Most of the Arapaho National Forest is now administered as the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Topography on the Arapaho National Forest varies from foothills in the east to snow covered peaks at over 14,000 feet along the Continental Divide.

The forest contains portions of the Never Summer, Indian Peaks, Byers Peak, Vasquez Peak and Mount Evans Wilderness Areas. Several Scenic Byways run through the forest: Peak to Peak, between Estes Park and Blackhawk; Guanella Pass between Georgetown and Grants View Mt. Bierstadt; Mount Evans, from Echo Lake to 14,152 feet on Mount Evans; and Colorado River Headwaters, from Rocky Mountain National Park, west to State Bridge. The Arapaho National Recreation Area covers over 36,000 acres and contains five major lakes. Boating and fishing are the primary activities, with many developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails available for public recreation.