A Glimpse Back at the Cameron Peak Fire

Cedar Springs Reservoir
Aug 10
2 min read

In mid‑August 2020, a wildfire ignited near Chambers Lake in Roosevelt National Forest—soon becoming one of the most devastating blazes Colorado has ever seen. The Cameron Peak Fire, which began on August 13, grew rapidly and persisted until its full containment on December 2, burning an astounding 208,663 to 208,913 acres of forest and parkland across Larimer and Jackson Counties, as well as Rocky Mountain National Park

Timeline & Growth

The fire first broke out near Cameron Pass and rapidly spread through dense, beetle‑kill−affected forests under extreme heat and wind conditions
By August 16, it had grown to approximately 10,867 acres, prompting road closures and evacuation orders for nearby communities
Through the fall, high winds further pushed the fire eastward; between October 13 and 18, it surged by 68,000 acres, marking a period of aggressive expansion
By mid‑October, it surpassed the Pine Gulch Fire to become Colorado’s largest wildfire in recorded history, eventually exceeding 200,000 acres

Evacuations & Losses

The fire displaced over 20,000 residents, including towns such as Estes Park, Red Feather Lakes, and Granby. Key highways—U.S. 34 and Highway 14—were closed for extended periods
Tragically, 469 structures were destroyed, including 42 primary residences and numerous outbuildings

Final Containment

Through sustained firefighting efforts, containment reached 85% by early November, and all evacuation orders were lifted. The fire was declared 100% contained on December 2, after 112 relentless days

Why It Matters

The Cameron Peak Fire stands as a stark reminder of how quickly wildfires can escalate under the combined pressures of climate-driven heat, drought-stricken forests, and rugged terrain. Its scale challenged firefighting capabilities and reshaped how Colorado plans for and responds to wildfire risk.

Recovery & Long-Term Impacts

The Bobcat Ridge area—80% charred in the fire—saw restoration efforts such as trail rebuilding and infrastructure repair, with public access restored by September 2021
Aerial vegetation loss increased erosion risk and contamination in watersheds, necessitating advanced monitoring and sediment control efforts
Reforestation has been slow and challenging. Researchers highlight forest ecosystems’ declining ability to recover naturally—calling for new approaches in planting and restoration
Volunteer groups like the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers contributed significantly to trail and habitat restoration, logging thousands of volunteer hours, clearing trails, and replanting native grasses and trees

Final Thoughts

The Cameron Peak Fire was not just a dramatic wildfire—it reshaped our understanding of ecosystem resilience, emergency response, and community recovery. As climate change continues to ratchet up fire risk, the lessons learned from 2020 are more vital than ever.