Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
San Carlos Ranger District
San Carlos Ranger District
The district manages about 400,000 acres of National Forest from central Colorado to the southern Colorado border in Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Pueblo, Las Animas and Costilla counties.
ADDRESS
3028 East Main Street
Canon City, CO 81212
Phone: 719-269-8500
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm
Wilderness Areas
The Sangre de Cristo and Greenhorn Wilderness areas were both designated in August of 1993. Most of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range (226,455 acres) is designated Wilderness. The Greenhorn Wilderness Area is 22,000 acres and is located in the Wet Mountains. The Spanish Peaks Wilderness is 18,000 acres and the Spanish Peaks have been designated as a National Landmark.
Campgrounds
There are 11 campgrounds with 210 fee campsites plus two group sites which are reservation only. These campgrounds are operated by concessionaire (contractor hired by the United States Forest Service).
Picnic Areas
There is one picnic area at Lake Isabel Recreational Area and four small sites in the Cuchara Creek Recreational Area.
Roads
As part of the National Scenic Byway System, we have two highways to recommend:
- The Highway of Legends (Highway 12 from Trinidad to Walsenburg).
- Frontier Pathways (Highway 96 from Pueblo to Westcliffe and Highway 165 to Lake Isabel and Rye).
Winter Recreation
Snowmobile clubs maintain 55 miles of groomed trails and 22 miles of groomed routes for the San Carlos Ranger District. Ice fishing is a popular activity on Lake Isabel.
Fuelwood Information
Fuelwood Information and Permits may be purchased at Forest Service offices in Canon City, Pueblo, LaVeta or Westcliffe. Permits are available between January 15 and November 15. Calling ahead to purchase fuelwood permits at the La Veta or Westcliffe offices is recommended as those locations do not have regular business hours.
Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fires, whether broadcast burning or pile burning, combined with mechanical and/or hand thinning treatments, are effective land management tools frequently used to reduce the accumulation of hazardous fuels, including old and dense vegetation. Minimizing hazardous fuels reduces fire intensity and the risk of catastrophic wildland fires. In turn, this action minimizes the risk to firefighter and public safety. Additional benefits include improved wildlife habitat and long-term sustainability of healthier ecosystems and the services they provide.
For more information, please visit the Prescribed Fire Information page.
Volunteer Program
In past years, there have been more than 13,500 hours donated by groups and individuals, in just one season! These volunteer programs include search and rescue, volunteer fire fighters, campground and facility maintenance, trail maintenance and reconstruction, wildlife and fisheries, botany, fencing, snowmobile and ski, trail signing and trash removal.
For more information, please visit the Volunteering page or contact:
David Kill
Volunteer Coordinator
San Isabel National Forest
p: 719-269-8525
c. 719-431-4054
david.kill@usda.gov
Maps
**FREE** Motor Vehicle Use Maps:
- Avenza: San Carlos Ranger District - North Half or (PDF File)
- Avenza: San Carlos Ranger District - South Half or (PDF File)