A Summer Vacation in 

 P age Five The Sopris National Forest 



as scenery, can be reached from Aspen. From here, Hunter, Castle, 

 and Maroon Creeks, Roaring Fork, and their tributaries, branch out 

 in the form of a huge fan. Each of these streams with its tribu- 

 taries, lakes, and surrounding mountain peaks offers ideal camping 

 places. 



Good trout fishing may be found in practically all the streams 

 and lakes of the Sopris. The Forest Service is cooperating with 

 the State and Federal fish hatcheries in annually stocking these 

 waters to keep up the supply. The yearly distribution of fry is 

 500,000. A local hatchery, supported by the Pitkin County Sports- 

 men's Association in cooperation with the State, produces from 

 300,000 to 500,000 fry twice each year. Forest officers have also 

 assisted in distributing fry from this hatchery. 



Excellent fishing is to be had in the Frying Pan River, and 

 big catches are of almost daily occurrence. The Roaring Fork 

 and Crystal River are also fine trout streams. Snowmass Take, 

 Snowmass Creek, and Capitol Lake probably offer as attractive 

 daily catches as any other waters in the region. A large number 

 of the high country lakes, some of which are above timber line, 

 offer excellent fishing grounds, and the long journey necessary to 

 reach them is usually rewarded by good catches and keen sport. 



Big Game Areas 



Grazing of domestic stock has been eliminated from an area at 

 the head of Rocky Ford Creek, which has been set aside as a game 

 preserve. This locality is serving as an excellent breeding ground 

 for wild game, and elk and deer have been observed here by many 

 visitors passing through the Forest. 



In April, 191 3, 16 head of elk were released on Smuggler 

 Mountain near Aspen, and in March, 1914, 22 head were turned 

 out at the same point. In March, 1915, 24 elk were turned out 



