Byers Peak Wilderness

Located in the Arapaho and Routt National Forests in Colorado.

The Byers Peak Wilderness was designated as part of the 1993 Colorado Wilderness Act. The wilderness is adjacent to the Vasquez Peak wilderness, separated only by the Fraser Experimental Forest.

The wilderness is located in the western half of the Vasquez Mountains and encompasses approximately 8,000 acres. Elevations within the area range from 9,200 feet to over 12,800 feet. A large portion of the wilderness consists of alpine tundra. Lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, Bristlecone pine and subalpine fir are found at lower elevations. Wildlife within the wilderness includes mule deer, elk, marmots, and ptarmigan.

The area contains approximately 23 mile of hiking trails. The Byers Peak Trail crosses the wilderness from Bottle Pass to St. Louis Peak. The trail offers solitude and spectacular views as it traverses an alpine ridge.

For more information contact: The Arapaho National Forests