| The Uncompahgre Wilderness comprises of 102,525 acres on the Uncompahgre National Forest. It was formerly referred to as the Big Blue Wilderness after the Big Blue Creek which flows off Uncompahgre Peak (14,309 feet). It was renamed after it was expanded in 1993, after some BLM land was added, including the American Flats.The area is often referred to as the "Switzerland of America", as its craggy peaks soar high above the U-Shaped valleys lined with dense aspen groves. Within the wilderness lie many peaks that are very popular with climbers -- Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn both rise to over 14,000 feet, not quite reaching the fourteener status are Courthouse Mountain, Matterhorn, Turret, Precipice, and Coxcomb Peaks. Uncompahgre Peak stands as a sentinel within the wilderness area. It broad, flat, tilted summit contains 1,500-foot vertical drop on 3 sides, its forth side however, acts as a gentle ramp to the top.Geologically, this area of the San Juan Mountains consists of volcanic deposits, and subsequent periods of glaciations carved out the U-shaped valleys and jagged peaks. The rivers and creeks further carved out; these U-Shaped valleys creating densely forested V-shaped inner canyons. Perhaps the most famous of these canyons in Cow Creek Canyon, which is one of the most remote in the San Juans. Magnificent views of this canyon can be seen from Wildhorse Peak in the southern part of the Wilderness.Elevations within the Wilderness range from 8,400 feet to over 14,000 feet. Lower elevations from around 8,400 feet to 9,500 feet may become snow free by early June, but some creek and river water levels will still be too high for stream crossings. The annual precipitation varies from 25 inches to 40 inches. During the summer expect cool mountain climate with scattered rain showers throughout the summer months.Over 110 miles of constructed trails are available for both foot and horse travel through rugged terrain. Trails lead into the wilderness from trailheads located in the West, Middle, and East Forks of the Big Cimarron River. The Big Blue Trail, beginning south of the campground by the same name, also is a major route into the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Additional trails enter the wilderness from the vicinities of the towns of Ouray and Lake City.Anglers will find the Cimarron River tributaries and other creeks with in the wilderness full of cutthroat, brook and rainbow trout. Lake fishing is much more limited as there are only a few small lakes that are scattered throughout the wilderness. |
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