| West Elk Wilderness Area encompasses more than 176,000 acres on the Gunnison National Forest. Elevations within the wilderness range from 7,000 feet to over 13,000 feet. The West Elk Wilderness is characterized best by its beaver ponds intermixed among an aspen and spruce/fir forest.Geologically the area is a result of volcanic activity some 25 million years ago, which produced lava flows that occasionally pushed mud before them. These volcanic tuffs cooled and over the years the erosive forces of nature (wind, rain and frost) have carved the ridgelines into spires and buttresses, leaving the more weather resistant rock layers as towers as if standing guard over the wilderness. The many names within the Wilderness reflect the areas geologic past, names such as Castle Pass, Castle View, Castle Creek, and the Castles. Such scenery was one of the reasons why the West Elk was one of the state's five original wildernesses established in the Wilderness Act of 1964. The area was later expanded in 1980, creating the states fifth largest wilderness area.Wildlife in the area includes elk, mule deer, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, snowshoe hares, and other small species. Nearby streams are inhabited by native cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown trout.Over 200 miles of constructed trails are available for both foot and horse travel through rugged terrain. The trails make more excellent extended loop hikes for overnight backpackers and horse packers.Weather can vary greatly; but generally, you can expect cool mountain climate with scattered rain showers throughout the summer months. Normally, the West Elk Area is snow free from mid-July to September, but conditions depend on the elevation and snowfall each winter. Lower elevation from around 7,000 feet to 8,500 feet may be snow free by early June, but some creek and river water levels will be too high to cross safely. The annual precipitation of the area varies from 25 inches to 40 inches.In the fall, visitors are welcomed by the auburn colors of the changing colors, and the unmistakable sound of the bull elk bugling. The West Elk Wilderness holds one of the states largest herds of elk. As a result, many hunters flock to the area in the late autumn, it is perhaps the highest visitation time of the year in the West Elk. Winter recreation is limited in the area due to limited access. |
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