Mount Zirkel Wilderness

Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a protected area in northwestern Colorado covering around 160,000 acres within Routt National Forest. It features alpine lakes, thick forests, mountain peaks rising above 12,000 feet, over 150 miles of trails, and numerous camping locations.

The wilderness was established in 1964 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System and expanded twice through Colorado Wilderness Acts in 1980 and 1993. These expansions added significant acreage to the protected area, strengthening its preservation status.

The name honors Ferdinand Zirkel, a geologist from the 1800s whose work advanced understanding of rock formations. Visitors walking through the terrain encounter the geological features that fascinated early scientists exploring these mountains.

Visitors should prepare for changing mountain weather and bring gear suitable for high elevation. Access is available through multiple entry points around the area, and rangers or local information can help with trip planning.

A major storm event in 1997 toppled millions of trees across a vast area, triggering a chain of ecological shifts. This disaster reshaped the forest landscape through insect infestations and subsequent wildfires.