West Elk Wilderness – Image Gallery
West Elk Wilderness
The West Elk Wilderness is a rugged and remote wilderness area in Colorado known for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse wildlife.
Details
The West Elk Wilderness in Colorado
The West Elk Wilderness is a stunningly beautiful area located in the Gunnison National Forest in Colorado. Covering over 176,000 acres, this wilderness area is home to towering mountain peaks, lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and abundant wildlife. One of the most distinctive features of the West Elk Wilderness is its namesake, the West Elk Mountains. These rugged peaks rise to elevations over 13,000 feet and are a popular destination for hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers. The area is also known for its pristine alpine lakes, including the picturesque Island Lake and the serene Lamphier Lake. The West Elk Wilderness is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including elk, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion. The area is also an important habitat for rare and endangered species, such as the Canada lynx and the Gunnison sage-grouse. In addition to its ecological significance, the West Elk Wilderness is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is also a popular destination for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. Overall, the West Elk Wilderness is a truly special place, offering visitors the chance to experience the beauty and solitude of Colorado's backcountry while also providing important habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.West Elk Wilderness
Points of Interest
West Elk Wilderness
The West Elk Wilderness is a stunning wilderness area located in the Gunnison National Forest in Colorado. It is known for its rugged mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Here are some of the most popular points of interest in the West Elk Wilderness:
1. West Elk Peak
Standing at 13,042 feet, West Elk Peak is the highest point in the wilderness area. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular destination for hikers and photographers.
2. Lost Lake
Lost Lake is a beautiful alpine lake nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering peaks. It is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The crystal-clear waters of Lost Lake reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Beckwith Pass
Beckwith Pass is a high mountain pass that offers panoramic views of the West Elk Mountains. It is a popular hiking destination, with trails leading to the pass from both sides of the wilderness. The pass is a great vantage point for spotting wildlife, including elk, deer, and mountain goats.
4. Dark Canyon Trail
The Dark Canyon Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you through a deep, narrow canyon with towering cliffs on either side. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and is a great way to experience the rugged beauty of the West Elk Wilderness.
5. Oh-Be-Joyful Creek
Oh-Be-Joyful Creek is a scenic waterway that flows through a lush valley in the heart of the wilderness. The creek is surrounded by wildflowers, aspen groves, and towering peaks, making it a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and photography. The soothing sound of the creek and the abundance of wildlife make it a peaceful and rejuvenating destination for nature lovers.
West Elk Wilderness – Images
Description: West Beckwith Mountain, elevation 12,185 ft (3,714 m), viewed from a ridge on East Beckwith Mountain. West Beckwith Mountain is located in the West Elk Mountains and its crest forms the boundary of the West Elk Wilderness, which lies to the north (left in the photo).
Image by John Sowell – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: The West Elk Mountains are a high mountain range in the west-central part of the US state of Colorado. They lie primarily within the Gunnison National Forest, and part of the range is protected as the West Elk Wilderness. The range is primarily located in Gunnison County, with small parts in eastern Delta and Montrose counties. The West Elks are surrounded by tributaries of the Gunnison River. The range is bounded on the north by the North Fork of the Gunnison and on the east by the East River, another tributary of the Gunnison. On the south and west it is contiguous with Black Mesa and Fruitland Mesa, both part of the uplift in which sits the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. On the northeast it is contiguous with the Elk Mountains, being separated from them by Anthracite Creek and Coal Creek. Nearby towns include Gunnison, Paonia, and the ski resort of Crested Butte. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Elk_Mountains en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...
Image by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: The West Elk Mountains are a high mountain range in the west-central part of the US state of Colorado. They lie primarily within the Gunnison National Forest, and part of the range is protected as the West Elk Wilderness. The range is primarily located in Gunnison County, with small parts in eastern Delta and Montrose counties. The West Elks are surrounded by tributaries of the Gunnison River. The range is bounded on the north by the North Fork of the Gunnison and on the east by the East River, another tributary of the Gunnison. On the south and west it is contiguous with Black Mesa and Fruitland Mesa, both part of the uplift in which sits the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. On the northeast it is contiguous with the Elk Mountains, being separated from them by Anthracite Creek and Coal Creek. Nearby towns include Gunnison, Paonia, and the ski resort of Crested Butte. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Elk_Mountains en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...
Image by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: The West Elk Mountains are a high mountain range in the west-central part of the US state of Colorado. They lie primarily within the Gunnison National Forest, and part of the range is protected as the West Elk Wilderness. The range is primarily located in Gunnison County, with small parts in eastern Delta and Montrose counties. The West Elks are surrounded by tributaries of the Gunnison River. The range is bounded on the north by the North Fork of the Gunnison and on the east by the East River, another tributary of the Gunnison. On the south and west it is contiguous with Black Mesa and Fruitland Mesa, both part of the uplift in which sits the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. On the northeast it is contiguous with the Elk Mountains, being separated from them by Anthracite Creek and Coal Creek. Nearby towns include Gunnison, Paonia, and the ski resort of Crested Butte. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Elk_Mountains en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...
Image by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: The West Elk Mountains are a high mountain range in the west-central part of the US state of Colorado. They lie primarily within the Gunnison National Forest, and part of the range is protected as the West Elk Wilderness. The range is primarily located in Gunnison County, with small parts in eastern Delta and Montrose counties. The West Elks are surrounded by tributaries of the Gunnison River. The range is bounded on the north by the North Fork of the Gunnison and on the east by the East River, another tributary of the Gunnison. On the south and west it is contiguous with Black Mesa and Fruitland Mesa, both part of the uplift in which sits the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. On the northeast it is contiguous with the Elk Mountains, being separated from them by Anthracite Creek and Coal Creek. Nearby towns include Gunnison, Paonia, and the ski resort of Crested Butte. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Elk_Mountains en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...
Image by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: West Elk Peak viewed from the south-southeast. At an elevation of 13,042 ft (3,975 m), this peak is the highest summit in the West Elk Mountains. It is located in the West Elk Wilderness within the Gunnison National Forest.
Image by John Sowell – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: West Elk Peak viewed from the northwest. At an elevation of 13,042 ft (3,975 m), this peak is the highest summit in the West Elk Mountains. It is located in the West Elk Wilderness within the Gunnison National Forest.
Image by John Sowell – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: The West Elk Mountains are a high mountain range in the west-central part of the US state of Colorado. They lie primarily within the Gunnison National Forest, and part of the range is protected as the West Elk Wilderness. The range is primarily located in Gunnison County, with small parts in eastern Delta and Montrose counties. The West Elks are surrounded by tributaries of the Gunnison River. The range is bounded on the north by the North Fork of the Gunnison and on the east by the East River, another tributary of the Gunnison. On the south and west it is contiguous with Black Mesa and Fruitland Mesa, both part of the uplift in which sits the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. On the northeast it is contiguous with the Elk Mountains, being separated from them by Anthracite Creek and Coal Creek. Nearby towns include Gunnison, Paonia, and the ski resort of Crested Butte. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Elk_Mountains en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_...
Image by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: West Elk Wilderness and Peaks (50637863331).jpg
Image by formulanone – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
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