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Mount Zirkel/Park Range Area

The Mount Zirkel/Park Range area is on the Routt National Forest in northwestern Colorado. It consists mainly of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and other surrounding recreation sites. It is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District on the west side and the Parks Ranger District on the east side.

The United States Congress designated the Mount Zirkel Wilderness in 1964 as one of the original areas protected under the Wilderness Act. It has a total of 159,935 acres. All of this wilderness is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. These National Forest lands are on the west side of what is known as "North Park," an open, sagebrush upland of 40 square miles.  It is one of three parks in Colorado, joining "Middle Park" and "South Park" in the trio.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 31 results

Beaver Creek Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Trailhead parking is ample and ideal for parking horse trailers and unloading horses. The trail provides a good access to the Mt Zirkel Wilderness, great for groups with horses who want to get away…

Big Creek Lake Boat Access

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This Campground and boat launch will close on October 21st, 2024.This is a primitive boat ramp to launch small motorized craft. There is a no wake restriction near shore. The area provides picnic…

Big Creek Lakes Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Currently there is no potable water, campers should come prepared with their own water. No date has been determined as to when it will have potable water again. Big Creek Lakes Campground is the…

Big Creek Lakes Day Use Area

Site Open
Picnicking Horse Riding and Camping Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This Day Use Area will close on October 21st, 2024.Picnic tables, fishing access and general recreation opportunities in this beautiful lakeside setting near portal to Mount Zirkel Wilderness. This…

Buffalo Ridge Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Designated trailhead with access to trails into Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Parking at the trailhead is adequate provided parked vehicles are parked conservatively. Trail grade varies substantially…

Encampment Tie Hack Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Small interpretive panels on tie hack history; access to short trail to cabin ruins and other cultural sites. This is a non-motorized, multi-use trail.  

Encampment Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Designated trailhead with access to trails into Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Facilities include outhouse and horse corral. Setting is managed forest area. Timberline is at approximately 10,500 feet…

Grizzly Guard Station Recreation Rental

Site Temporarily Closed
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Scenic Drives Winter Sports
At an elevation of 8,500 feet, Grizzly Creek Guard Station is located between Walden and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in the Routt National Forest. Historic Grizzly Creek Guard Station sleeps 5 and…

Last updated August 13, 2025