Summer Recreation Opportunities:
Regional Day Hiking Program

Whether you are looking to take a leisurely walk along a secluded trail, hike to the top of a Fourteener or Thirteener, or backpack into a wilderness on a 25-mile loop, one of the 17 national forests and seven national grasslands within the Rocky Mountain Region will have a hiking experience that is just right for you.

Follow these general guidelines to help ensure that your Hiking experience in your national forest or grassland will be a safe and memorable one:

Responsible Hiking weblinks: Click to go directly to links
Make a realistic plan and stick to it. Always tell someone of your recreation plans.
For a comprehensive collection of Backcountry “Do's & Don'ts”, you should download the “Backpacking is Freedom” handout before heading into the backcountry:
- PDF file 834 KB
Please respect private landowners and don't trespass on private property
Travel responsibly on land by staying on designated trails or areas
Check the weather forecast for your destination and plan clothing, equipment and supplies accordingly
Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and know how to use it
Obtain a map of the area you will be fishing in and, if possible, obtain a trail sheet from the local Ranger District office to help with land navigation
Travel responsibly on land by staying on designated trails or areas
When hiking, it’s quite possible you may encounter trail riders along with pack stock. Since stock is easily spooked from unseen sources, it is best to make your presence known. When horses or pack stock approach, step off on the lower side of the trail while the animal passes. Be courteous in sharing the trail with others.
Go over obstacles, not around. Don't create new routes or expand existing trails.
If there are no trails and hiking is permitted, spread out in open country. Spreading out, rather than following each other's footsteps, disperses impact and avoids creating a new trail.
Pets: Regulations differ on taking pets into the backcountry, so check with the local Ranger District office regarding restrictions before you go. However, in designated wilderness areas pets must be on a leash at all times!
Be “Bear Aware” and be vigilant when in bear country:
- HTML link
- PDF file 817 KB
In some backcountry and designated Wilderness areas, permits are sometimes required
Most permits can be obtained from the local Ranger District office, the permits must be obtained in advance and must be in your possession during your visit
In some areas, the maximum number of people in a group is restricted because large groups can be destructive, so check to determine allowable group size
All hikers should follow the ideals of Leave No Trace and practice the concept of Pack It In - Pack It Out.

For more detailed guidelines regarding responsible summer recreation on US Forest Service lands, please check out the Tread Lightly! information below:

Responsible Hiking – Tread Lightly!'s Responsible Recreation Tips brochure:
- Tread Lightly! website
- PDF file 961 KB
Responsible Recreation – Tread Lightly!'s Responsible Recreation Tips brochure:
- Tread Principles website
- PDF file 563 KB
Sharing Our Trails – Tread Lightly!'s Responsible Recreation Tips brochure:
- Tread Lightly! website
- PDF file 938 KB

Regional Day Hiking Information Map

Day hikers along the shore of Brooks Lake with Breccia Cliffs in background in the Shoshone National Forest, located in northwestern Wyoming

The Rocky Mountain Region map below can be used as a starting place to find information regarding day hiking opportunities on US Forest Service lands located throughout our five-state region. When you move the cursor over the state you want to go day hiking in, a filled-in map outline and tool tip will appear. Click on the map outline to view that state's day hiking information map in a new window. Repeat the same process with the state map as with this map and you will be able to select the individual national forest or grassland that you would like day hiking information about.

Rocky Mountain Region Day Hiking Information Map

Recreation Quick Links

Summer Recreation Opportunities:Regional Day Hiking Program

Regional Day Hiking Information Map

Related Recreation Links

Summer Recreation Opportunities:
Regional Day Hiking Program