Public Lands

72% of Delta County is managed by public lands agencies. We offer some of the premiere parks, wilderness, conservation areas and waters in the state of Colorado. Look thru the information here and find your hidden gem.

Diverse Destinations

Visit Archaeology Sites with Respect Watch this short video

Scenic Byways

The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has funded 2,832 projects for state and nationally designated byway routes in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.

National Parks (NP), National Conservation Areas (NCA), Wildernesses and Wilderness Study Areas (WSA)

Various acts of Congress and regulations set up by the Department and the Service have, during the years, become resolved into general policies for the protection, conservation, and administration of the national park and monument system. Since 1916, the American people have entrusted the National Park Service with the care of their national parks. With the help of volunteers and park partners, we are proud to safeguard these nearly 400 places and to share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year.

State Parks

Attracting over 11 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 state parks and statewide recreation programs are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life, offering some of the highest quality outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks include a variety of landscapes to match the state’s geography, from urban playgrounds to back-country retreats, from mountain lakes to whitewater adventure.

Crawford State Park - Jet Ski

Jet Ski at Crawford State Park

Crawford State Park is known for the Fireworks over the lake during Crawford Pioneer Days. This State Park is a local favorite due to the magical scenery and the wonderful picnic sites with fishing.

People enjoy this Park for it’s natural beauty as well. Visit Paonia State Park for great fishing, picnic sites, camping, wildlife and boating.

Sweitzer State Park in Delta is another favorite with boaters. The visitor center has some great information. You will find this to be a perfect place for motorized boating, camping, fishing, bird watching and picnic sites.

BLM

BLM lands are often thought of as America’s Great Outdoors, and public lands in Colorado are a perfect example of that. The BLM manages 8.4 million acres of public lands in Colorado ranging from 4,000 to over 14,000 feet in elevation. Those lands include beautiful desert landscapes, remote wilderness river canyons, majestic mesas, and fragile alpine tundra with stunning vistas of Colorado’s magnificent high country.

Under its’ “multiple use” mandate, BLM balances recreation and preservation of sensitive plant and animal species, rangeland and wildlife habitat, air and water quality, and scenic and cultural values with environmentally responsible commercial and traditional uses of the land. Coloradans rely on their public lands for recreation, cultural and historical tourism, hunting, wilderness, mining and energy development, and sheep and cattle grazing.

Though many BLM recreation areas offer restrooms, picnic tables, and camping areas, most sites are primitive with few or no facilities. Visitors are encouraged to learn more about public lands before they come to ensure they are properly prepared for their adventures. Check BLM websites for special regulations, fees, and permit requirements.

U.S. Forest Service

The founding of the National Forest System and the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has its roots in the last quarter of the 19th century. The national forests (at first called forest reserves) began with the Forest Reserve Act of 1891, which allowed the president to establish forest reserves from timber covered public domain land. Several early leaders and visionaries, along with willing presidents (especially Teddy Roosevelt), scientific and conservation organizations, and newly trained forestry professionals, led the successful effort in retaining millions of acres of Federal forest land for future generations.

The pride and professionalism continue in the Forest Service today. The United States currently has a system of 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands, and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land. The Forest Service has evolved into a 30,000 employee agency that manages the national forests for a number of multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish, and wildlife. The history of the agency is long and remarkable. Over the last century, the Forest Service has initiated numerous, innovative products and procedures, as well as led the country and the world in scientific forestry matters. How the Forest Service got to where it is today is a fascinating story of people, places, politics, laws, and controversies.

Hiking in Delta County

Delta County is diverse in its terrain and offers numerous hiking trails and peaks to summit. From canyon floors to alpine heights you will find just what you are looking for.

For a list of peaks visit: http://listsofjohn.com/PeakStats/gmapcty.php?c=68

For a great blog about the area’s outdoor attractions visit: http://www.summitpost.org/delta-county-colorado/528479

For a map of Jumbo Mountain for Mtn Biking http://www.mbpost.com/jumbo-mountain/289764

The Crag’s Crest National Recreation Trail provides those with the will to hike it generous 360 degree views.

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