Flat Tops Wilderness - Routt
The US Congress designated the Flat Tops Wilderness in 1975 and it now has a total of 235,214 acres, located in Colorado. It is managed by the White River and Routt National Forests. In 1919, Arthur Carhart, a Forest Service landscape architect, realized the uniqueness of Wilderness when he stood on the shoreline of Trappers Lake. Carhart’s task was to survey the area to build a recreational housing development of summer cottages. However, what Carhart experienced at Trappers Lake, compelled him to strongly recommend to his supervisors that the area remain undeveloped. Behind Trappers Lake, loom steep volcanic cliffs and beyond them, a vast subalpine terrain yields to alpine tundra. The Flat Tops are part of the White River Plateau with an average elevation of about 10,000 feet. Approximately 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Wilderness. Flat Tops, also known as the “Cradle of Wilderness,” is where the idea of wilderness and the protection act put into place by Congress was first applied to public land.
The valleys and relatively gentle land above the cliffs offer over 160 miles of trails. Thousands of recreationists in search of hiking, backpacking, back country camping, horseback riding, hunting and fishing visit each year. The land is ideal for stock-users and traveling cross-country and elk, deer and moose visit the Wilderness in the summer. A skeletal forest of dead spruce and fir stretches across the higher slopes below the tundra, because of the eerie legacy of a 1940s bark beetle epidemic. In 2002, more than 17,000 acres burned around Trappers Lake and over 5,500 acres in the vicinity of Lost Lakes in the East Fork of the Williams Fork drainage, amounting to almost 10% of the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Trail access into the Wilderness area can be found at the following Trailheads:
- Mandall Trailhead
- Smith Lake Trailhead
- Stillwater Trailhead
- Sheriff Reservoir Trailhead
- Baldy Trailhead
- East Fork Trailhead
- Transfer Trailhead
Protect this special place for future use by following Leave No Trace techniques and wilderness restrictions.
General Information
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.
Paper and digital maps
USGS Store: Offers a full, nationwide selection of National Forest, Ranger District, Wilderness and Specialty Maps for purchase online or by phone.
Please fill out Wilderness Registration sheet at the Trailhead.
Motorized equipment and vehicles are prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles and carts. Wheelchairs are exempt.
Group size limit is 12 people with livestock combined.
Camping & campfires are prohibited within 100 feet, or more if posted, of all lakes, streams & trails to protect water quality. Thin soil & mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire & fires scar rocks & soil. Use of a stove, fire pan or existing fire ring is encouraged where fires are allowed.
Pets must be under voice control at all times.
Grazing stock must not be hobbled, tethered or picketed within 100 feet, or more if posted, of any lakes, streams or trails. This protects fragile vegetation & keeps lakes & streams clean.
Certified weed-free forage is required. Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw or mulch are allowed.
Permit is required for organized groups or commercial outfitters entering the Wilderness.
Short-cutting switchbacks on trails is prohibited.
Address: 300 Roselawn Avenue Yampa, CO 80483
Phone: (970) 638-4516
Hours: Please call the office for current operating hours. (Closed on federal holidays)
