Trails and Roads at State Forest
There are 71,000 acres of forest, and an abundance of multi-use trails. Please check the Hiking & Mountain Biking Guide, the Horseback Riding Brochure, and the Winter Recreation Guide for more information. Check out some of the trails:
Lake Agnes Trail Permitted uses: Foot, ski and snowshoe Miles: .8 miles one-way summer / 2.5 miles one-way winter Elevation: 10,320 feet Elevation gain: 400 feet (summer) 1000 feet (winter) Comments: Short hike into the Lake Agnes scenic area. Spectacular views of Nokhu Crags. Fly and lure fishing at Lake Agnes. Historic cabin located at the trailhead. No camping or fires permitted.
Gould Loop Trail Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, ski and snowshoe Miles: 6.5 miles round-trip Elevation: 9,400 feet Elevation gain: 240 feet Comments: The loop trail starts either at the Moose Visitor Center or at Ranger Lakes and parallels the middle fork of the MI River. Great moose habitat along the trail. Fly & lure fishing permitted in MI River.
Ranger Lakes Nature Trail Permitted uses: Foot Miles: 1.5 miles round-trip Elevation: 9,280 feet Elevation gain: 100 feet Comments: Access from Ranger Lakes Day Use parking lot or Campground. Numbered markers along the trail match a self-guiding nature brochure. Anglers use trail to access Ranger Lakes. Bait fishing is permitted at these lakes, a very popular family use area. American Lakes Trail Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, ski, snowshoe and snowmobile Miles: 5.5 miles one-way summer / 8.5 miles one-way winter Elevation: 9,520 feet Elevation gain: 1520 feet Comments: Trail ends at American Lakes with options over Thunder Pass into RMNP or up to Snow Lake. Spectacular views w/fly & lure fishing permitted. A great backpack trip. Fires prohibited above timberline. VOC construction of new trail on upper route.
Kelly and Clear Lake Trails Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, ski, snowshoe and snowmobile Miles: 6.5 miles one-way for Kelly, 7 miles one-way for Clear Elevation: 8,505 feet Elevation gain: 2000+ feet Comments: Great for backpackers and horseback riders. Both share the first 1.5 miles and lead to the high alpine lakes w/ spectacular views. Fly & lure fishing permitted. No fires above timberline. Access the N. Canadian Yurt & Hidden Valley Trail.
Ruby Jewel Route Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, motorcycle, ATV, jeep, ski, snowshoe and snowmobile Miles: 4 miles one-way summer / 8 miles one-way winter Elevation: 9,146 feet Elevation gain: feet 800 Comments: Most passenger vehicles can travel the first mile to the car parking area or the Ruby Jewel Yurt. 4X4's can continue for another two miles where the route dead-ends at the Ruby Jewel Trailhead. Dispersed vehicle camping is permitted.
Bull Mountain Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, motorcycle, ATV, jeep, snowmobile Miles: 7 miles one-way summer / 4 miles one-way winter Comments: This trail offers something for all riders. It follows an old logging road through the forest and makes a steady ascent up Bull Mountain. At 4 miles you can branch to the right to access North Michigan Reservoir. The left fork continues for another 2 miles along a jeep road. In the winter this trail is packed and groomed for snowmobiling.
Diamond Peaks Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, motorcycle, ATV, ski, snowshoe Miles: 7 miles one-way summer / 1 mile one-way winter Elevation gain: 1250 feet Comments: Perfect trail for ATVs or motorcycles in the summer. This is a popular destination in the winter for extreme skiing. High avalanche-prone areas.
Bockman Road Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, motorcycle, ATV, jeep, ski, snowshoe and snowmobile Miles: 6 miles one-way Elevation gain: 1230 feet Comments: This road climbs above 10,000 feet getting more difficult toward the top. Then it descends to Highway 14. Great winter trail for skiers and snowshoers looking for a strenuous workout. This trail is also a popular groomed snowmobile route.
Montgomery Pass Route Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, motorcycle, ATV, jeep, ski, snowshoe and snowmobile Miles: 4 miles one-way summer / 6.5 miles one-way winter Elevation: 9,020 feet Elevation gain: 2430 feet Comments: This trail is a true 4X4 drive experience. Vehicles will encounter lots of rock, dips and steep conditions. At it ends it's only a short walk to the top of the ridge for spectacular views. Used to access Montgomery Pass Yurts & Trail. Dispersed camping.
Mendenhall Route Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, motorcycle, ATV, jeep, ski, snowshoe and snowmobile Miles: 8 miles one-way Elevation: 8,600 Elevation gain: 2000 feet Comments: Route is popular for hunters and can be used to access Medicine Bow Trail, Route NF and the N. Sand Dunes. Dispersed vehicle camping is permitted. Spectacular views await at the top of the ridge - you can see all the way to WY and west to Mount Zirkel