Hunter–Fryingpan Wilderness

Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness is a protected mountain area in Colorado featuring alpine lakes, deep valleys, and thick evergreen forests spread across roughly 82,000 acres. The terrain includes multiple creeks, ridgelines, and elevations ranging from lower forest zones to exposed peaks.

This wilderness was officially designated by the United States Congress in 1978. Additional forestland was added to the protected area during the 1990s, expanding its boundaries.

The wilderness maintains strict regulations prohibiting motorized vehicles and limiting group sizes to preserve natural conditions for future generations.

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.

Location: Colorado

Inception: 1978

GPS coordinates: 39.20000,-106.61700

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07