Description: The Powderhorn Wilderness now contains a total of 62,050 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Colorado. In 1993 the Powderhorn Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.
Leave No Trace principles:Plan Ahead and PrepareTravel and Camp on Durable SurfacesDispose of Waste ProperlyLeave What You FindMinimize Campfire ImpactsRespect WildlifeBe Considerate of Other Visitors
Regulations:
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Click here for additional regulations or contact the agency.
Contact Information:
GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT
216 N Colorado Street
Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-0471
BLM GUNNISON FIELD OFFICE
650 S. 11th Street.
Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone:970-642-4940
Office hours: 8 AM to 4 PM M-F
Directions: From Salida, CO to Gunnison Field Office
1).Turn right onto US-50 W/?W Rainbow Blvd. Continue to follow US-50 W 3.9 miles
2). Turn right onto US-285 N/?US-50 W (signs for Gunnison/Buena Vista/Leadville) Continue to follow US-50 W. 60.4 miles
3). Turn left onto 11th St. Destination will be on the left 0.4 miles
Campgrounds
Elk Creek Campground
East Elk Creek Group Campsite
Alpine Ranger Station
Jackson Guard Station
Red Creek Group Site
Cochetopa Creek Rec Site
Lake Fork Campground
Bristol Head Campground
Stevens Creek Campground
Activities:
• Wilderness
