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Raggeds Wilderness - White River

Raggeds Wilderness covers 65,443 acres spanning Gunnison and White River National Forests. Elevations range from 7,000 to about 13,000 feet. Prominent rocky slopes point upward to a serrated ridge which gives Raggeds Wilderness its name. Ragged Mountain in the northern half rises to 12,094 feet, but other scenic peaks in the area summit higher.

Some points of interest in the Raggeds Wilderness are: Dark Canyon, Chair Mountain, Marcellina Mountain, Mount Justice, Treasury Mountain, and Oh-Be-Joyful Pass. Anthracite Creek passes through the deep Dark Canyon in the heart of the Wilderness. Oh-Be-Joyful Pass (11,740’), with the long sweep of Oh-Be-Joyful Creek Valley below it, was added to the area in 1993. You'll have to ford the Slate River to access the seven miles of the Oh-Be-Joyful Pass Trail.

A dense coniferous forest covers the creek bottoms. During autumn you'll see expanses of aspens ablaze in shimmering yellow with rock bands of red, gray, and black rising above a mix of gold and green. There are more than 90 miles of constructed trails in this Wilderness. 

Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean, and pristine.

General Information

Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are prohibited; this includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) may not take off, land, or be operated within designated Wilderness.

See: Raggeds Wilderness Occupancy and Use

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Groups

Holy Cross Wilderness, White River NF

The White River National Forest has eight wilderness areas

Last updated February 19th, 2025