Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area - Steamboat Springs, CO

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Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area


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Just south of the Wyoming border in the Routt National Forest, the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area occupies 140,000 acres of unspoiled alpine terrain. This is the high country; up to 11,000 feet.

As with much of northern Colorado's high country, the summer season runs short. Even in August, you're likely to see the occasional backcountry skier packing in boards for a summer run down a snowfield.

The Mt. Zirkel Wilderness is big-view country: open tundra dotted with turquoise tarns, mountains towering overhead. The open terrain and easy accessibility to water gives you a wide selection of campsites, but do remember to use low-impact techniques. Although by Yosemite standards this wilderness is not overcrowded, its delicate alpine environment makes it especially vulnerable.

The trails are passable by July, and you can make a 60-mile loop by linking together the main north-south routes. One of them runs smack through the middle of the wilderness; the other hugs the east side of the wilderness boundary. The link between them takes you right past 12,180-foot Mt. Zirkel.

Facilities: There are no facilities available at Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. Facilities can be found in Steamboat Springs before departure.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area.

Best Time To Visit: Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area is open year round.

Fees: There are no fees to enter Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area.

Accessibility: This area is not handicap accessible.

Rules: Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area is a designated Wilderness Area, meaning no mechanical devices of any can are to be used.

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.

Directions: Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area is accessible from U.S. Highways 40, State Highways 14 and numerous Forest Service Roads including 129 and 60 (out of Steamboat Springs).

Attractions Near
Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area

Battle Creek Campground
Big Creek Lakes
Big Creek Lakes Campground
Big Creek Trail
Encampment River Wilderness Area
Haskins Creek Campground
Huston Park Wilderness Area
Irvine State Wildlife Area
Manzanares Trail
Red Dirt Trail
Routt-Medicine Bow National Forest

Address

Rout National Forest-Hahns Peak - Bears Ears Ranger District

925 Weiss Drive

Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80487-9315

Phone
General: (970) 879-1870
Fax: (970) 870-2284

Website

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