Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Since the 1892 creation of the Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve, this combined unit has grown to encompass 3 million acres across eleven western Colorado counties. Headquartered in Delta, the organization manages five distinct Ranger Districts that cover terrain ranging from 5,800 feet to the summit of Mount Sopris at 14,309 feet. The area supports five fourteeners and features ten designated wilderness zones alongside 3,600 miles of perennial streams. Outdoor enthusiasts utilize over 3,000 miles of trails and four scenic byways for activities including downhill skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing, backcountry camping, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle use. Navigation is facilitated by mobile-friendly apps and motor vehicle use maps, while specific activities such as collecting firewood, cutting Christmas trees, or conducting commercial filming require permits.