| Located in the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests, in south-central Colorado, the La Garita Wilderness encompasses 103,986 acres on the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests. The rugged terrain spans in elevation from 9,000 to over 14,000 feet. In all, about 35 miles of the Continental Divide lie within the wilderness.Some points of interest in the La Garita Wilderness are San Louis Peak (14,014 feet high), Machin Lake, Mineral Creek, Organ Mountain, Stewart Peak, Baldy Cinco and Baldy Alto, and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail which runs for about 26 miles through the area along its southern boundary. From San Luis Peak, climbers can gaze out across the upper Rio Grande Valley and down along the San Luis Valley.The Wheeler Geologic Area lies in the southeast corner of the Wilderness. Wheeler contains some of the state's most unusual geological formation: fine, light-gray volcanic ash compressed into rock and wildlife eroded into a striking series of domes, spires, caves, ledges, pinnacles, ravines and balanced rocks. The old road leading to the edge of Wheeler was left out of the wilderness Area, providing those who can't access it by foot, to access it by car.Wildlife includes elk, mule deer, black beer, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, snowshoe hares, Golden Eagle and other small species. In the meadows, keep an eye out for some beaver ponds.In all about 175 miles of trails provide access to the area. Most are very well suited for horseback riders. |
|
