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Wilderness

The 1964 Wilderness act defines Wilderness 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 ... an area protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions."

Wilderness helps protect critical habitats for a variety of species, as well as important natural resources, such as clean water. Wilderness also provides unique opportunities for recreation, challenge and solitude.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests includes ten Wilderness areas that encompass many of Colorado's peaks and forested terrain which are popular with hikers, backpackers and mountain climbers.

Please view the special regulations associated with Wilderness and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean and pristine.

Wilderness areas at Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests:

Other Protected Areas

Last updated March 25th, 2025