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Parks Ranger District

Walden, Colorado · Jackson County · Facility

The Parks Ranger District is nestled into the Northwest Central Mountains of Colorado, bordered on the north by Wyoming, the Medicine Bow Mountains and the Rawah Wilderness on the east, the Zirkel Wilderness on the west, and the Park and Rabbit Ears ranges to the south (also known as the Troublesome Area). These Nation…

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About Parks Ranger District

The Parks Ranger District is nestled into the Northwest Central Mountains of Colorado, bordered on the north by Wyoming, the Medicine Bow Mountains and the Rawah Wilderness on the east, the Zirkel Wilderness on the west, and the Park and Rabbit Ears ranges to the south (also known as the Troublesome Area). These National Forest lands encircle 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. Parks Ranger District is one of six Ranger Districts on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, and is situated east of the Continental Divide. There are three Ranger Districts in Colorado and three in Wyoming. The Parks Ranger District Office is located in Walden, the only incorporated town in North Park.Forest Service Maps for the Medicine Bow or Routt National Forests may be obtained at any of our district offices for $14.00 over the phone with a credit card. Motor Vehicle Use Maps (or MVUMs) can quickly tell you if a motorized route is open or if dispersed camping is allowed along a particluar road, and are free to you at your request. Please call the Parks Ranger District at 970-723-8204 for more detailed information.There are numerous recreation activities available on the Parks Ranger District. Select Mount Zirkel/Park Range, Snowy Range, or Troublesome under 'Areas & Activities' in the right-hand sidebar to find recreation sites on the Parks Ranger District.Scroll down for area-specific activities, locations and maps.

Plan Your Visit to Parks Ranger District

Heading to Parks Ranger District? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Parks Ranger District?

No central reservation system listed for Parks Ranger District. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252098) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Parks Ranger District?

From Walden, CO, at the intersection of Hwy 14 and Hwy 125, head north. The Ranger District is on the left after 0.6 miles.