The 1964 Congressional "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."
The Intermountain Region is home to 38 designated Wilderness Areas
covering approximately 5.5 million acres. In these special areas
you can enjoy primitive recreation and solitude in some of the Nation's
most impressive terrain.
Wilderness Areas are closed to all types of motor
vehicles, mechanical transport, hang gliders, and bicycles. In areas
that lie within culinary watersheds for city and counties, special
restriction concerning camping, swimming, and domestic animals may
apply.
Activities specifically prohibited in the Wilderness Act are: commercial
enterprises; roads and structures; the landing of aircraft; the
use of motorized equipment; and motor or mechanical transport. Before
visiting a Wilderness Area, check with the appropriate Forest Service
office for regulations.
Wilderness is a precious and fragile resource. A few simple rules
of self-conduct will permit you to enjoy an exceptional wilderness
experience. Enduring the quality of wilderness depends on you. Help
protect the wilderness by following the wilderness regulations and
incorporating wilderness ethics into your backcountry activities.
In the wilderness, you will have the opportunity to experience
challenge, self-reliance, and the reward of discovery; but you are
also responsible for your own safety. In an area that is unfamiliar
or new, there are few posted signs, so you must know how to read
a map and use a compass. You may need to be your own doctor and
must be prepared for accidents and dramatic changes in weather.
Please follow all visitor rules
and practice good safety
when visiting the National Forests.
Important Links
Wilderness.net
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