protected as a not on face. Are pouches to carry food. “Threatened Species”. deep hibernators Is seldom seen above during the winter. ground in winter.

Red Fox Coyote Bobcat Porcupine Small canine, majority are reddish Medium-sized canine; gray to tan Cat with gray to brown spotted Nocturnal, loves to in color. Has long, bushy tail with with a bushy tail. Can become coat and black-tufted ears. chew anything. Eats white tip. Unafraid, commonly unafraid of Can be mistaken for lynx, tree bark and plants. seen in towns. humans. Makes but have shorter Cannot throw quills, a variety of high- legs and but each is needle pitched howls, smaller paws. sharp and barbed. yips, yelps, and Forest dweller. barks.

Snowshoe Hare Yellow-Bellied Marmot Beaver Pika Forest dweller. Changes Found in steppes, meadows, talus Second largest rodent in the world. Small relative of color with the season: fields and other open habitats. When Found in wetland areas building the rabbit, lives in brown in summer, approached, marmots will dams, canals and lodges. Primarily talus slopes at or above white in winter. Can give a warning nocturnal. When alarmed, timberline. Its gathered piles run up to 32 mph. whistle – hence, dives rapidly while of flowers and grasses can be seen Primary food for the nickname slapping water in summer drying on rocks for its the lynx. “whistle pig”. with its winter food supply. Often detected by broad tail. its shrill alarm call, “Peeeeek”.

Red-Tailed Hawk Osprey Gray Jay Steller’s Jay Most common hawk in Large raptors often Common resident of the Large jay found North American. Tail is seen near lakes and forest. Hides food in bark year-round in uniformly brick-red streams. Eats almost and trees for later use. evergreen forests. above and pink below. exclusively fish. Brown Also known as the “Camp The head/crest Its cry is a hoarse upper parts and grayish Robber ”, will approach is charcoal- colored; rasping scream of white head & belly. people for handouts and lower body is an “Kree-eee-ar.” Common resident in boldly snatch food left iridescent silvery blue. Summit County. unsecured, even for May become used to people. an instant.

8 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver Featured Wildflowers of Summit County Wild flowers are beautiful but fragile. Please don’t pick. Leave them to multiply so that they will return to be enjoyed by future generations. The height and abundance of wildflowers are in proportion to the amount of moisture they receive. Plant Family name in parentheses. Photos courtesy of Dr. Mary Dubler. For more information, see wildflowersofcolorado.com.

Alpine Sunflower Buckwheat Chiming Bells Columbine (Aster/Sunflower) Large, bright yellow, (Knotweed) Cream colored clusters (Borage) Pink buds mature into light (Hellebore) Blue columbine became nodding flowers on woolly stems. of flowers that turn rose-pink as they blue, bell-shaped, nodding blossoms Colorado’s state flower in 1896. It Flowers always face the east. Also age. Has stout, hairy stems. Also that hang in dense clusters. Also represents the colors of the state flag: called Old-Man-of-the-Mountain. Up called the Umbrella Plant and Indian called Bluebells. Both tall (to 4 ft.) and the blue of the skies, the gold of the to 10” tall. Tobacco. Up to 8”tall. short (to 12”) varieties. mineral wealth, and the whiteness of the snow. Up to 3 ft. tall.

Little Pink Elephants, Fireweed Green Gentian Heart Leaved Arnica Elephant Head (Evening Primrose) Pink to red to (Gentian) Greenish-white, cross- (Aster/Sunflower) Yellow, daisy-like (Figwort) Dense pink to reddish to purplish flowers with 4 rounded shaped flowers with a purple center flowers that grow in huge patches purple flowers on tall spikes that look petals. Leaves can be 8” long. Named clustered along a tall stem. Can live under shade of pines or aspen trees. like tiny little pachyderms-trunks, ears, because it readily populates burned up to 60 years storing energy to All parts of the plant have medicinal head and all. This shape is helpful to or disturbed areas. Up to 6 ft. tall. bloom and make seeds! Also called uses. Up to 20” tall. pollination. Up to 2 ft. tall. Monument Plant and Elkweed. Up to 6 ft. tall.

Indian Paintbrush Lupine Mariposa Lily Frosty Ball Thistle (Figwort) Color ranges from white or (Pea) Related to the Bluebonnet. Blue (Mariposa) Three cupped white to (Aster/Sunflower) Striking native pale yellow to dark red. Flowers are or purple pea-like flowers on a tall purple petals with lavender to light thistle with nodding heads on white dense upright spikes at the top of a stem. Has large, hairy seed pods. Elk green centers. Mariposa is Spanish hairy stems with long spines. Found in stem. Is semi-parasitic and cannot and bear eat the seeds and pods, but for “butterfly”. Grows on a slender sunny areas. Also called Dragonhead survive without a host plant. Up to they are poisonous to humans. Up to stem from a bulb. Also called Sego Thistle. Up to 2’ tall. 24” tall. 24” tall. Lily. Up to 20” tall.

Pasqueflower Penstemon Snow Buttercup Tansy Aster (Buttercup). White to dark lavender (Figwort) Light blue to dark purple (Ranunculus) Golden yellow flowers (Aster/Sunflower) Purple daisy-like petals with bright yellow centers. Plant small, tubular flowers in tiered with overlapping petals. Grows in wet flower with small yellow centers. is covered in fine silky hairs, which clusters. Their upper lip has 2 lobes; areas. Common above tree line. Up to Blooms late summer and fall. The help insulate it. Blooming as early as the lower has 3. Found in disturbed 10” tall. many different asters, sunflowers and March, its name means Easter flower. soil. There are over 250 varieties of daisies all belong to the same plant Up to 12” tall. Penstemon! Up to 30” tall. family! Up to 3 ft. tall.

Wild Geranium Wild Iris or Western Wild Rose Yarrow (Geranium) Lavender flowers up to Blue Flag (Rose) Pink, five-petaled flowers with (Aster/Sunflower) Small, flat-topped, 1½” across growing in bushy clumps. (Iris) Purple flower with sword- yellow centers on thorny bushes. white flowers with yellow centers. Potted geraniums come from a like leaves growing in wet areas. Typical rose leaves. Fall fruit (hip) is Leaves are flat and very fine, and have different genus. Up to 30” tall. Poisonous! Indians are rumored to red and edible. Up to 6 ft. tall. been used for medicinal purposes have made arrow poison from them. since the time of the ancient Greeks. Up to 2 ft. tall. Up to 3 ft. tall. www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide 9 2012 TRAVEL SUMMER RECREATION MANAGEMENT PLAN

The 2012 White River National For- est Travel Management Plan provides a NON-MOTORIZED MOTORIZED wide range of motorized and non-motorized uses and experiences to suit TRAVEL TRAVEL the public’s recreation and travel needs while protecting the forest’s natural re- OFF-HIGHWAY sources. The new TMP adds more trails to the District and designates roads, VEHICLE TRAVEL trails, and areas open to motorized and YIELD mechanized travel in both summer and TO winter. Nationally, travel management has adopted a “closed unless posted open” policy meaning it is the user’s responsibility to recognize that unless All Off-Highway Vehicles (ATVs, 4WD, a trail or road is posted as open to a and all non-highway licensed vehicles) certain use, it is closed to that use. must be on designated roads and trails NON-MOTORIZED in the Dillon Ranger District. These TRAIL ETIQUETTE roads and trails vary in level of difficulty MOUNTAIN and degree of technical expertise needed. Cross-Country (off-route) BIKING • Travel in small groups to avoid travel is prohibited. This is to reduce Summit County offers great undue stress to forest resources. the impact to natural resources such as mountain biking for all skill levels. In Wilderness Areas, group size is wildlife, fragile wetlands, and alpine en- Please check the trail chart on limited to 15 people. vironments in this spectacular area. All Page 6 for a list of trails open to • Be considerate of other trail users. OHVs must be registered with Colorado mountain bikes. Slower hikers should allow faster State Parks. With the implementation of the new hikers to pass. Note: Motorized vehicles are prohibited White River Travel Management Plan, • Dogs should be leased or under in Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak mountain biking is only allowed on Wilderness Areas. voice control. Dogs should be trails that display a mountain biking restrained by leash or hand when symbol on the trail sign post. For encountering other hikers and MOTOR VEHICLE more information and trail conditions, users. In Wilderness Areas dogs see www.summitfattire.org. USE MAP must be on a 6 ft. leash. Motor vehicle users should obtain MOUNTAIN BIKING RULES OF • ALL users yield to horses. When a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) THE TRAIL encountering horses, mountain showing National Forest System routes • Ride only on open trails (all bikers and hikers should stand that are designated as open to mo- Wilderness Area trails are closed quietly off the downhill side of the torized travel. It also displays allowed to mountain biking.) trail and allow horses to pass. uses by vehicle class and seasonal use • Yield to hikers, horses, and uphill • Mountain bikers should yield to allowances, and provides information mountain bikers- they have the hikers and horses, announcing their on other travel rules and regulations. right of way. presence to them well in advance Routes not shown on the MVUM are • Stay in control of your bicycle. of passing. not open to public motor vehicle travel. All summer routes open to motor vehi- • Avoid skidding around corners, • Livestock should be tied OFF the cles will be indentified with a sign. The riding on muddy trails, and riding trail at rest stops (even short ones!) off the trail. MVUM is free to the public at the Dillon • During snow melt (mud) season, Ranger District office and is available • Never scare an animal all users (motorized and non- online at www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver. motorized) should stay on paved HIKING AND TRAIL trails and roads. For hikers and Mountain bikers must stay on trails SAFETY REMINDERS bikers, Summit County Recpaths designated for that use. Trails have are a good alternative. signposts with the symbols for uses al- • Wear a hat, high SPF sunscreen, and lowed on that trail. If the mountain bike sunglasses. Gore Range Trail in Eagles Nest Wilderness symbol is not on the sign, mountain • Wear hiking boots or good walking Deer Creek Road biking is not allowed on it. shoes. NEW WHITE RIVER NATIONAL • In your pack carry: extra food and FOREST MAPS NOW AVAILABLE water, first aid kit, map/ compass, STAY THE TRAIL: The US Forest Service now has avail- flashlight, toilet paper and plastic OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ETIQUETTE bag, rescue whistle, pocket knife, rain able for sale at the Dillon Ranger Sta- • Ride only on routes wider than gear, and clothes that can be layered tion a new 2013 edition of the White your vehicle. River National Forest map. This map for warmth. • Ride only on routes open to your includes not only the Dillon Ranger Dis- • Tell someone where you are going. vehicle. trict in Summit County, but other White • Check weather report before starting River National Forest Ranger Districts • Ride over obstacles; not around your day: www.weather.gov such as Aspen-Sopris, Blanco, Eagle/ them. Holy Cross, and Rifle Ranger Districts. • Do not rely on cell phones, GPS • Be an ambassador to non-motor- units, or other “hi tech” devices. They ized trail users including livestock DIGITAL MAPS FOR do not always work in mountainous and wildlife. MOBILE DEVICES or densely forested areas. Do not • Louder doesn’t mean faster. The U.S. Forest Service now offers rely solely on technology in the access to a variety of visitor maps for backcountry. • Slow down for your fellow riders. people using Android and iOS devices. The PDF Maps Mobile App, developed by Avenza Systems Inc., is available as a free download from iTunes and the Android Play Store. The app provides FISHING access to Forest Service maps, such Many opportunities exist in the Ranger District to as motor-vehicle-use maps (which are fish local streams, lakes, and reservoirs (Dillon and free) and other forest maps (which may Green Mountain). The Blue River from the Dillon Dam have costs associated them). The maps to Green Mountain Reservoir is designated a Gold Medal are geo-referenced with the user’s loca- Trout Stream. Fishermen should know local regulations. tion appearing as a blue dot. In areas Many streams and lakes may be fished only with artificial of national forests where internet con- lures and flies, and are catch and release only. Also nections are unavailable, the app and some waters may have special regulations or may be static maps work well if users download habitats for protected and endangered fish species. the maps prior to their visit. Many waters are located entirely or in part on private In geographic areas with Internet lands where trespassing is prohibited. availability users will be able to use the A state fishing license is required for anyone 16 products with live data. The interactive and older. map is expected to be available on a For more information, see www.wildlife.state.co.us/fishing. limited basis starting in March 2014.

10 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver OHV AND WINTER RECREATION SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATION Off Highway Vehicles (ATVs, OHVs, motor bikes) and snowmobiles operated on public land or trails in Colorado must be registered with Colorado State Parks. Out of state residents who bring OHVs or Snowmobiles into Colorado must purchase Summit of Buffalo Mountain, 12,777 ft. a Colorado Non-Resident permit. Permits are available throughout the state. HIGH ALTITUDE See www.parks.state.co.us for details. PRECAUTIONS Above 8000 feet barometric pressure decreases, the air is thinner, and less oxygen is available. Heart rate may increase and breathing can become faster and deeper, especially with physical exertion. Some people experience headaches, nausea, trouble sleeping and unusual tiredness. These usually go away in a couple of days. Snowmobiling at Vail Pass If symptoms are severe, persist or options from lower forested slopes to worsen, consult a doctor as these SNOWMOBILING open alpine areas. Be respectful of can be symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. Skiing to Janet’s Cabin (Summit Huts) There are designated areas for private property in this area. The Peru snowmobiles throughout the Creek drainage near Montezuma is a At higher altitudes the air is also CROSS COUNTRY Dillon Ranger District. With winter non-motorized area. drier and the sun’s ultraviolet rays are more intense. SKIING AND the implementation of the new For snowmobile information see White River Travel Management Plan, it is www.snowmobilecolo.com. SNOWSHOEING the user’s responsibility to obtain a Motor Effects of high altitude can Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to know which RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS be minimized with these Many summer trails can be routes are open to snowmobiling. Users used for cross-country skiing • Ride single file, keep to the right and recommendations: must obtain current information about or snowshoeing in the winter. pass on the left only when the trail is • Take time to allow your body to (See Pg 6). Many of these the areas and know the boundaries. Snow clear. adjust. Minimize physical activity routes are not marked in depth must be at least 6 inches to operate • Yield the right-of-way to skiers, your first day. a snowmobile. Snowmobiling is not allowed winter, so please use caution snowshoers and those passing or • Drink plenty of fluid- two or three while route finding. Avoid in Wilderness Areas. traveling uphill. times more than usual. Take water snowshoeing directly on top of ski • Swan Valley Snowmobile Area • Use common snowmobiling hand with you to avoid dehydration. trails; if possible, snowshoe next to the Located near the town of Breckenridge signals to communicate with your group • Avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeine, ski tracks. at the end of Tiger Road, this area and other riders. and salty foods. offers miles of groomed roads that climb through spruce and fir forests. A EDUCATE YOURSELF • Get plenty of rest. SKI RESORTS great option is riding to the Continental • Obtain a map of your destination and • Always wear hats, sunscreen, and Four ski areas operate under Divide at Georgia Pass to enjoy determine which areas are open to sunglasses - even in the winter! Special Use Permits from the spectacular views of the surrounding snowmobiles. • Avoid hypothermia in all seasons: White River National Forest, mountains. (Map E7) • Always check the weather forecast and Dress in layers and be prepared Dillon Ranger District. Each • Spring Creek Snowmobile Area avalanche conditions. for changing weather and colder offers a wide variety of winter Located north of Green Mountain • Pack a small backpack full of temperatures, even in the summer. and summer activities. For additional Reservoir, miles of forested roads emergency items. • Remember - children, babies and information please visit their websites. are groomed by the High Country • Be prepared with tools and supplies for pets can be affected, too! Arapahoe Basin: www.arapahoebasin.com Snowmobile Club for all skill levels. repairs. Breckenridge: www.breckenridge.com Closer to Elliot Ridge there are open • Carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and Copper Mountain: www.coppercolorado.com meadows and alpine terrain. This area probe at all times in avalanche terrain. borders the Eagles Nest Wilderness AVALANCHE SAFETY Keystone: www.keystoneresort.com which is CLOSED to snowmobiles, so AVOID SENSITIVE AREAS please observe all posted boundary • Avoid trails with less than 6 inches of Be prepared when traveling into NORDIC signs. (Map A1) compacted snow. the backcountry during the winter! • Montezuma Snowmobile Area • Be respectful of wildlife’s wintering Check the weather/avalanche CENTERS Near the town of Montezuma are habitats. forecast with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, choose safe Breckenridge Nordic Center: numerous snowmobile rides in the • Motorized and mechanized vehicles routes, carry avalanche safety www.breckenridgenordic.com drainages of Deer Creek, Webster and are not allowed in designated equipment and know how to use it. or 970-453-6855 Saints John. There is a variety of terrain Wilderness Areas. Avalanche education is the best way Frisco Nordic Center: to avoid being injured or killed in www.frisconordic.com or are available at these locations and show an avalanche. Before traveling into 970-668-0866 VAIL PASS WINTER users which routes are open to motor- the backcountry make sure that you Keystone Nordic Center: RECREATION AREA ized and non-motorized travel. have the knowledge and education to www.keystoneresort.com/activities/ Vail Pass Facts: make informed decisions. nordic-center.aspx or 970-496-4386 Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area is open to motorized and non-motorized uses • Total Area- 55,000 acres Gold Run Nordic Center: Colorado Avalanche Information and requires the purchase of a day or www.townofbreckenridge.com or • Elevation Range- 9,200 ft to Center (CAIC) website: season pass to enter the area. It is open 970-547-7889 12,693 ft. http;//avalanche.state.co.us or Summit from approximately November through • Motorized Trails- 67 miles County Hotline #970-668-0600. May, snow conditions permitting. Fee stations to purchase these passes are • Groomed Trails- 50 miles BACKCOUNTRY located at all of the trailheads. Season • Non-Motorized Trails- 52 miles HUT SYSTEM passes may also be purchased at the Dil- • Motorized-Assisted ski terrain- lon Ranger District Visitor Center. Maps 3,300 acres A system of reservable lodging in backcountry locations in Summit and neighboring counties provides a variety of huts, cabins, and backcountry Weather Information for Summit County shelters for public use. All are open Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul AugSep Oct Nov Dec November to May; some are open in MaxAvg. *Max F ºF 31 34 39 46 56 67 73 71 64 54 39 32 summer. Summit Huts: For more information MinAvg. *F Min ºF 0 3 11 18 27 34 39 38 31 22 11 3 contact www.summithuts.org Ave Precip In an 1"average 1" year, 1.1" March 1.2" and April 1.5" experience 1.2" 1.8"the heaviest 1.7" snowfalls. 1.3"1" July and 1" August 1" Tenth Mountain Division Huts: For are the months of heaviest rainfall with afternoon thunderstorms occurring almost daily. If more information contact www.huts.org lightning is near, please use caution when above treeline and descend if necessary. www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer. If lightning is near, pleaseDillon use cautionRanger District if above Recreation treeli Guiden 11 IMPORTANT VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION NATIONAL FOREST CONTACT YOU CAN HELP PERMITS & PASSES INFORMATION PERMITS Dillon Ranger District-Summit County (970) 468-5400 Available at the Dillon Ranger District www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver Visitor Center (Quick Links: Ranger Districts) Fuel Wood (seasonal): A permit www.dillonrangerdistrict.com allowing individuals to harvest standing Holy Cross Ranger District - Minturn dead or downed dead trees for (Vail) firewood use. Usually sold June through (970) 827-5715 November. (Fee) www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver Pole and Post (Other Forest (Quick Links: Ranger Districts) Products): A permit allowing individuals USFS Campground Reservations to harvest wood products for uses other (877) 444-6777 than fuel wood. (Fee) www.recreation.gov Mushroom (seasonal): A permit Colorado Road Conditions allowing individuals to harvest up to 67 [877) 315- 7623 or (Cell) 511 FRIENDS OF THE DILLON FRIENDS OF EAGLES pounds of mushrooms. (No Fee) www.cotrip.org RANGER DISTRICT NEST WILDERNESS Christmas Tree (seasonal): A permit Summit County Road Information (FDRD) is a non-profit organization The Friends of the Eagles Nest allowing individuals to harvest lodgepole (970) 668-1090 that engages hundreds of volunteers Wilderness (FENW) is an all-volunteer, pines in designated areas during the National Weather Service each year in projects and programs apolitical, public land stewardship Christmas season (Thanksgiving through (303) 494-4221 that directly benefit National Forest organization founded in May 1994. Christmas). (Fee) www.weather.gov lands in Summit County. In 2013, FENW assists the US Forest Service Fuel Reduction Tree Removal: A Colorado Avalanche Information our volunteers dedicated over 8,000 in managing and caring for Eagles permit allowing property owners to Center hours to maintaining our local trails, Nest, Ptarmigan Peak, and Holy Cross remove hazardous dead or dying trees (970) 668-0600 planting trees, educating visitors, and Wilderness areas in Summit and Eagle from adjacent National Forest land. (Fee) avalanche.state.co.us other efforts to restore our forest. Counties. Our four central beliefs To find out more about volunteer and operating tenets are education, Contact the Dillon Ranger District or see Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for more information. Hotline (970) 725-6200 opportunities or to make a donation outreach, stewardship, and advocacy. www.wildlife.state.co.us to support our programs, visit Each year, FENW volunteers spend www.fdrd.org or the Dillon Ranger countless hours of active stewardship FEDERAL PASSES Summit Stage Bus Service District Office. Your support will directly in trail work, erosion control, and Free county wide transportation Available at the Dillon Ranger District benefit the public lands that form the invasive and noxious weed control. (970) 668-0999 Visitor Center heart and soul of our community! They also promote public contact, www.summitstage.com Senior Pass: A lifetime pass for US FDRD events, projects, and social monitoring, and campsite citizens or permanent residents 62 or St. Anthony Summit Medical Center other activities are a great way to inventory and reclamation. older with proof of age. (One-time fee) Frisco, CO meet members of our mountain We welcome all visitors to the (970) 668-3300 community and visitors who share Dillon Ranger District and ask you to Access Pass: A lifetime pass for US Summit County Noxious Weeds a love for this special place. remember to recreate responsibly. citizens or permanent residents with a (970) 668-4218 or (970) 668-4252 FDRD also offers free guided on- We invite you to join in our efforts documented permanent disability. Summit County Non-Emergency hill nature tours through our Ski With to encourage active stewardship of (No fee) Dispatch a Ranger program at three Summit America’s public lands. You can find Annual Pass: An annual pass covering (970) 668-8600 County ski resorts during the winter, out more by visiting www.fenw.org entrance and day-use fees on federal FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, CALL 911 and partners with the Town of Frisco or by asking an FENW volunteer. lands. Valid 12 months from purchase. to put on Fall Fest in September, a fun (Fee) DO NOT RELY ON CELL PHONE community event celebrating the forest. COVERAGE IN FOREST OR SKI AREAS! All passes admit the passholder and accompanying passengers in a private vehicle to National Park sites. Passes may provide Our Many Thanks! encounters with other dogs, vehicles, discounts at other federal recreation sites. YOUR DOG and wild animals such as porcupine, coyotes, and moose (See “Moose” Pg. Comments or questions about this IN THE FOREST 4). A leashed dog doesn’t get lost or run publication should be made to away, and won’t be tempted to chase, YOUR SAFETY IN THE Dillon Ranger District loves dogs! As harass or injure wildlife. (A chased animal Dillon Ranger District: a responsible pet owner, following some NATIONAL FOREST expends valuable calories, or may have a 970-468-5400 or www.fs.fed.us/ simple rules and guidelines will help heart attack or miscarriage from stress.) Users of National Forest lands have a r2/whiteriver/contact/feedback/ ensure you and your dog have a safe And if your free roaming dog encounters great responsibility for their own safety. and pleasant experience in our National Design and content: Colorado Parks a potentially aggressive animal like a Hazards in the forest include changing Forest. These rules help keep your pet and Wildlife, Dillon Ranger District, bear or moose, it may panic and lead weather, snow, avalanches, landslides, from disturbing other visitors or wildlife. Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, them back to you. caves, overlooks, falling trees or limbs, Rick Hague & Breckenridge Heritage • In the Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan high or fast water, contaminated Alliance, and Malisa Samsel, CMNM. Peak Wilderness Areas, dogs must Be a Responsible Owner: water, wild animals, becoming lost, be on a 6 ft. leash at all times. Photography: Colorado Parks and • Dog feces can contain disease- overexertion or hypothermia, mining hazards involving excavations, tunnels Wildlife, US Forest Service, DRD • In other US Forest areas, unleashed causing pathogens. Bag and dispose and equipment, shafts, and decaying Ranger Staff, Friends of the Dillon dogs must be within 10 ft. of their of pet waste. If this is not possible, structures; changing road and trail Ranger District, Dr. Mary Dubler, and owners and under voice control. move it off the trail out of the way of conditions, and potential exposure to thinkstockphotos.com. When meeting other hikers and other hikers. dogs, please hand- restrain your unreasonable acts of others. • On long hikes, carry water for your Printed by: Summit Daily News / pet. Off-leash dogs can intimidate It is the user’s responsibility to be dog as well as for yourself. Colorado Mountain News Media, children, other hikers, other dogs, aware of hazards and to use proper Gypsum, CO. or be hazardous to mountain • When hiking in snow, booties can safety procedures and equipment to help protect your dog’s paws. This publication was made possible bikers or horses. minimize risks and hazards. Remember by private contributions, in-kind Leashing your dog, even in non- many areas of the National Forest do To report or find a lost dog, contact Summit not have cell phone coverage. donations, and grants from the below: Wilderness areas, is strongly encouraged. County Animal Shelter, 970-668-3230 Leashing protects them from negative GIVE A HOOT, DON’T POLLUTE! Did you know litter can last Summit County Government this long? Friends of the Dillon Orange Peels...... 6+ mths Ranger District Cigarette Butts...... 2-5 yrs Toilet Paper...... 2-3 yrs Friends of Eagles Plastic Bags...... 10-100 yrs Nest Wilderness Aluminum Cans...... 200-500 yrs Porcupine quills in the snout are Disposable Diaper...... 450 yrs painful and hard to remove. Plastic Bottles...... 500+ yrs DISCLAIMER: Printed May 2014: The information in this publication is for informational use only. It was deemed Glass...... 1,000+ yrs Please recycle this guide or pass it on! accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change. All users should check with the Dillon Ranger District or other appropriate sources for more detailed and/or up-to-date information. Styrofoam...... Forever 12 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver