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

Home , Arapaho National Forest, Argentine Pass, Dillon Reservoir, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Fremont Pass (Colorado), Georgia Pass

Please do your part to keep ermine The Small but Mighty and all of Colorado’s wildlife WILD. GENERAL INFORMATION Ermine BIKING/ erty to injury or damage. WALKING: The Damaging natural features rmines (Mustela ermine) are also called stoat, Summit County Rec- is prohibited. Please collect short-tailed weasels, or Bonaparte weasels. reational Pathway spent casings. EMore than 35 subspecies are known to System (Recpath) exist. Ermines are the most widespread weasel is a 55 mile long HUNTING: species worldwide and Colorado’s smallest, native network of paved pathways Allowed on Nation- carnivore. They’re found natively throughout opened to non-motorized al Forest lands uses. It runs throughout Sum- with certain restrictions and northern latitudes in Asia, Europe, and North mit County and to Vail. regulations. A valid Colorado America. They were also introduced into New hunting license, available Zealand in the 19th century to help control rabbit BOATING/ at businesses throughout populations. Their southernmost range in the SWIMMING: Boat- the county and online, is United States is Colorado and northern New ing is permitted on required. Check with Colo- Mexico and Arizona. Dillon Reservoir. rado Parks and Wildlife for Ermines are related to ferrets, minx, and Boating and swim- information. Dillon Ranger pine martens. They most commonly prey upon ming are permitted District does not sell hunting voles, mice, and other small rodents. Since they at Green Mountain Reser- licenses. are opportunistic predators, they may attack birds, voir. See Pg 2. fish, amphibians, lizards, invertebrates, rabbits, pi- Bill Linfield Photo LIVESTOCK: Sad- kas, and other animals. They range in size from six CAMPING: Oppor- dle, pack, and draft to 13 inches, and usually weigh less than 0.7 lb. tunities for camping animals are permit- Males are usually larger than females. Fun Facts About Ermine: on National Forest ted in the National Forest The average lifespan of an ermine in the • An ermine can kill an animal three times its lands include: developed unless otherwise posted. campgrounds (tent and RV), Use only certified weed-free wild is one to two years, but they can live up to size. seven years. Ermines are solitary mammals. Males backcountry (backpacking), forage and minimum impact and females only associate during breeding, which • In the winter, ermine hunt under the snow. and vehicular (dispersed) techniques (e.g. do not tie occurs once a year in late spring to early summer. • Ermine fur changes color seasonally. Their camping. Different regula- animals to trees or within Due to delayed implantation, the gestation period coats are brown with white undersides in the tions apply for each, espe- 100 ft of a body of water is usually eight to 10 months. Litters of three to 18 summer, and their tail has a black tip. In the cially in Wilderness Areas. or trail). Hay and straw are offspring are usually born in April or May. winter, they are all white except the black- See Pg 2. prohibited in Wilderness In Summit County, ermine are often seen at tipped tail. Areas; use pelletized feed FIRE and rolled grain. the edges of ski slopes, although they are general- • Ermine have three different types of vocal- ly nocturnal creatures. They can also be found in RESTRICTIONS: izations: a trill for communication, a screech brushwood, haystacks, cracks in vacant buildings, At certain times, MINING/GOLD rock piles or clefts, and occasionally in a vacant to ward off predators, and a squeal when in fire bans and/or restrictions PANNING: Summit magpie nest. danger. may apply to the National County has many • Their fur was used in the 14th century to in- Forest and Summit County. existing mining claims on dicate royalty. During the reign of Edward III Check with local officials for National Forest and other more information. lands. Before any mining or of England, only royal family members were panning activities, contact allowed to wear ermine pelts. FISHING: Bureau of Land Manage- Permitted on most ment (www.blm.gov) to public waters in the avoid claim violations and county. Check with Colorado the Dillon Ranger District for FEDERAL PASSES Parks and Wildlife for infor- specific details. NATIONAL FOREST Mushroom (seasonal) Available at the Dillon Ranger A permit allowing individuals mation. Fishing licenses are PERMITS & PASSES District Visitor Center to harvest up to 67 pounds not sold at the Ranger Dis- MOUNTAIN trict office but are available BIKING: Permitted of mushrooms. (No Fee) Senior Pass throughout the county and on designated A lifetime pass for US citizens or Christmas Tree (seasonal) PERMITS permanent residents 62 or older online. See Pg 10. trails within the National A permit allowing individuals Available at the Dillon Ranger with proof of age. (One-time fee) Forest, but prohibited in to harvest lodgepole pines in District Visitor Center GUNS/FIREARM all Wilderness Areas. See designated areas during the Access Pass USE in the National Pg 10. Christmas season (Thanksgiving Fuel Wood (seasonal) A lifetime pass for US citizens or Forest: Shooting is through Christmas). ($11 per tree) A permit allowing individuals to permanent residents with a documented prohibited within 150 yards NATURAL harvest standing dead or downed permanent disability. (No fee) Fuel Reduction Tree Removal of any residence, build- HERITAGE: dead trees for firewood use. Usually A permit allowing property ing, campsite, developed Removing any sold June through November. (Fee) Annual Pass owners to remove hazardous An annual pass covering entrance recreation site, or occupied pre-historic, historic, or Pole and Post dead or dying trees from adjacent and day-use fees on federal lands. area. Shooting across roads, archeological resource, (Other Forest Products) National Forest land. (Fee) Valid 12 months from purchase. (Fee) trails or bodies of water structure, site, artifact or A permit allowing individuals to is prohibited as well as in property from the National Contact the Dillon Ranger District or harvest wood products for uses All passes admit the passholder and any manner or place which Forest is prohibited. see website for more information. accompanying passengers in a private vehicle other than fuel wood. (Fee) to National Park sites. Passes may provide exposes a person or prop- discounts at other federal recreation sites. Dillon Ranger Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) Campgrounds/Day Use Areas...... 2 Summer Recreation Opportunities...... 10 District Office Monday – Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm History of Summit County...... 9 Featured Trails and Map...... 6-7 Call for Saturday hours (970-468-5400) is located at Important Contacts...... 12 Wildflowers...... 8 680 Blue River Parkway (Colorado Hwy 9) Winter Hours Wildlife...... 5 in Silverthorne across from Target. Monday – Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm Passes and Permits...... 1 Closed for Lunch 12:30pm - 1:30pm Scenic Drives...... 9 Winter Recreation Opportunities...... 11 Closed Holidays Inside? What’s

part of the Arapaho Na- MEET THE tional Forest until 1998 DISTRICT RANGER when the District was transferred into the White elcome to your National For- River National Forest. est! The White River National The major towns within W Forest is one of 154 National the Dillon Ranger District Forests found across the United States. are Breckenridge, Dillon, The 2.3 million acre White River National Frisco and Forest embodies the spirit of multiple use Silverthorne. Smaller management with more than 13 million towns in the District in- DILLON RESERVOIR visitors per year, making it the number one clude Blue River, Heeney Encircled by Swan Mountain and the dra- forest for recreation visitors in the country. and Montezuma. matic Gore and Tenmile Ranges, Dillon In addition to world-class recreation and As demonstrated by Reservoir is the heart of Summit County. abundant wildlife populations, the White this Recreation Guide, the Dillon Ranger 2018 partners and volunteers on the Dillon It is owned and operated by Denver River hosts activities such as grazing, log- District has much to offer with a wide range Ranger District contributed approximate- Water and is one of Denver’s main water ging, mining, and oil and gas development of recreational activities for every season ly 25,000 volunteer hours! We are very sources. In addition to boating, it offers – all of which are crucial to the economies within a spectacular setting of the Rocky fortunate to have strong partners such as a variety of other activities including fish- of Western Colorado and help to meet the Mountain high country. Please be a respon- Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD), ing, bicycling, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. Water contact mission of the Forest Service. sible land steward by practicing Leave No Friends of Eagle Nest Wilderness, Rocky including swimming and water skiing are The 312,000-acre Dillon Ranger District Trace techniques, respecting the land and Mountain Youth Corps, Colorado Trail prohibited. During the winter season, is one of five field units of the White other visitors, abiding by all posted rules Foundation and many, many more. non-motorized uses are allowed on the River National Forest and shares the same and regulations, and most importantly, A huge “thank you” to all our partners, ice. Camping and campfires are allowed boundaries as Summit County. The original being extremely careful with campfires volunteers and to FDRD! only in designated campgrounds around Dillon Ranger District was part of the Lead- and anything that can start a catastrophic the reservoir. ville National Forest, established in 1905, wildfire. More information is available at the same time the USDA Forest Service Much of the valuable work we achieve Bill Jackson denverwater.org/Recreation/Dillon/. was established. The District was then on the district is not possible without the District Ranger transferred to the Arapaho National Forest passion and contribution from our partners Dillon Ranger District GREEN MOUNTAIN in 1929. The Dillon Ranger District stayed and a host of dedicated volunteers. In RESERVOIR (Recreation Fee Area) aluminum foil or cans in campfires. Green Mountain Reservoir is located 15 miles north of Silverthorne along Hwy OUR PRECIOUS WATER • Keep fires small, bring your own 9 and has views of the Williams Fork Water, essential to all living things, is leaking from a stream- side vehicle can firewood, and never leave a fire and Gore mountain ranges. In addition especially precious in the arid West. Our damage both aquatic and land animals. unattended. to boating, it offers a variety of activities lakes and streams are particularly vital The Dillon Ranger District’s “Respect the • Protect fish and their young: Don’t including camping, fishing, picnicking, to animals such as fish and beaver, and River” program includes habitat restoration build play dams, avoid fish spawning jet skiing, water skiing, swimming and aquatic insects which live in and around and environmental education about our areas, leave driftwood and log jams in hiking. water . Improper camping and day use aquatic environments. place, and know fishing and hunting More information is available at around water sources can negatively rules. greenmountainreservoir.com. impact the wetlands, stream banks, and TO HELP US PROTECT OUR • Protect the water: Wash well away from stream habitats that are their homes. STREAMS AND LAKES: the water, use biodegradable soaps, ATTENTION BOATERS! Camping too close to water can cause • Remember, it is illegal to camp dispose of all waste water and fishing Quagga Mussel larvae, (a non-native aquatic too much sediment to wash into a stream within 100 feet of a stream or lake spoils 200 feet from water. nuisance species) have been found in Green or lake, impacting the ability of fish to unless the site is designated for • If no toilet is available, dig a 6 inch Mountain Reservoir. Boats entering AND feed and reproduce, or can cause banks camping, and campfires are not deep hole at least 200 feet from water leaving Green Mountain Reservoir will now to fall apart, making it challenging for allowed at lakes or within 100 ft and pack out paper waste. undergo a mandatory decontamination beavers to build dams and for stabilizing process. Boat inspections are also of streams. bank-side vegetation to grow. This • Respect restoration sites and REQUIRED for all motor boats on Dillon • Choose an existing campsite and park vegetation also provides homes and structures. AND Green Mountain Reservoir! Check out at least 100 feet from water unless food to many animals. friscobaymarina.com, dillonmarina.com designated. and heeneymarina.com for more info and Driving a vehicle through a stream • Stay on established roads and trails. launch ramp hours of operation. or lake can cause major damage to the bottom of a stream as well as kill Do not drive through streams or incubating fish eggs and the aquatic wetlands. insects that the fish eat. Gas and oil • Pack out all garbage. Do not burn

DILLON RANGER DISTRICT CAMPGROUND & DAY USE AREAS For Campground Reservations: 877-444-6777 or 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 are located at the Silverthorne and Breckenridge Sanitation Plants. DISPERSED CAMPING Fees charged at all campgrounds. This term is used for vehicle- DILLON RESERVOIR CAMPGROUNDS based camping anywhere in Max. RV/ Can Site Name # of Sites Site Services the National Forest OUTSIDE Trailer Length Reserve? of a designated campground. It is generally allowed Giberson Bay 25 ft 4 picnic NO 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 fire Pine Cove Day Use 30 ft Parking only NO **Special note for Heaton Bay grates are provided. Typically, dispersed campers: Vehicles over 10 ft in Prospector 32 ft 107 YES length, RV’s, panel trucks, and trailers camping is not allowed in the vicinity of of any type are prohibited at all times campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Windy Point Group Site Forest Loop 50 ft Groups only YES on the dam portion of the Dillon Dam However, even here occupying a Windy Point Group Site Lake Loop 50 ft Groups only YES Road. Use Frisco Exit 203 on I-70 to campsite is limited to 14 days. gain access to campground. For a list of suggested sites, contact the GREEN MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR CAMPGROUNDS* Dillon Ranger District or see Max. RV/ Site Name # of Sites Can Reserve? fd.usda.gov/activity/white river/ Trailer Length recreation/camping-cabins Blue River 35 ft 25 NO BACKCOUNTRY Cataract Creek 25 ft 5 NO CAMPING Cow Creek North 50 ft 15 NO Permits are not needed to backpack in Cow Creek South 50 ft 44 YES the Dillon Ranger District. Please follow Elliot Creek 25 ft 24 NO Leave No Trace ethics (See Pg 10) McDonald Flats 30 ft 12 NO while in the backcountry and observe the specific regulations which pertain McDonald Flats Boat Ramp 45 ft Parking only NO to the Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak Prairie Point 50 ft 23 NO Wilderness Areas. Again, occupying a Willows 25 ft 25 NO *No electricity or water at any campsite is limited to 14 days. Green Mountain Reservoir sites.

2 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver FIREWISE IN THE FOREST WILD FIRES 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. • Campfires should be at least 100 feet (35 adult paces) from lakes, streams, trails. In addition, campfires are not allowed above tree line or at lakes in With the large amount of Wilderness Areas. beetle-killed trees in the forest, • Use an existing fire pit if possible, WHAT HAPPENED everyone must do their part to circled with rocks. Keep the fire site prevent wildfires. A few simple away from overhanging branches. TO THE TREES? precautions will diminish the possibility of THE MOUNTAIN PINE a wildfire: • Clear a 5-foot area around the pit, Fire suppression resources in Summit BEETLE EFFECT removing burnable debris down to the County have worked together • Do not discard cigarettes, matches, The recent Mountain Pine Beetle epi- soil. Keep anything combustible and diligently to be prepared for wild fires. and smoking materials from moving demic, responsible for killing millions of extra wood well away from the fire. Visit co.summit.co.us/extension for vehicles, or anywhere in the forest. lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees from • Keep a bucket of water and a shovel valuable information from Summit New Mexico to Alaska, is in decline. In • Possessing or using any kind of nearby. County government. Then register the aftermath of this outbreak a healthy fireworks is illegal on our National at scalert.org for text messaging • When you leave, make sure the fire is understory and new views of the forest Forest lands. on all emergency concerns. In case completely out. Drown the fire with are emerging as it recovers from this of a threatening wild fire, Summit • Use caution when cooking on an open water and stir with a shovel or stick. critical situation. In the wake of the MPB County will also use landline phone flame or grill anywhere, even in the Repeat until the area is cold to the outbreak, we can play a role by encour- messages via reverse 911 to alert backyard. touch. (Don’t bury coals. They can aging the diversity in tree species and people in target areas as well as smolder and break out.) ages necessary for overall forest health • All internal or external combustion emergency alerts delivered by radio by actively managing our public and pri- engines (including chainsaws) must be and television. vate lands. Some forests may grow back equipped with a spark arrestor. with more natural diversity than exists • All Off Highway Vehicles (OHV’s) must If you are in the forest and today, and others may regenerate back have an approved spark arrestor. see smoke or flames, return to single-aged lodgepole pines. • When camping, take care when immediately to a safe area. Call Visitors to our area will likely notice using and fueling lanterns, stoves, 911 with the location of the sections of the forest in which dead and heaters. Make sure they are area of concern. The emergency trees have been removed. These range cool before refueling. Avoid spilling operator will call the proper from corridors cleared alongside trails, flammable liquids and store fuel away roads, and powerlines to multiple response team. from appliances. acres of clear cuts near our communi- This is not the time to be ties. These areas have been treated to Forest fires often start from campfires. concerned with a false alarm! reduce the risks posed to humans, our A camper can be held responsible for infrastructure, and our water supply by suppression costs if their campfire starts a falling trees and buildup of native fuels. These areas are monitored for regen- eration and replanted if necessary. NEVER LEAVE A CAMPFIRE UNATTENDED, As the young forest continues to develop, the U.S. Forest Service and NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE! 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 avoid environment, damages grazing land, crops, the environment, ecosystems, humans, Noxious weeds can be controlled 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 are False Chamomile, strong winds that could blow down Thistles crowd an annual, reproduces projects. trees. If you are already there when out other plants and from seed and has small • Use only certified weed- free winds increase, head to a clearing out are toxic to wild and (less than 1”) daisy- like forage for livestock on public of reach of any potential falling trees. domestic animals. flowers with ferny or lands and only pelletized feed • Place tents and park vehicles in areas Canada Thistle, feathery leaves. Its sap and rolled grain in Wilderness where they will not be hit if trees fall. a perennial, is can irritate skin and Areas. mouths. Up to 3 ft. tall. • When driving in remote areas of extremely difficult to For more information on noxious the National Forest, park close to kill, reproducing from weeds, visit www.ext.colorado. a main road rather than a spur or roots and seeds. Small purplish fading to edu/sam/weed-pocket.pdf or one way section. If trees fall across white flowers (less than 1”) with a single Houndstongue, the Summit County website at a road, you may be trapped. flower head on each stalk. 2 to 4 ft. tall. a biennial, has five- www.co.summit.co.us/index. aspx?nid=114 or call Summit Musk and Plumeless Thistle, petaled, drooping • Bring an axe or a chainsaw to County Weeds Management biennials, have pink to purplish flowers, reddish-purple flowers remove fallen trees from roads in (970-668-4218). and grow only from seed, starting their with hairy, pointed case you become trapped. Report noxious weeds first year as ground rosettes. Musk leaves. It is toxic to • Do not rely on cell phones for on National Forrest thistles have large flowers (1.5” to 3”) animals and makes safety as there is no coverage in lands to Dillon Ranger and leaves with a white midrib and/or Velcro-like seeds that many areas of the National Forest. District. white edges. Plumeless thistle stalks stick to clothing and and leaves are very thorny with flowers animal fur. Up to ½” to 1”. Both grow up to 6 ft. tall. 4 ft. tall. www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide 3 “If future generations are WILDERNESS … to remember us with gratitude OUR LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS rather than contempt, we must leave them Eagles Nest Wilderness 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, SUMMIT COUNTY WILDERNESS AREAS saltwater marshes, swamps, SPECIAL REGULATIONS beaches and sand dunes. • Alaska, California, Arizona, EAGLES NEST THAT APPLY TO THESE Idaho and Washington have the WILDERNESS AREA PTARMIGAN PEAK most wilderness acres. WILDERNESS AREA LOCAL WILDERNESS This area was designated Wilderness AREAS: in 1976 and has a total of 133,471 This area was designated Wilderness acres. The Gore Range begins north of in 1993 and has a total of 12,760 • Motor vehicles, motorized or Interstate 70 near Frisco and continues acres. The Williams Fork Mountains mechanized equipment, and north toward Green Mtn. Reservoir. leap up and away into Ptarmigan Peak mountain bikes are prohibited. Heavy snow accumulates on the heights Wilderness from just below the western of the mountains of the Gore Range, entrance to the Eisenhower Tunnel on • Group size is limited to 15 people. providing a major contribution to the Interstate 70. A typical lodgepole-pine • Dogs must be leashed at all times. waters of the Colorado River. This is an forest rises to Engelmann spruce and • Campfires are not allowed at the area more vertical than horizontal, with subalpine fir and then on to alpine lakes, within 1/4 mile of streams sheer rock faces, steep ridges, deep tundra at the highest elevations. From or trails, or above treeline. valleys, jagged peaks, and dense forests the boundary along the top of the • Camps must be at least 100 ft in the lower elevations. Approximately mountain ridgeline, the terrain drops into from lakes, streams and trails 180 miles of trail provide access to this the wet, lush, and lovely drainages of the area, many of them dead-ending at a South and Middle Forks of the Williams • Hay and straw are prohibited for spectacular lake. Fork Rivers. 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

TIPS FOR HIKING WITH YOUR DOG ON THE TRAIL

OTHER HIKERS: No one wants to be Make sure your dog is fully under licked or approached by an unknown control as horses and their riders dog and not everyone loves your dog as pass. If possible, move downhill well much as you do. Pull your dog off to the off the trail. side when meeting other hikers and give them room to pass. WILDLIFE: An unleashed, uncontrolled dog can chase, harass and injure wildlife. OTHER DOGS: Ask another owner Your pet could also be injured by animals before letting your dog approach his. like porcupines, coyotes and moose. Not all dogs are friendly toward other dogs. For your pet’s sake, be cautious. The best policy is to keep your dog leashed. It protects him not only from BICYCLES: In order to prevent possible wildlife, but from getting lost as well. In injury to the cyclist and your pet, remove our Wilderness Areas, dogs must be on a yourself and your dog from the trail until six-foot leash at all times. cyclist passes. Don’t forget to carry water for your pet HORSES: Many horses are easily as well as yourself. spooked by dogs and their barking.

4 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver Common Trees and Wildlife of Summit County All illustrations © Zackery Zdinak Subalpine Fir Spruce Lodgepole Pine Aspen Needles are soft and flat. Has sharp needles and Needles grow in twisted clusters of Deciduous trees with heart Cones are Purple grayish- brown, scaly, rough two. Most here are now affected by shaped leaves and silvery and long. Fir has a bark. Engelmann spruce is pine beetles. Red needles indicate bark. Often, aspen silvery smooth bark the most common spruce dead or dying trees. groves are one when small. here; the Blue Spruce organism is Colorado’s state connected at 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. 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; V=Varies

Hiking OHV & X/C Ski & Map Key Miles Challenge Mountain Motor- Snow- Snow Coordi- # Trail / Road Name One Way Level Horse Biking cycle 4x4 shoe mobile nates 1 Acorn Creek (W) 4.0 M-S • • B5 2 Angler Mountain 2.5 M • • D5 3 Argentine Pass 2.2 S • • D8 4 Bakers Tank Trail System V E-M • • • F6 FREE 5 Boreas Pass Road 6.6 E-M • • • G6 individual guides 6 Boulder Lake - Lower (W) 2.7 M • • C3 for all trails are 7 Buffalo Mountain (W) 2.8 S • D4 available at the DRD 8 Burro 4.0 E-M • • • F5 Visitor Office or 9 Cataract Lake - Lower (W) 2.0 E • B2 at 10 Cataract Lake - Upper (W) 5.0 S • • B1 www.dillonrangerdistrict.com 11 Crystal Lakes- Lower/Upper 5.0 S • • • F4 12 Deer Creek Road 4.0 M-S • • • • • E7 13 Eaglesmere Lakes (W) 3.6 M • • B2 14 Elliott Ridge (W) 6.1 M • • B1 15 French Gulch 4.1 E-S • • • F6 16 Frisco Penninsula Trail System V E-M • • • E5 17 Georgia Pass Road (S. Fork Swan) 4.5 S • • • • • F7 18 Golden Horseshoe Trail System V E-S • • • • • • F6 19 Gold Hill 3.0 M • • • E5 20 Gore Range (W) 45.0 E-S • • E3/B1 21 Horseshoe Gulch Trail System V E-M • • • E6 22 Indiana Creek Road 1.8 M • • • • G6 23 Keystone Gulch Road 6.6 E-M • • • • E6 24 Lenawee 3.8 S • • • D7 25 Lily Pad Lake (W) 1.4 E-M • D4 26 Lost Lake (W) 5.6 M • • B3 27 Mayflower Gulch 2.8 M • • • • G4 28 McCullough Gulch 1.3 M • • G5 29 Meadow Creek (W) 4.7 M-S • • E4 30 Mesa Cortina to So. Willow Falls (W) 4.2 E-M • • D5 31 Middle Fork Road (Swan River) 9.2 M-S • • • • • F7 32 Miners Creek Road 2.5 M-S • • • • E5 33 Mohawk Lakes via Spruce Creek 3.4 M • • • G5 34 Mount Baldy 4.5 M-S • • • • F6 35 Mount Royal/Masontown 2.0 S • E4 36 North Ten Mile Creek (W) 3.4 M • • E4 37 North Fork Road (Swan River) 4.2 M • • • • • E7 38 Old Dillon Reservoir 0.8 E-M • • • D5 39 Oro Grande 4.4 E • • • D6 40 Peaks 7.8 M • • • E5 41 Pennsylvania Creek Road 2.5 M • • • • G5 42 Peru Creek Road 4.0 M-S • • • • E8 43 Ptarmigan Peak (W) 6.1 M-S • • D5 44 Quandary Peak 3.1 S • G5 45 Rock Creek-North (W) 1.6 M-S • • C4 46 Saints John Road 2.9 M-S • • • • • E7 47 Sallie Barber 1.4 E-M • • • F6 48 Salt Lick Trail System V E-M • • • D5 49 Sapphire Point 0.7 E • E5 50 Shrine Mountain Trail 2.3 M • • E3 51 Slate Lake - Lower/Upper (W) 9.3 M • • C3 52 Soda Creek Trail System V E-M • • • E6 53 Spring Creek Area V M • • • • • • A1 54 Straight Creek 5.4 E-M • • • • D6 55 Surprise Lake (W) 2.6 M-S • • B2 56 Tenderfoot Trail System V M-S • • • • D6 57 Ute Peak 4.9 M • • B5 58 Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area *fee V E-S • • E3 59 Webster Pass Road 3.7 M-S • • • • • E8

60 Wheeler Lakes (W) 3.1 M-S • • F4 EASY TRAILS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY WATERFALLS AND CASCADES SCENIC & DESTINATION HIKES 61 Wheeler National Recreation Trail 14.0 M-S • • • F4 SUGGESTED HIKES: French Gulch (#17) Cataract Creek Falls (#9) Baker’s Tank (#4) 62 Wilder Gulch 3.5 M • • • F3 (#) = KEY # FROM TRAIL/ROAD Lower Cataract Lake (#9) Continental Falls (#33) Buffalo Mountain (#7) 63 Williams Peak Road 11.4 M-S • • • • • A3 INFORMATION TABLE, SHOWN AS Oro Grande (#39) White Falls (#28) Lenawee (#24) Sapphire Point (#49) South Willow Falls (#30) Mayflower Gulch (#27) 64 Willow Creek Trail System (W) V M • • D4 TRAILHEAD ON MAP. Rainbow Lake (#40) Shrine Mountain (#50) 65 Willow Lake / Salmon Lake (W) 7.7 M-S • • D4 Willow and Salmon Lakes (#65) Featured Wildflowers of Summit County The height and abundance of wildflowers are in proportion to the amount of moisture they receive. July is the peak season for wildflower viewing. Favorite places are Acorn Creek (#1), Boreas Pass Rd (#6), Shrine Mountain Trail (#50), Wilder Gulch (#64), Tenderfoot (#57), Gore Range Trail (#20), Upper Cataract Lake (#11), and Ute Peak (#59).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.

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.

8 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide Plant Family name in parentheses. Photos courtesy of Dr. Mary Dubler. For more information, see wildflowersofcolorado.com. GATEWAY TO THE GOLD RUSH - FRENCH GULCH & PASS Boreas Pass BY RICK HAGUE migrations to follow elk, mountain buffalo, to deal with and clean up the environmental Breckenridge Heritage Alliance and other game herds from South Park destruction and pollution that past mining and into the Blue River area. Lincoln activities created. The Wellington Mine The Pikes Peak gold rush of 1859 saw City was one of the earliest, largest, and site includes a water purification plant tens of thousands of gold rushers swarm longest-lived gold camps and settlements. and system of diversion ditches that into what is now Colorado. Many, pushed While there were probably many small capture and clean water polluted with SCENIC to the point of desperation by the Panic and temporary gold camps in the gulch, trace metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc, of ’57 - a severe depression that engulfed Lincoln City was founded in the early aluminum, and copper that has drained DRIVES the US beginning in 1857 - were former 1860s and could probably be called a through the old underground workings of store clerks, farmers, or factory workers “town” well into the 1930s. It also had a the mine. Once the water is “cleaned”, it These drives are suitable seeking their fortunes, their futures, in sizeable cemetery at one time. The town’s is returned to French Creek. for 2WD passenger vehicles. They access the wilds of the cold, unsettled, and ruins are still very evident and several The gulch also contains land that was beautiful scenery, historic places, and unforgiving mountains in which we now buildings remain. the subject of landmark environmental live and recreate. The rush lasted from mountain views. Before attempting any Examples of all types of 19th century legislation when, in 2006, the Town of 1859 through about 1862. mining are found throughout the valley. Breckenridge and Summit County jointly drives in the winter, please check for road Many of these fortune seekers were Structural remnants and mine dumps of purchased the so-called B&B properties closures or adverse conditions. shut out of the early gold discovery underground silver, lead, and zinc mines in both French Gulch and in the Swan areas around present-day Central City can be seen on both the north and south River area to the north. Prior to this and Idaho Springs by earlier arrivals and sides of the valley, including the largest, transaction, federal law could require a Boreas Pass Road: (unpaved) pushed further west into the wilderness the Wellington, which was worked into landowner to clean up past environmental Follows old narrow gauge grades to to places that became Summit County, the early 1970s. The Country Boy Mine, damage regardless of who was responsible Breckenridge, Montezuma, and Leadville. whose life spanned roughly the 1885 for the problem. Not wanting to assume the town of Como. No vehicle access They climbed mountain passes that had – 1960s period, is currently a privately unlimited liability for past mining damages, in the winter. (Map F, G8) long been used by migrating indigenous owned tourist attraction that enables the Town and County negotiated a fixed- Indian tribes – passes whose names visitors to experience an underground limit arrangement with the Environmental Fremont Pass*: (paved, State Hwy that became French Pass, Breckenridge mine. Protection Agency and other entities. The 91) to historic Leadville past Climax Pass (no longer so-named), Hoosier Many of the sites also include remnants water treatment plant is a part of that Pass, and Georgia Pass. One can still agreement. This arrangement eventually molybdenum mine. (Map G3) of original boarding houses, concentration see the remnants of this sometimes mills, repair and storage sheds, and heavy became the model for new national Hoosier Pass*: (paved, State Hwy colorful, generally unforgiving, and always equipment. Beautiful vistas of the valley environmental legislation. dangerous history in French Gulch and on may be experienced from the tops of many So, enjoy French Pass and French 9) to South Park, Alma, and Fairplay. French Pass. of the old dumps. Many sites that still Gulch for the “peeks-to-the-past” that (Map G5) French Gulch includes samples of, and carry the scars of various types of placer they represent. There is a well-marked actual sites that represent, every aspect mining for gold cover the valley floor – circular trail around the gulch that begins Loveland Pass*: (paved, State Hwy of the early settlement and mining history dredging, hydraulic mining, sluicing, and at the B&B parking area, just beyond the 6) the world’s highest mountain of Breckenridge and Summit County. In gold panning sites are all represented. Country Boy Mine, and enables hikers fact, these sites and locations include One of the few examples of a wood-hulled to visit the Reiling Dredge, the Lucky pass open in winter. Drive carefully representations of most aspects of dredge in North America – the Reiling – and Minnie Mines, and many examples in winter weather and be aware of Western American mining history dating also lies on the valley floor, including the of past placer mining activities. The closures. (Map D6-7) from at least the mid-19th century. pond that saw its last activity and a small Breckenridge Heritage Alliance has placed French Pass, to the east of Breckenridge, settlement used by men repairing the many interpretative signs along the trail. Shrine Pass Road: (unpaved), a was one of the main early means of access dredge in the early 1920s. Evidence of A footpath also leads from the parking 4WD trail which can be traveled by for Pikes Peak gold rushers to seek their so-called Depression Era and 1950s era at the end of French Gulch Road out to fortune in the Breckenridge area. Before placer mining may also be seen. French Pass. sturdy 2WD vehicles and light trucks the gold rush, the pass was a major For better or worse, French Gulch also in good weather. No vehicle access in Mountain Ute Indian trail for their annual includes examples of modern-day efforts the winter. (Map F3)

Ute Pass Road: (paved, County Rd 15) follows a Native American trail into the Williams Fork Range. (Map B4)

*These cross the Continental Divide

HOW TO RECREATE WITH WILDLIFE: SHARE THE FOREST • Certain areas are closed to human activity themselves and their young very aggressively, BY ELISSA SLEZAK during winter and spring to protect wildlife. especially when barked at or chased. Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) • Wildlife will flee when frightened by fast movement and noise, (hikers, bikers, Wildlife Use the Same Trails That We Do! snowmobiles, dogs) using up their critical • Our favorite places to recreate are also energy reserves. home to deer, elk, moose, black bears, • Disturbance can lead to starvation, and in mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, porcupines, the springtime can also lead to abandonment weasels & more. and death of newborns. • Wild animals are most active at dawn Leash Your Dog! and dusk and night, and may be taking a nap • In the presence of a wild animal, even somewhere near a favorite path during the day. the most well-behaved dogs quickly revert Pack Out Your Trash! • Approaching any wild animal is not only GIVE A HOOT, to primitive instincts and will chase, bark, or • Leaving your trash, food, and waste behind dangerous and unethical, but can result in legal attack. is illegal and degrades wildlife habitat and DON’T POLLUTE! charges of harassment of wildlife. • Domestic dogs lack the hunting skills of water sources. Did you know litter can last their ancestors, and often end up injuring wild • Human food that is left unsecured can this long? animals. habituate wild animals, like foxes and black • Dogs off leash can chase a mother animal bears, to seek human food sources and Orange Peels...... 6+ mths away from their young, and the abandoned ultimately lead to the animal’s death. Cigarette Butts...... 2-5 yrs baby animal often dies. • Feeding or baiting wildlife is illegal! Toilet Paper...... 2-3 yrs • A dog off-leash is easy prey for wild predators like mountain lions or coyotes. Plastic Bags...... 10-100 yrs Please remember to stay on the trail, Aluminum Cans...... 200-500 yrs Keep Away From Moose! leash your dog, keep your distance, and do • Moose are the most dangerous animal in not litter or feed. CPW encourages you to Disposable Diaper...... 450 yrs Stay the Trail & Stay Out of Closed Areas! Colorado, and they are not afraid of humans. watch and enjoy YOUR wildlife, but do it Plastic Bottles...... 500+ yrs • Mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and ATVs that • Moose react to dogs as they would to responsibly, and from a distance! Glass...... 1,000+ yrs illegally go off-trail, erode the landscape and their natural predator, wolves, and will defend damage vegetation that wild animals rely on for Styrofoam...... Forever See CPW.STATE.CO.US for more information. forage and shelter. www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide 9 SUMMER RECREATION

NON-MOTORIZED MOTORIZED TRAVEL TRAVEL

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE TRAVEL YIELD TO All Off-Highway Vehicles (ATVs, 4WD, and all non- TRAVEL highway licensed vehicles) must be on designated roads MANAGEMENT and trails in the Dillon Ranger District. The White River National Forest Travel These roads and trails vary in level Management Plan provides for a wide of difficulty and degree of technical range of uses and experiences to NON-MOTORIZED expertise needed. Cross-Country (off- suit the public’s recreation and travel route) travel is prohibited. This is to needs while protecting the forest’s MOUNTAIN TRAIL ETIQUETTE reduce the impact to natural resources natural resources. The TMP designates such as wildlife, fragile wetlands, and roads, trails, and areas that are open BIKING • Travel in small groups to avoid alpine environments in this spectacular to motorized and mechanized travel in undue stress to forest resources. area. both summer and winter. Summit County offers great mountain biking for all skill levels. Please check In Wilderness Areas, group size is Note: Motorized vehicles are prohibited MAPS the trail chart on Page 6 for a list of limited to 15 people. in Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak MOTOR VEHICLE USE MAPS trails open to mountain bikes. • Be considerate of other trail users. Wilderness Areas. (MVUM) With the implementation of the new Slower hikers should allow faster The MVUM displays National Forest White River Travel Management Plan, hikers to pass. OHV System routes or areas that are open mountain biking is only allowed on • Dogs should be leased or under to motorized travel. It also displays trails that display a mountain biking REGISTRATION voice control. Dogs should be allowed uses by vehicle class, seasonal symbol on the trail sign post. For restrained by leash or hand when allowances, and provides information more information and trail conditions, encountering other hikers and Off Highway on other travel rules and regulations. see www.summitfattire.org. Vehicles (ATVs, MVUM’s are available at ranger stations users. In Wilderness Areas dogs must be on a 6 ft. leash. OHVs and for free or online for a mobile app (see MOUNTAIN BIKING RULES OF motorbikes) below). THE TRAIL • ALL users yield to horses. When operated on public land or trails in FOREST VISITOR MAP • Ride only on open trails (all encountering horses, mountain Colorado must be registered with The White River National Forest Visitor Wilderness Area trails are closed bikers and hikers should stand Colorado State Parks. Out of state Map displays all recreation to mountain biking.) quietly off the downhill side of the residents who bring OHVs into, uses and is available to purchase at • Yield to hikers, horses, and uphill trail and allow horses to pass. Colorado must purchase a Colorado ranger stations or online through mountain bikers- they have the • Mountain bikers should yield to Non-Resident permit. Info or the National Forest Store right of way. hikers and horses, announcing their Permits are available At the Dillon www.nationalforestmapstore.com/. • Stay in control of your bicycle. presence to them well in advance Ranger District Store or on line at TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS of passing. www.parks.state.co.us Topographic maps provide the greatest • Avoid skidding around corners, level of detail and cover small portions riding on muddy trails, and riding • Livestock should be tied OFF the of a National Forest. These maps show off the trail. trail at rest stops (even short ones!) roads, trailheads, trails, streams, lakes, • Never scare an animal • During snow melt (mud) season, recreation sites and major points of all users (motorized and non- interest. Available for purchase from motorized) should stay on paved the Dillon Ranger District Station HIKING AND TRAIL trails and roads. For hikers and DIGITAL MAPS FOR bikers, Summit County Recpaths MOBILE DEVICES SAFETY REMINDERS are a good alternative. See where you are on Forest Service maps right on your smartphone! The

STAY THE TRAIL: OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ETIQUETTE • Ride only on routes wider than your vehicle. • Ride only on routes open to your vehicle. • Ride over obstacles; not around PDF Maps Mobile App is available them. as a free download from iTunes and the Android Play Store. The maps are • Be an ambassador to non-motor- geo-referenced with the user’s location ized trail users including livestock appearing as a blue dot. The following and wildlife. maps are available: • Louder doesn’t mean faster. • Forest Visitor Map for White River Be aware there are always prolonged rescue times in backcountry • Slow down for your fellow riders. National Forest (purchase only) • Motor Vehicle Use Maps (free) FISHING Great fishing opportunities abound in the Dillon Ranger District’s alpine lakes and streams, the Blue River (tributary of the Colorado), and Dillon Leave No Trace Seven Principles and Green Mountain Reservoirs. State fishing 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare regulations must be followed, including those governing artificial lures, bag and size limit, and 2. Travel and Camp on “catch and release only” areas. All anglers 16 Durable Surfaces years and older must be in possession of a 3. Dispose of Waste Properly valid Colorado fishing license, available at local 4. Leave What You Find stores and angling shops. Colorado fishing licenses Recycle your used fishing 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts are not sold at the Dillon Ranger District. Consult line in these bins, located your local guide services or Colorado Parks and 6. Respect Wildlife in popular fishing areas Wildlife for more info www.wildlife.state.co.us/ 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors around the county! fishing. 10 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver CROSS COUNTRY WINTER RECREATION SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING

Many summer trails can be used for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. (See Pg 6). Many of these routes are not marked in winter, so please use caution while route finding. Avoid snowshoeing directly on top of ski trails; if possible, snowshoe next to Summit of Buffalo Mountain, 12,777 ft. the ski tracks. HIGH ALTITUDE 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. If symptoms are severe, persist or worsen, consult a doctor as these can be symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. At higher altitudes the air is also Reservoir, miles of forested roads Join us for Ski with a Ranger tours at all SNOWMOBILING drier and the sun’s ultraviolet rays are Summit County ski resorts this winter. are groomed by the High Country more intense. REGISTRATION Snowmobile Club for all skill levels. Closer to Elliot Ridge there are open Snowmobiles operated on meadows and alpine terrain. This area Effects of high altitude can public land or trails in Colorado borders the Eagles Nest Wilderness be minimized with these must be registered with which is CLOSED to snowmobiles, so recommendations: SKI RESORTS Colorado State Parks. Out of please observe all posted boundary state residents who bring Snowmobiles • Take time to allow your body to Four ski areas operate under Special signs. (Map A1) into Colorado must purchase a Colorado adjust. Minimize physical activity Use Permits from the White River Non-Resident permit. Permits are available • Montezuma Snowmobile Area your first day. National Forest, Dillon Ranger District. at www.parks.state.co.us and the Near the town of Montezuma are • Drink plenty of fluid- two or three Each offers a wide variety of winter and Dillon Ranger District Store The annual numerous snowmobile rides in the times more than usual. Take water summer activities. For additional infor- registration fee is $30.25. Registrations drainages of Deer Creek, Webster and with you to avoid dehydration. mation please visit their websites. are valid Oct. 1st through Sept. 30th each Saints John. There is a variety of terrain • Avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeine, Arapahoe Basin: www.arapahoebasin.com year. This is a flat administrative fee. All options from lower forested slopes to and salty foods. open alpine areas. Be respectful of Breckenridge: www.breckenridge.com funds go directly back to maintain the • Get plenty of rest. private property in this area. The Peru Copper Mountain: www.coppercolorado.com lands used. Users must obtain current • Always wear hats, sunscreen, and Creek drainage near Montezuma is a information about the areas and the sunglasses - even in the winter! Keystone: www.keystoneresort.com winter non-motorized area. boundaries. • Avoid hypothermia in all seasons: • Be respectful of wildlife’s wintering For snowmobile information see Dress in layers and be prepared habitats. www.snowmobilecolo.com. for changing weather and colder • Do not ride on trails with less than temperatures, even in the summer. RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS 6 inches of Compacted snow. • Remember - children, babies and • Ride single file, keep to the right and NORDIC CENTERS • Snowmobiling is not allowed in pets can be affected, too! pass on the left only when the trail is Breckenridge Nordic Center: Wilderness Areas. clear. www.breckenridgenordic.com 970-453-6855 There are designated areas for • Yield the right-of-way to skiers, snowshoers and those passing or AVALANCHE SAFETY Frisco Nordic Center: snowmobiles throughout the Dillon Ranger District. With the implementation of the traveling uphill. www.frisconordic.com Be prepared when traveling into the 970-668-0866 new White River Travel Management Plan, • Use common snowmobiling hand it is the user’s responsibility to obtain a signals to communicate with your group backcountry during the winter! Check Keystone Nordic Center: Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to know and other riders. the weather/avalanche forecast with www.keystoneresort.com/activities/ which routes are open to snowmobiling. the Colorado Avalanche Information nordic-center.aspx EDUCATE YOURSELF Users must obtain current information Center, choose safe routes, carry 970-496-4386 about the areas and know the boundaries. • Obtain a map of your destination avalanche safety equipment and know Gold Run Nordic Center: and determine which areas are open how to use it. Avalanche education is • Swan Valley Snowmobile Area www.townofbreckenridge.com to snowmobiles. the best way to avoid being injured Located near the town of Breckenridge 970-547-7889 • Always check the weather forecast and or killed in an avalanche. Before at the end of Tiger Road, this area avalanche conditions. traveling into the backcountry make offers miles of groomed roads that sure that you have the knowledge and climb through spruce and fir forests. • Pack a small backpack full of BACKCOUNTRY education to make informed decisions. A great option is riding to the emergency items. HUT SYSTEM Continental Divide at Georgia Pass • Be prepared with tools and supplies Colorado Avalanche Information to enjoy spectacular views of the for repairs. A system of reservable lodging in back- Center (CAIC) website: surrounding mountains. (Map E7) country locations in Summit and neigh- • Carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and http;//avalanche.state.co.us or boring counties provides a variety of • Spring Creek Snowmobile Area probe at all times in avalanche terrain. Summit County Hotline #970-668-0600. huts, cabins, and backcountry shelters Located north of Green Mountain for public use. All are open November Know Before You Go: www.kbyg.org to May; some are open in summer. Up to Date Local Colorado Avalanche Info Summit Huts: For more information contact www.summithuts.org VAIL PASS WINTER Tenth Mountain Division Huts: RECREATION AND Maps are available at these locations For more information contact and show users which routes are open to www.huts.org SNOWMOBILING AREA motorized and non-motorized travel. Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area is open Vail Pass Facts: to motorized and non-motorized uses • Total Area- 55,000 acres and requires the purchase of a day or • Elevation Range- 9,200 ft to season pass to enter the area. It is open 12,693 ft. from approximately November through • Motorized Trails- 67 miles May, snow conditions permitting. Fee stations to purchase these passes are • Groomed Trails- 50 miles located at all of the trailheads. Season • Non-Motorized Trails- 52 miles passes may also be purchased at the • Motorized-Assisted ski terrain- Dillon Ranger District Visitor Center. 3,300 acres www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide 11 IMPORTANT VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION YOU CAN HELP CONTACT FRIENDS OF INFORMATION EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS Dillon Ranger District-Summit County What’s a Wilderness? In 1964, President (970) 468-5400 Johnson signed the Wilderness Act and www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver created the National Wilderness Preser- (Quick Links: Ranger Districts) vation System. Today, Friends of Eagles www.dillonrangerdistrict.com Nest Wilderness (FENW), an all-volunteer Holy Cross Ranger District - Minturn organization, assists the US Forest Service (Vail) in managing and caring for the Eagles Nest, (970) 827-5715 Ptarmigan Peak and Holy Cross Wilderness www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver areas. This year FENW is celebrating its 25th (Quick Links: Ranger Districts) year of education, outreach, stewardship and USFS Campground Reservations advocacy of wilderness areas in Summit and Eagle Counties. (877) 444-6777 www.recreation.gov FENW volunteers spend countless hours of active stewardship in trail work and mainte- Colorado Road Conditions nance. FENW’s Volunteer Wilderness Rangers [877) 315- 7623 or (Cell) 511 patrol wilderness trails educating hikers, www.cotrip.org fdrd.org looking out for illegal campfires and identify- Summit County Road Information FRIENDS OF THE DILLON and educational hikes this summer. In ing trails that need maintenance. Last season (970) 668-1090 RANGER DISTRICT (FDRD) the winter FDRD offers free, guided alone, FENW’s Volunteer Rangers connected with over 10,000 hikers! If you would like to National Weather Service FDRD is a nonprofit organization on-hill naturalist tours through our join FENW’s efforts, please find more info at (303) 494-4221 that engages hundreds of volunteers Ski With A Ranger program at all four fenw.org or ask a volunteer! And, be sure to www.weather.gov each year in projects and programs Summit County ski resorts, as well that directly benefit National Forest as free, guided snowshoe tours. follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Colorado Avalanche Information lands in Summit County. In 2018, Our website, fdrd.org, is a great Center our volunteers dedicated over 11,000 place to find out more about fun and (970) 668-0600 hours in maintaining our local trails, rewarding volunteer opportunities avalanche.state.co.us planting trees, educating visitors, and with FDRD, or to make a donation Colorado Parks and Wildlife other efforts to restore our forest. to support our forest stewardship Hotline (970) 725-6200 FDRD field projects, educational programs. Your contribution will directly www.wildlife.state.co.us hikes and speaker series, and other benefit the public lands that form the activities throughout the year are a heart and soul of our community! Summit Stage Bus Service great way to meet members of our To learn more about where to explore Free county wide transportation mountain community and visitors who in Summit County, or to pick up a (970) 668-0999 share a love for this special place. map or unique souvenir, please visit www.summitstage.com Please join us for family-friendly trail the FDRD Store at the Dillon Ranger St. Anthony Summit Medical Center improvement and forest health projects District Station in Silverthorne. Frisco, CO (970) 668-3300 Summit County Noxious Weeds Our Many Thanks! YOUR SAFETY IN THE NATIONAL FOREST (970) 668-4218 or (970) 668-4252 Users of National Forest lands have a great responsibility for Comments or questions about this publication should be made to their own safety. Hazards in the forest include changing weather, Summit County Non-Emergency Friends of the Dillon Ranger District: snow, avalanches, landslides, caves, overlooks, falling trees or Dispatch 970-262-3449 or [email protected] limbs, high or fast water, contaminated water, wild animals, (970) 668-8600 Design and content: Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, Colorado becoming lost, overexertion or hypothermia, mining hazards FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, CALL 911 Parks and Wildlife, Dillon Ranger District, and Breckenridge Heritage involving excavations, tunnels and equipment, shafts, and decaying Alliance. structures; changing road and trail conditions, and potential DO NOT RELY ON CELL PHONE exposure to unreasonable acts of others. COVERAGE IN FOREST OR SKI AREAS! Photography: Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, Colorado Parks and It is the user’s responsibility to be aware of hazards and to use Wildlife, US Forest Service, DRD Staff, FDRD staff, Dr. Mary Dubler, proper safety procedures and equipment to minimize risks and Elaine Collins, and thinkstockphotos.com. hazards. Remember many areas of the National Forest do not have Please recycle this guide or pass it on! Printed by: Summit Daily News / Colorado Mountain News Media, cell phone coverage. Gypsum, CO.

Do You Want to Contribute to Your National Forest? FDRD volunteers have put forth thousands of hours maintaining and improving trails, planting trees, educating forest visitors and much more. There are all kinds of ways to get involved - not just trailwork. Volunteer at a FDRD event or participate in a FREE guided hike. For a full listing of volunteer opportunities and to register for a project, check out the FDRD calendar at fdrd.org/calendar. fdrd.org EDUCATIONAL TOURS TRAIL IMPROVEMENT August 20th: Salt Lick SPECIAL EVENTS June11th: Wildfire Prevention Hike PROJECTS (MANY Maintenance (Silverthorne) May 29th: Season June 12th: Birds of Prey Auto Tour MORE ON FDRD.ORG!) August 21st: Summit Mountain Kickoff Celebration at the Bikers Partner Project (TBD) June 19th: Geology Auto Tour June 8th: National Trails Silverthorne Pavilion Day (Silverthorne) September 3rd: Service June 20th: Wildflowers Hike June - Sept: Dillon Farmer’s Industry Day (TBD) Market - Fridays, 9am - 2pm *June 26th: MEMBERS ONLY June 13th: Colorado Trail September 5th: Quandary Lake Dillon Birding Boat Tour Maintenance (Breckenridge) June 19th: Alpine Bank Trail Maintenance (Blue River) June 27th: Photography June 22nd: Town of Dillon Shred Day Fundraiser September 17th-18th: Christy Workshop & Hike with Bill Linfield Trail Maintenance (Dillon) June 22nd-23rd: Keystone Sports Partner Project (TBD) June 29th: Breck Rotary Bacon and Bourbon Festival *July 10th: MEMBERS ONLY FOREST HEALTH July 13th: Breck 100 Wildflowers Hike & Lunch Partner Project (Breckenridge) PROJECTS July 17th: Avalanche Path Hike July 13th: Grays & Torrey’s Bike Race Fundraiser June 7th: Forest August 15th: DooWop July 20th: Wildflowers Hike Trail Maintenance (Bakerville) Restoration Project Denny Concert Fundraiser July 30th: Wildlife Hike July 13th-14th: Wildernest Trail July 6th: Trail Hosting Day August 9th: Buffalo Fire Hike Construction (Silverthorne) September 7th: Frisco July 12th: Forest Fall Fest Fundraiser August 14th: Mining History Hike July 17th: Spruce Creek Trail Restoration Project September 26th: Volunteer August 16th: Geology Auto Tour Spruce-Up (Blue River) August 2nd: Forest Celebration at the Frisco July 24th: Hippo Trail Restoration Project September 10th: Mining History Adventure Park Day Lodge Maintenance (Breckenridge) September 13th: Forest * September 17th: MEMBERS February 8th, 2020: ONLY Wildlife Hike & Lunch August 3rd: Spruce Creek Restoration Project Casino Night Fundraiser *Visit fdrd.org to become Trail Spruce-Up (Blue River) September 20th: Fish Shocking Registration for all projects, a FDRD Member. August 10th-11th: Salt Lick September 28th: National events and hikes is found Trail Maintenance (Silverthorne) Public Lands Day at fdrd.org/calendar.

DISCLAIMER: Printed May 2019: The information in this publication is for informational use only. It was deemed 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.

12 Dillon Ranger District Recreation Guide www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver