Vasquez Wilderness

Located in the Arapaho National Forest in Colorado.

The 12,300-acre Vasquez Wilderness is adjacent to the Byers Peak wilderness, separated by the Fraser Experimental Forest. Elevations within the wilderness range from 8,600 feet to 12,700 feet. The wilderness contains 17 miles of hiking trails, including seven miles of the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, which runs from Berthoud Pass to St. Louis Pass. This portion of the Continental Divide Scenic trail is mostly above timberline and offers beautiful views of both the Gore and Vasquez ranges.

Vegetation in the area is mostly sub-alpine fir, engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine, giving way to alpine tundra. Since most of the wilderness lies above tree line, tunderstorms are a threat to hikers during the summer. Appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid being caught in a lightning storm.

For more information contact: The Arapaho National Forest