Breckenridge Real Estate Blog

The White River National Forest surrounds Breckenridge, Colorado homes as well as real estate in Keystone and other Summit County towns and real estate.  Whether you’ve decided to retire to some choice Breckenridge real estate along the Blue River or ski slopes or maybe you are venturing out of a big city in search of a vacation home in Breckenridge—whatever the reason for your move, learn about the mountain environment for the safety and pleasure of your family and friends.  As a resident of real estate in Breckenridge, it will take years to explore the hundreds of miles of trails, off-road options, and camping and fishing spots.

The 2.3 million-acre White River National Forest is the top recreational forest in the nation.  It includes eight well-known wilderness areas where the “imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed,” each with its own regulations and historical background.  They include Collegiate Peaks, Eagles Nest, Flat Tops, Holy Cross, Hunter-Fryingpan, Ptarmigan Peak, Maroon Bells-Snowmass, and Raggeds.

The Wilderness offers physical challenges and profoundly beautiful scenery for people hiking, horseback riding, skiing, driving, or participating in other adventures like world-class downhill skiing, riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, mountaineering, rock climbing, hunting, wildflower collecting, and bird watching.  These areas are also a unique repository for cultural resources including artifacts and ancient structures.

Every excursion out into nature, however, must be undertaken with utmost care and safety in mind.  Each adventurer is responsible for his/her own safety, much of which can be attained by using common sense.  Those exploring the backcountry will need provisions and warm clothing.  Each one also needs to be aware of the changes caused by high altitudes and extreme weather.  As we experience wild places, whether extreme white water, hungry bears, or a ripening avalanche, all of our “Boy Scout” skills and more will be needed.

Beginning outdoorsmen are best off hiring guides or staying close to civilization and group activities.  Although there are many developed facilities within the White River National Forest for both family and group camping and picnicking, it is possible to camp for free off the beaten path where the stars are brighter and wildlife more abundant.

Within the Wilderness, there is minimal human activity near watersheds and headwaters of rivers and water systems that provide sources of clean water.  Generally speaking, mechanized and motorized equipment is not allowed in the Wilderness at all, and that includes bicycles, carts, boat motors, and hang gliders.  (However, we do have award-winning trail systems for mountain biking in other areas.)

These lands dedicated to preservation and protection of our natural resources for the present and future generations.  With your real estate purchase, you receive the benefit of priceless wilderness lands that will strengthen the spirit of your family and friends as they carefully explore their nearest woods and their tallest peaks.  Contact Rick Allemang at (970) 547-1002 for more information on vacation homes in the area.