West Elk Wilderness, Wilderness area in Gunnison National Forest, Colorado
The West Elk Wilderness extends across 176,000 acres of protected land with mountain peaks, deep valleys, and numerous beaver ponds throughout the terrain.
The land received federal protection in 1964 through the Wilderness Act, with an additional 133,000 acres granted protected status in 1980.
Local Native American communities used this mountain region for seasonal hunting, gathering plants, and following traditional migration patterns through the valleys.
Visitors access the wilderness through multiple trailheads that connect to 200 miles of hiking paths, including the Mill Castle Trail to Storm Pass.
Natural erosion has shaped the rock formations into distinct turrets and pinnacles, leading to geographic names such as Castle Pass and Castle Creek.
Location: Colorado
GPS coordinates: 38.72150,-107.26500
Latest update: March 3, 2025 00:07
Blue Mesa Reservoir
28.2 km
Morrow Point Dam
38.3 km
Crawford State Park
29 km
Needle Rock Natural Area
24.7 km
D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle
38.9 km
Crystal Dam
39.1 km
Curecanti Needle
33 km
Morrow Point Reservoir
38.2 km
Mount Lamborn
24.2 km
Crystal Reservoir
38.4 km
Marble Community Church
39.5 km
Blue Creek Canyon
37.4 km
North Rim Road, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
40.6 km
Marble High School
39.5 km
Middle Bridge
28.2 km
Rio Grande Southern Railroad Derrick Car
39.9 km
Paonia First Christian Church
32.9 km
Hotchkiss Methodist Episcopal Church
40.3 km
North Rim Road
40.1 km
Edgerton House
35.1 km
Fisher-Zugelder House and Smith Cottage
35 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad 278
38.9 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Caboose No. 0577
38.9 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Stock Car No. 5620
40 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Boxcar No. 3132
38.9 km
Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Box Outfit Car No. 04414
40 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Stock Car No. 5679D
40 km
Cimarron Visitor Center
40 kmReviews
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