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🌲 Adventure Awaits: Explore Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests

🌲 Adventure Awaits: Explore Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests

1.5 million acres of Rocky Mountain magic just west of Fort Collins — here’s your guide to trails, history, and hidden gems.

What's Happenin' Team
August 25, 2025

🌄 Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests: Your Backyard Adventure

Looking for a reset button after a busy week? Just west of Fort Collins lies 650,000 acres of National Forest lands in Larimer County, part of the massive Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee Grassland. With 1.5 million acres total, it’s one of the most-visited national forests in the country — and for good reason.

Let’s dive in!

🌲Fort Collins Trivia

How many acres does the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee Grassland cover in total?

🌲 Explore the Wild Side: Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests

Want to escape the city and get into the mountains fast? Just west of Fort Collins sits your ticket to 1.5 million acres of pure Colorado adventure — the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests (plus the Pawnee National Grassland if you’re craving wide-open prairie skies). This is one of the most-visited National Forests in the entire country, and for good reason: it’s got everything.

Think hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, scenic drives, camping under the stars, horseback riding, OHV trails, paddling, and even winter sports when the snow rolls in. Closer to home, the Canyon Lakes Ranger District manages 650,000 acres in Larimer County alone — home to four Wilderness areas, three national recreation trails, and Colorado’s only Wild and Scenic River: the Cache la Poudre.

And the history? Pretty wild, too. The forest traces its roots back to 1897 as part of the Medicine Bow Forest Reserve, later renamed the Colorado National Forest in 1910, and finally dedicated to President Roosevelt in 1932. Today, it’s both a playground and a conservation powerhouse — balancing recreation with keeping the land healthy and wild.

So whether you’re planning to pitch a tent at Red Feather Lakes, lace up for a hike in Comanche Peak Wilderness, or just take a weekend cruise up the Poudre Canyon Scenic Byway, there’s no shortage of ways to get your Rocky Mountain fix.

👉 Pro tip: Check the latest trail conditions, road closures, and fire restrictions before heading out. And if you’re camping, book early — spots go fast!

🗓 What’s Happenin’ in Fort Collins: Event Listings

📅 Monday, August 25

🎙️ New Material Night! (recurring Monday) 📍 The Comedy Fort | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🎶 Open Mic at The Lyric (recurring Monday) 📍 The Lyric | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🎲 Beer & Bingo (recurring Monday) 📍 Maxline Brewing | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🧠 Weekly Trivia with Geeks Who Drink (recurring Monday) 📍 Slyce Pizza Co. | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🎵 Karaoke Club (recurring Monday)📍 1209 N College Ave | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

🎨 Wildheart Equine Retreat📍 2939 N. County Road 31D | ⏰ Time TBD | 🎟️ Ticketed

📅 Tuesday, August 26

🎤 Open Mic Night (recurring Tuesday) 📍 Horsetooth Tavern | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🎲 Weekly Bingo (recurring Tuesday) 📍 Slyce Pizza Co. | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🎨 102 Watercolor Art Class: How do I Paint Glass Objects?📍 4032 S. College Ave A3 | ⏰ 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

🍴 Chef Curated Dinner📍 378 Walnut Street | ⏰ 6PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

🍺 Merryvale Winery Wine Tasting📍 3581 E Harmony Road, Ste 130 | ⏰ 5:30 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Fort Collins Event Calendar

🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?

Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.

🧠 Need a brain break?

Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.

🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in FoCo?

We’re on a mission to crown FoCo’s top taco spot—from OG taquerías to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. 🌶️

Cast your vote now →

🌟 Until Next Time…

Fort Collins is lucky to have this Rocky Mountain playground right in our backyard. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, camping under the stars, or just cruising the scenic byways, the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests never disappoint.

Trivia 👉 Answer: 1.5 million acres

Have a wonderful week out there, and we’ll see you Wednesday with more FoCo happenings!

—Your What’s Happenin’ Crew ⛰️

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