Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests
Thunder Basin National Grassland

USDA Forest Service
Medicine Bow-Routt
National Forests,
Thunder Basin
National Grassland
2468 Jackson Street
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-2300

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
307-745-2307

Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District

The Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District office is in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The District consists of approximately 500,000 acres of terrain ranging from sagebrush flats to forested mountains.

The camping season runs from mid June through Labor Day weekend, as does the summer recreation season for much of the district, depending on snow and other conditions. Summer recreation includes camping , hiking, bird watching, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, and ATV and dirt bike riding. Be prepared for all types of weather, no matter when you come to visit, particularly in the higher elevations.

There is excellent cross country skiing on the west side of Rabbit Ears Pass and snowmobiling on the east side of Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo Pass and snowshoeing in most areas of the district. Winter travelers should be prepared to spend a night in the backcountry, and should always carry additional clothes and other equipment in the event of an emergency.

Whatever time of year you are traveling on the forest, be sure to leave word with friends or family about your destination and expected time of return.

During your visit, be sure to stop by our office to inquire about current conditions, find out what's going on, and get any maps or books that you may need to enjoy your visit to the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District.

Surrounding the Steamboat Springs area, the Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District offers a wide range of visitor opportunities. The District Office has information about camping, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorized recreation. Visitors can also buy maps for all types of outdoor recreational use.

In partnership with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Yampatika, the local Interpretive Association, the District Office provides one stop service for information on outdoor recreation. You may purchase a hiking certificate, hunting or fishing license, and get information about hunting regulations and the search and rescue insurance contribution.

World-class downhill and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice and fly-fishing are popular winter activities. Preparedness for backcountry survival is of utmost importance when venturing outdoors in the cold of winter, as conditions can change rapidly. Spring and summer in the Rocky Mountains bring a wide variety of weather patterns, so be prepared for changing conditions when recreating outdoors. Hikes to higher mountain elevations should be planned for the morning hours to avoid thunderstorms. Employees at the District Office can help you find some of Colorado’s finest lake and stream fishing. The mountain wildflowers bloom from spring through summer. During autumn trees and shrubs exhibit spectacular colors. Northwest Colorado offers some of the best trophy hunting areas in the state and public access to hunt is readily available. Rules for the Colorado hunting season change each year; you can get the most current information by contacting our office. Please practice sound “Leave No Trace” ethics when visiting the forest.