 | | Encampment River Wilderness Area, in the northernmost extension of the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Encampment River flows north out of Colorado, past the town of Encampment and into the North Platte River. Along part of the river's canyon lies Wyoming's smallest Wilderness, approximately 16 square miles, a strip less than one mile wide in the southern portion that widens to about five miles near the northern boundary. Throughout the canyon, the river runs from wild rapids to peacefully placid stretches, and is home to brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Sagebrush grows on the open slopes, and the canyon is full of riparian vegetation.The Encampment River Trail runs the length of this narrow, rugged river canyon, one of the main attractions of the Wilderness. The lower five miles are relatively easy to hike, although the terrain becomes increasingly difficult in the remaining 10 upper miles. The trail receives moderate use by hikers. Along the way you'll pass ruins of old cabins and mining operations. You may see members of a large wildlife population: mule deer, elk, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The river runs wildly over rocks, creating rapids that only expert kayakers dare to attempt. |
| |  | | | Facilities: There are no facilities available at Encampment River Wilderness Area. Facilities can be found in Encampment. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Encampment River Wilderness Area. Best Time To Visit: Encampment River Wilderness Area is open year round. Fees: There are no fees to enter Encampment River Wilderness Area. Accessibility: This area is not handicap accessible. Rules: Mechanical equipment is not permitted in Encampment River Wilderness Area. Public Property Preserve and protect your National Forests. Leave natural areas the way you find them. Practice "Leave No Trace" ethics. Do not carve, chop, cut and damage any live trees.Camping If you are staying at a campground, you must camp only in those places specifically provided or marked. All vehicles, RVs, and trailers must be parked on your campsite or driveway. Driving or parking off road is not permitted. Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Please be considerate of others.Sanitation Help prevent pollution by keeping garbage, litter, and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and other waters. All garbage and litter must either be deposited in containers provided, or taken with you when you leave.Camp Fires Obey any restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds and other recreation areas, fires may only be built in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose. Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires under control.Vehicles Drivers must obey all traffic signs and operate their vehicles in accordance with posted regulations, and applicable Federal, State and local laws. Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only. Use of vehicles within campgrounds and other recreation areas is limited to entering or leaving those areas.Pets and Animals Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities. Saddle or pack animals are only allowed where authorized by posted instructions.Fireworks Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds and other recreation areas is prohibited.Directions: To get to Encampment River Wilderness Area from Steamboat Springs: go west on US-40, turn right onto CO State Highway 13, turn right again on WY State Highway. Travel to BLM Rd 3047/ County Rd 353 (just southwest of town); follow this road to access area. A trail follows the river into the Encampment River Wilderness. It is about 15 miles from this trailhead to the trailhead near Hog Park Reservoir. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District | | South Hwy. 130/230 | | PO Box 249 | | Saratoga, Wyoming 82331 |
| | | Phone | | General: (307) 326-5258 | | Fax: (307) 326-5250 | | TTY: (307) 745-2307 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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