More than 700 miles of trails are available for backpacking and saddle trips into the back country. Twin Lake and Turquoise Lake recreation areas, near Leadville, and the Spanish Peaks National Natural Landmark, near La Veta, provide opportunities for summer activities and camping. Many easy, family-friendly hikes are available in the forest, including the San Carlos Trail near Beulah and the Wachob Trail near Colorado City.
Holy Cross, Mount Massive and Collegiate Peaks wildernesses are accessible by foot or horseback. Numerous ghost towns from Colorado's mining heyday dot the region.
Among the 17 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in San Isabel National Forest is 14,433-foot Mount Elbert, highest in the state. The high mountain reaches afford summer range for deer, bears, elk, grouse, mountain sheep and turkeys.
For more information write the Forest Superintendent, San Isabel National Forest, 2840 Kachina Dr., Pueblo, CO 81008; phone (719) 553-1400.