Reservations are now open for popular destinations within White River National Forest, with some locations expected to book quickly. 

Campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts can secure spots for developed campgrounds, group sites, and high-traffic areas in advance.

Most of the more than 50 developed campgrounds in White River National Forest allow reservations up to six months ahead on recreation.gov. Group sites accommodating larger parties can be reserved one year in advance. The campgrounds begin opening as early as mid-May, drawing visitors eager to explore one of Colorado’s most visited forests.

According to an article published by Summit Daily on February 19, Hanging Lake, a popular hiking destination, remains closed as reconstruction efforts continue. The trail is set to reopen in the summer.

At Maroon Bells Scenic Area, general parking and shuttle reservations opened on Feb. 18 at VisitMaroonBells.com. Shuttle access will run from May 24 through Oct. 20, while parking reservations will be available from May 15 through July 31. 

Additional parking slots for August through October will be released on June 17.

Backcountry travelers planning overnight stays in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness must secure permits through recreation.gov. This applies to popular locations such as Conundrum Hot Springs, the Four Pass Loop, and Capitol Lake.

 Reservations for April 1 through July 31 are currently open, with bookings for August through November set to become available on June 15.

White River National Forest, spanning over 2.3 million acres, remains a prime destination for outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Its high visitation rates make early reservations essential, particularly during peak summer months.

The reservation system aims to manage capacity effectively and enhance visitor experiences.