USA 250 Shirt →

Pike National Forest

Air Quality Alert issued July 21 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO

4:10 PM — July 22nd, 4:00 PM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Ozone Action Day Alert. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday July 21 to 400 PM Wednesday July 22 IMPACTS...Ozone Action Day Alert is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Hot and sunny weather with limited chances for afternoon storms will allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday elevated ozone is possible in the Denver Metro area, Fort Collins, Greeley, and surrounding areas. On Wednesday the highest ozone is expected to be confined to locations within the Denver Metro area. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults and people with lung disease, such as asthma. Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Arapaho National Forest

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

Arapaho National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Overview

Pike National Forest is part of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) administrative unit, covering nearly 3 million acres across Colorado and Kansas. The Pike portion encompasses over 1.1 million acres in Colorado's Front Range, west of Colorado Springs, including the iconic Pikes Peak. The forest is currently open with moderate to high fire danger levels depending on district. Recent alerts include downed and weakened trees on the South Platte Ranger District from sustained high winds (December 2025), and the Turkey Tracks shooting range remains closed following the controlled Turkey Tracks 69 wildfire (22 acres, controlled as of November 30, 2025). Several area-specific closures are in effect for resource protection, including wilderness camping restrictions, bear protection orders, raptor nest site closures, and seasonal restrictions. Current fire danger is rated High for Pikes Peak and South Platte districts, and Moderate for South Park district. The forest offers diverse recreation including wilderness areas (Lost Creek, Buffalo Peaks, Mount Evans), the Colorado Trail, 14ers, dispersed camping, and extensive backcountry opportunities. Winter prescribed pile burning operations are underway in some areas. As always, check current conditions with local ranger districts before heading out, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!