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Wilderness areas
Wilderness is defined as a portion of land set aside by the 1964 Congressional Wilderness Act that will remain unspoiled for future generations. The Wilderness Act gave the U.S. Forest Service a mandate to manage these special lands so they would be "an enduring resource," one that would remain "unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness."
In contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate that landscape, a wilderness is recognized as an area '…where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain". Wilderness areas are generally over 5,000 acres in size and may contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.
Please view the special regulations associated with Wilderness and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine.
Rio Grande National Forest manages four Wilderness areas:
At a Glance
| Usage: | Medium |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | Wilderness restrictions apply. |
| Water: | Treat all non-potable water before consuming. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Rio Grande National Forest offices |
General Information
General Notes:Topo maps
Forest Service Topography Maps: These maps overlay Forest Service assets, such as roads, trails, and campgrounds, on USGS's topographic maps. They are available for download by quadrangle.
Buy maps online
National Forest Store: Offers a full, nationwide selection of National Forest, Ranger District, Wilderness, and Specialty Maps for purchase online or by phone, fax, and mail.
Colorado’s Fourteeners
Find more information about climbing Colorado’s peaks at the Rocky Mountain Region 14ers page.
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for additional maps and information about Wilderness.
Backcountry Ethics
Practice Leave No Trace techniques to prevent and minimize your impact on the land and to other visitors.
Activities
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at Wilderness areas
- La Garita Wilderness: Rio Grande
- Sangre de Cristo Wilderness: Rio Grande
- South San Juan Wilderness: Rio Grande
- Weminuche Wilderness: Rio Grande
Backpacking
Areas for Backpacking at Wilderness areas
Horse Riding
Areas for Horse Riding at Wilderness areas
