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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 11-7 does Class 2. Figure 11-1 shows the stream classifications of various streams within the Study Area. 5. Recreation and Aesthetics The St. Vrain Basin offers a variety of recreational resources that are characteristic of the Front Range Region. Recreation opportunities and activities vary with location within the Basin. A portion of Rocky Mountain National Park occupies about 40 sq mi in the northwest corner of the Basin, together wi th the out lying Twin Sisters Area. Numerous trai Is in the park provide scenic views with typical activities including hiking, picnicking, camping and nature interpretation. South of the Nat ional Park I ies the Indian Peaks Wi Iderness Area administered by the U.S. Forest Service. This also contains spectacular high country scenery but is more remote from motorized access. The Indian Peaks Wi Iderness Area is the most heavi Iy used wi Iderness area in the Rocky Mountain region (Tyler, 1984, personal communication), Most of the western half of the Basin is within the Roosevelt National Forest which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service for multiple use. The mountainous forested terrain offers significant scenic enjoyment, wi Id- life, fishing and hunting opportunities. Also, the upper reaches of the north, middle and south branches of S1. Vrain Creek are classi fied as impor- tant fishing streams. Some scattered blocks of private land within the Front Range moun- tains support individual and organized recreation activities. In the area from the hogback eastward, most land is privately owned. Most users are local although the National Park attracts out-of-state visitors. The majority of recreational use occurs in the summer. There are significant winter activ- i ties such as cross coun try sk i i ng and snowmobil i ng and big and sma I I-game hunting in the fal I. The aesthetic quality of the western mountainous area of the Basin is characterized by spectacular alpine features, rugged terrain and commanding views of the surrounding country. Seasonal changes are marked, with some snow and ice visible all year, and alpine flowers providing colorful ephemeral displays in summer. Distinctive rock features, waterfalls, and vegetation patterns near tree line occur with rare, man-made modifications to the land- scape. Below tree-I ine, the landscape becomes heavi Iy forested wi th rugged mountains, dissected by deep, steep-sided valleys. The transition from for- ested mountains to open plains is marked by the Hogback ridges which form distinctive topographic landmarks. The area is seen and experienced largely by local residents at lower elevations, those driving the highways. and by recreational users. U.S. Highway 36 (Boulder to Estes Park) and State Highway 7 (Lyons to Estes Park) are designated scenic highways by the State of Colorado.