Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests
Thunder Basin National Grassland

Wilderness areas were created with the passage of the Wilderness Act in 1964

Congress created the National Wilderness Preservation System and designated certain lands as Wilderness. These areas are managed to preserve their natural conditions and wild character for present and future generations. They possess outstanding ecological, geological, scientific, educational, scenic or historic values. All or parts of 10 wildernesses are located on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

Additional information is available at District offices or Contact us for more information.

The SAVAGE RUN WILDERNESS (a)

Located on the Laramie Ranger District. Elevations vary from 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Steep-sided canyons are located at low elevations while rolling, plateau-like terrain can be found at higher elevations. The Savage Run Trail traverses the wilderness along Savage Run Creek.SEE MAP

The PLATTE RIVER WILDERNESS (b)

Located on the Laramie, Brush Creek /Hayden and Parks Ranger Districts and has an average elevation of 7,700 feet. The Platte River is a blue ribbon trout fishing stream and is a popular waterway for rafting and kayaking.SEE MAP

The ENCAMPMENT RIVER WILDERNESS (c)

Located on the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District and has an average elevation of 7,800 feet. The Encampment River flows through a narrow rugged canyon and varies from narrow, rushing rapids to calm, smooth stretches. The hike along the river offers views of historical mines and cabins. SEE MAP

The HUSTON PARK WILDERNESS (d)

Located on Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District. The terrain rises to an elevation of 10,500 feet and contains alpine bogs, spruce, fir, lodge pole pine, and aspen forests. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail traverses the wilderness and offers panoramic, high-country views.SEE MAP

 

The MT. ZIRKEL WILDERNESS (e)

Located on the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears and Parks Ranger Districts. The wilderness is home to the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment and North Platte rivers, some 70 lakes, high mountain peaks (including 12,180-foot Mount Zirkel for which it is named) and a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. It encompasses the rugged Sawtooth Range and portions of the Park and Sierra Madre ranges.SEE MAP

The SARVIS CREEK WILDERNESS (f)

Located on the Yampa Ranger District. Lands in this wilderness area lie in mid-elevations with lodge pole pine, Engelmann spruce, and sub alpine fir forest covering most of the wilderness.SEE MAP

The FLAT TOPS WILDERNESS (g)

Located on the Yampa Ranger District and the White River National Forest. Elevations range from 7,640 to 12,354 feet. This is the second largest Wilderness Area in Colorado and it has great opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.SEE MAP

The NEVER SUMMER, RAWAH, and NEOTA WILDERNESS (h)

The Parks Ranger District shares the management of these Areas with the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests.SEE MAP

WILDERNESS ETHICS

Wilderness is for you to use and enjoy but you must do your part to protect it. Practice Leave No Trace techniques to minimize your impact on the land and other visitors. More information is available at www.LNT.org.

CAMPING – choose an existing campsite at least 200 feet from lakes, streams and trails.

CAMPFIRES – use a camp stove instead of a fire. If you must have a fire, do it at least 200 feet from lakes, streams and trails; use an existing fire ring or build a low-impact mound fire.

SANITATION – bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from lakes or streams. Do all washing with biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from lakes or streams. Pack out all garbage and leftover food.

TRAILS – stay on existing trails and avoid shortcutting switchbacks.

WILDERNESS REGULATIONS

Regulations are in effect to protect the land and the primitive experience. Wilderness regulations vary between areas. Please learn them before entering. Check with district office for more information. The following regulations apply to all wildernesses on the forest.

MOTORIZED/MECHANIZED EQUIPMENT – All forms of motorized equipment and mechanical transport are not allowed. This includes motorcycles, ATV's, snowmobiles, aircraft, bicycles, game carts, chain saws, etc.

GROUP SIZE – group size may not exceed a combination of 25 people and livestock with the maximum number of people being 15.

PETS – pets must be under control at all times to prevent harassment of wildlife and other visitors.

SAFETY

Plan your route. Let a responsible party know your plans. Carry appropriate topographic maps and compass—know how to use them. Sign in at trail registers.

Prepare for extremes in weather. Bring the equipment necessary to stay warm and dry. Lightning is common—avoid exposed areas, lone trees and shallow caves during storms.

Hazardous organisms exist in back country water. Water from all back country sources should be treated before drinking it.

Carry first aid and emergency supplies and know how to use them.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.For the latest road and weather information . . .ROAD INFO: Wyoming: (888) WYO-ROAD (in state) (307) 772-0824 (out of state) www.wydotweb.state.wy.us Colorado: (877) 315-7623 (in state, but not in Denver) (303) 639-1111 (Denver or out of state) www.cotrip.orgWEATHER INFO: Wyoming: www.crh.noaa.gov/cys Colorado: www.crh.noaa.gov/den

USDA Forest Service, Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests, Thunder Basin National Grassland
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Last modified September 16, 2008