Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

Wilderness

Congress established the National Wilderness Preservation System, under the Wilderness Act of 1964. Under this legislation certain federal lands were set aside to be preserved in perpetuity in their natural state. These areas are defined by the Wilderness Act as areas "...where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." Further, the Act directs that these areas be protected and managed so as to preserve their natural condition such that they appear “…to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable”.

The Pike and San Isabel National Forests contain all or parts of nine Wilderness areas, each with its own character, challenges and opportunities. Please follow Wilderness regulations and Leave No Trace principles to help us protect and preserve the Wilderness experience for future generations.

Each Wilderness has its own set of regulations in addition to the following three regulations, established under the Wilderness Act of 1964, which apply to all Wilderness areas.

• Motorized equipment is prohibited, including chain saws, battery powered tools, generators, etc.
  
• Mechanized transportation is prohibited, including, including bicycles, hang gliders or carts.
  
• Aircraft, including helicopters, are prohibited from landing, or dropping off/picking up any materials, supplies or persons.

Additional regulations for each Wilderness on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests can be found by following the link for each individual Wilderness at right.

Required Registration

Beginning in the spring of 2005, the Forest Service is implementing a mandatory self-issuing permit system in the Mount Evans and Mount Massive Wildernesses to enable us to better manage these heavily visited Wildernesses. The same type of system is already in place in the Holy Cross Wilderness. The intent is to use the data obtained through this permit system to more accurately assess the amounts and types of existing Wilderness use. This will enable us to better preserve their natural condition for future generations, balanced against the pressures of growing populations and increased use.

These permits have no quotas associated with them nor will there be any fees required to obtain them. They will be available free at each trailhead. As you enter the Wilderness, fill out the provided permit and deposit the white paper copy in the slot in the lower front of the register box. Keep the yellow tag in your possession and please follow the Wilderness regulations found on the back.You are encouraged to contact us with questions and comments at the Ranger District office local to each Wilderness.

 

In addition to following the regulations, Wilderness users can help to preserve our Wildernesses by following Leave No Trace Principles of skills and ethics for Wilderness stewardship.

Principles of Leave No Trace

* Plan Ahead and Prepare
* Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
* Dispose of Waste Properly
* Leave What You Find
* Minimize Campfire Impacts
* Respect Wildlife
* Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Please visit http://www.lnt.org/programs/lnt7/ for more detailed information on the Leave No Trace Principles.