Roosevelt National Forest has been a national forest for over 100 years, but it's gone through three names since its establishment in 1897. First part of the Medicine Bow Forest Reserve, then the Colorado National Forest, it became the Roosevelt National Forest in 1932 to honor Theodore Roosevelt, who had been largely responsible for its preservation. Today, the forest still stretches over acre upon acre of not only woods, but mountain crags and wild rivers.

Roosevelt National Forest is close to such cities as Fort Collins and Denver and thus sees a lot of visitors year-round, whether they be hikers, anglers or snowshoers. However, the forest is so immense that you can choose whether you want to explore the well-worn and comfortable paths or strike out into the lonelier reaches of the forest. Some parts of Roosevelt have scarcely been touched, even now.

Whether you like the more frequented or less frequented parts of parks in general, there are certain sites you will want to visit in Roosevelt. Roosevelt National Forest's ridges are dramatic, punctuated by peaks up to 14,000 feet in height and steep cliffs. Glaciers lay still frozen on these mountain slopes, well after winter. The daring may want to scale near Niwot Ridge, which can be home to some of the fastest winds North America has - 160 mph.

As you scale down from the mountains, pay the Cache la Poudre a visit. This wild river is a favorite with anglers and rafters alike and beautiful just to watch, especially if you make a stop at Poudre Falls.

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