State Forest State Park

State Forest State Park contains 71,000 acres of rugged mountainous countryside that runs along the western side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and south into the Never Summer Range. To the north and south is Routt National Forest, to the east is Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest and the Rawah Wilderness, to the west is the North Park area. If you want to see moose in Colorado, this is the place to go. While you're here there's enough camping, hiking, horseback riding, four-wheeling, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, bird watching, skiing, snowshoeing, telemarking, snowboarding and snowmobiling to last a couple lifetimes. Most folks stop first at the Moose Visitor Center to get their bearings and check out the maps, books and interpretive displays. This is also where you can rent most of the cabins and yurts that are scattered through the State Park.

The daily vehicle park pass is $7, unles you already have an annual $70 Colorado State Parks pass. There are 2 large cabins (holding 15 to 21 people) available for $100 per night plus a $10 non-refundable reservation fee. There are also 4 camper cabins (holding a maximum of 6 people) available for $70 per night, plus the same $10 non-refundable reservation fee. Dogs are allowed in the cabins for an extra $10 per night. Never Summer Nordic (970-723-4070) also has 2 huts and 7 yurts located in State Forest State Park. Prices for them vary from $60 to $110 per night but you need to call and talk to them directly. There are 219 developed campsites in State Forest State Park in locations with names like Bockman, North Michigan Reservoir, Ranger Lakes and The Crags. Camping fees vary from $10 per night to $20 per night, depending on the amenities.

Nokhu Crags on the left, State Forest State Park

Moose Visitor Center

Inside the visitor center

Looking east near Gould, just outside State Forest State Park

The Medicine Bow Mountains, northern part of State Forest State Park

State Forest State Park area map