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Drone Rules for White River National Forest

Eagle County, Colorado (CO) • United States
White River National Forest, Colorado 81637, USA
Lat: 39.4375 • Lng: -106.813
Ground Not fully verified Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFS White River NF encompasses Colorado's major ski resorts (Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone) and eight Wilderness Areas. The Eagle County/Aspen areas have active Class D airspace inside the forest.

Drone Rules - White River NF, Colorado

Eight Wilderness Areas (Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Eagles Nest, Holy Cross, Hunter-Fryingpan, Flat Tops, Collegiate Peaks, Ptarmigan Peak, Raggeds) ban drones.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Eagle County Regional (EGE) Class D sits inside the forest boundary ~5 NM from Vail ski area -- LAANC required for any flight in the valley
  • Aspen-Pitkin County (ASE) Class D is in the Roaring Fork Valley; Maroon Bells Wilderness begins at the upper valley
  • Maroon Bells is a wilderness area -- one of the most photographed spots in Colorado; no drones even from the parking area overlook

Key Rules

  • LAANC required near EGE and ASE; check altitude grid squares on B4UFLY before ski resort flights
  • Wilderness boundary at Maroon Lake is only 0.5 miles from the parking shuttle stop
  • USFS Special Use Permit and photography permit required for commercial work in any portion of the forest

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