In the 1976 Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the BLM was directed to inventory areas for their wilderness characteristics. These areas are known as wilderness study areas (WSA). Until Congress makes a final decision either to designate these areas as wilderness or release them for other multiple-uses, the BLM manages WSAs to preserve their suitability for designation as wilderness. There are 53 WSAs in Colorado, and each is managed by the field office in which it is located.

These BLM Offices managed WSAs in Colorado: Canyons of the Ancients, Uncompahgre Field Office, Gunnison Field Office, Little Snake Field Office, Royal Gorge Field Office, Saguache Field Office, White River Field Office, Glenwood Springs Field Office, Dolores Field Office, Grand Junction Field Office, Columbine Field Office, Kremmling Field Office, La Jara Field Office.