West Elk Wilderness
West Elk Peak is the highest point in the West Elk Wilderness
Map showing the location of West Elk Wilderness
Map showing the location of West Elk Wilderness
LocationGunnison County, Colorado, USA
Nearest cityGunnison, CO
Coordinates38°43′17″N 107°15′55″W / 38.7215196341°N 107.265293934°W / 38.7215196341; -107.265293934[1]
Area176,412 acres (713.91 km2)
Established1964
Governing bodyU.S. Forest Service

The West Elk Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located northwest of Gunnison, Colorado in the West Elk Mountains.

History

The wilderness was established in 1964 and now protects 176,412 acres (713.91 km2) within the Gunnison National Forest.

Geography

Elevations in the wilderness range from 6,800 feet (2,100 m) along Coal Creek to 13,042 feet (3,975 m) at the summit of West Elk Peak. The area supports large elk and deer populations and is busiest during the fall hunting season.[2][3][4]

References

  1. ^ "West Elk Wilderness". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
  2. ^ "West Elk Wilderness". Wilderness.net. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  3. ^ "West Elk Wilderness". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  4. ^ "West Elk Wilderness Area". Colorado Wilderness. Retrieved August 12, 2012.


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