Hunter–Fryingpan Wilderness, Protected wilderness area near Aspen, Colorado, US.
Hunter–Fryingpan Wilderness is an 82,026-acre U.S. Wilderness Area in White River National Forest east of Aspen, Colorado. It protects the headwaters of Hunter Creek and the Fryingpan River and many peaks of the Williams Mountains, and borders the Mount Massive Wilderness along the continental divide. About 50 miles of trails cross it.
The Hunter–Fryingpan Wilderness was designated by the United States Congress in 1978, protecting 82,026 acres of the White River National Forest east of Aspen. It borders the Mount Massive Wilderness to the east, separated only by the continental divide. The protected area contains the headwaters of Hunter Creek and the Fryingpan River and many peaks of the Williams Mountains.
The area protects the headwaters of Hunter Creek and the Fryingpan River, and its name joins the two drainages within one designated wilderness. Visitors travel on foot or horseback along 50 miles of trails, and the Continental Divide forms the boundary with the Mount Massive Wilderness to the east.
Access is mainly via trails starting from Lost Man Campground east of Aspen. No motorized vehicles are permitted, so visitors must travel on foot or horseback.
Hunter Creek and Fryingpan River are classified as Gold Medal waters supporting populations of cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout. These high-quality fish populations make the area appealing for fishing.
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