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Park Conditions
Park Conditions
Kayaking

  • Boating

    Boating is open in the warmer months on North Michigan Reservoir at wakeless speeds (5 mph or less). Stand up paddle boards are allowed ONLY on the North Michigan Reservoir. Please call our Moose Visitor Center at (970) 723-8366 for more information. No Watercraft (boats, SUPs) or swimming of any kind is allowed on Ranger Lakes.​​​

    (Updated: 7/23/2023 2:41 PM)

  • Camping

    Camping is by reservation only.  A select few sites will be maintained during the winter. Call 1-800-244-5613 to reserve a campsite 6 months in advance​. 

    Check the "Alerts" section on the front page of our website for up-to-date information on water at campgrounds.

    (Updated: 7/23/2023 2:48 PM)

  • Cell Phone Coverage

    We have very limited cell phone coverage in most of the park, however there may be enhanced service near the entrance gate at CR41. NO public WiFi is available. 

    As you travel toward the town of Walden, cell phone coverage improves.
    (Updated: 2/15/2022 1:45 PM)

  • Fishing Report

    North Michigan Reservoir and Ranger Lakes are popular fishing areas. They are stocked monthly during summer months. The most common fish are rainbow and brown trout. The rivers around the park are also popular fishing spots. 
    (Updated: 7/23/2023 2:49 PM)

  • Hunting

    Hunting is allowed in the State Forest State Park. Hunting brochures can be found on the Publications page.


    Game Management Units 6 and 171 are within the park.

    Hunting is allowed on park and standard regulations apply, please note that in accordance with State Park regulations weapons, including bows and firearms, can only be discharged while actively hunting (no target shooting), and no less than 100 yards out from any campground, structure, trail or road.

    Several small game seasons are still ongoing on park.

    Contact the following for guided hunts:​​

    (Updated: 10/26/2022 10:35 AM)

  • Road Conditions

    To check for the road conditions along HWY 14 refer to COTRIP.org Road Conditions​. Check the "Alerts" section on the front page of our website for any construction closures.

    (Updated: 7/23/2023 2:50 PM)

  • Trails

    Some trailheads are open and accessible year around. The trails are multi-use. Check our "Alerts" section on the main website page for current closures.

    Pick up a waterproof/tearproof Trail Guide from the Moose Visitor Center when open for detailed information on trail use, distance, altitude, etc.

    The Gould Loop trail located behind the Visitor Center is handicap accessible for the first 1/2 mile. I follows the river and has beautiful views of the mountains.

    There is OHV/Snowmobile trailer parking lot off CR-41 to offload OHVs and snowmobiles for access to all trails on CR41. No direct acces to CR41 trails from Ranger Lakes Campground. 

    Please remember to purchase a valid registration for your OHV or snowmobile at the Moose Visitor Center!
    (Updated: 7/23/2023 2:54 PM)

  • Water Levels

    North Michigan Reservoir is full and boats and SUPs are allowed with proper PFDs. No water recreaction allowed on Ranger Lakes, however it is open for fishing.

    (Updated: 7/23/2023 2:55 PM)

  • Weather

    Due to the topography of this area, weather can change rapidly. For local updated weather, please see the weather.gov website for Gould, Colorado, as the closest point for a weather forecast.​

    (Updated: 12/13/2022 10:27 AM)

  • Winter Conditions

    Winter can be variable in the area. Watch for icy steep inclines and always be prepared for the weather.  Check COTrip.org for road conditions.

    (Updated: 12/13/2022 10:33 AM)

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