Flat Tops Wilderness - Steamboat Springs, CO

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Wildlife Preserves & Refuges

Flat Tops Wilderness

GPS Coordinates: Unknown

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The Flat Tops Wilderness encompasses more than 235,000 acres on the Routt and White River National Forests.

The Flat Tops are a concentration of flat-topped headlands dominated by the White River Plateau, a flattened dome of geological strata capped with lava. The plateau is most prominent at the Chinese Wall and the "Devils Causeway" a narrow ridge between the drainage of the East Fork of the Williams Fork River and the North Fork of the White River.

Wide canyons, eroded by wind and water reach far into the plateau forming great amphitheaters ringed by rock escarpments. Above the cliffs is rolling grasslands dotted with islands of timber. Elevation is approximately 10,000 feet.

In the 1940's the spruce bark beetle infested the Engelmann spruce on the Flat Tops. Uncontrolled, the resulting epidemic left 68,000 Acres of spruce devastated. Today a silver sun bleached ''ghost" forest of dead snags stands in memory of the appetite of the bark beetle.

But the ravaged acres are beginning to come back to life. Saplings of spruce and alpine fir are beginning to cover the area, growing among the skeletons of the previous forest.

Travel in the silver forest can be difficult and dangerous. As increasing numbers of dead trees decay and fall, overland movement will become more difficult and may be impossible in some areas.

About 160 miles of trails cross the wilderness. A good compass, adequate topographic map coverage of intended routes, and skills necessary to survive as one with the wilderness should be part of visitors' equipment.

Facilities: There are no facilities available at Flat Tops Wilderness.

Best Time To Visit: Flat Tops Wilderness is typically accessible year-round.

Fees: There are no fees charged to gain entrance to Flat Tops Wilderness.

Accessibility: Flat Tops Wilderness has limited handicap accessibility.

Rules: Flat Tops Wilderness is located within the boundaries of a National Forest. There are a variety of rules to consider when visiting a National Forest, such as hunting regulations, fishing regulations, etc. Please contact the District Ranger for further information.

Directions: Flat Tops Wilderness is located on the White River Plateau approximately 20 miles north of Glenwood Springs and 30 miles southwest of Steamboat Springs. It is accessible from US Highways 40, 6, and 24 and State Highways 131 and 132.

Map: Click here for a map to Flat Tops Wilderness

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Flat Tops Wilderness.

Attractions Near
Flat Tops Wilderness

Bear Lake Campground
Bear River Trail
Chapman Reservoir Campground
Cold Springs Campground
East Fork Trail
East Marvine Campground
Lost Lakes Trail
Mandall Lakes Trail
Marvine Trail
North Derby Trail
Routt-Medicine Bow National Forest
Sawtooth Trail
Smith Lake Trail
Transfer Trail
Trapper's Lake
Trapper's Lake Campgrounds
White River National Forest

Address

White River National Forest-Blanco Ranger District

317 East Market Street

Meeker, Colorado 81641

Phone
General: (970) 878-4039

Website