WILDERNESS AREAS AND WILDERNESS CONDUCT

Wilderness has shaped our heritage and enriches our lives as a source of challenge, inspiration, and wonder. In 1964, Congress passed the National Wilderness Preservation Act as a means to protect what remained of that irreplaceable resource and to insure that it would forever be part of the wealth of our nation.

Congress defines Wilderness as an area untrammeled by humans. However, a broad range of human activities is still permitted in wilderness areas. In addition to hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, horseback riding and camping, other permitted activities include hunting, fishing and grazing. The use of mechanized or motorized equipment, including motocross bikes, snowmobiles, ATVs mountain bikes, generators, chain saws, hang gliders, etc., is prohibited in wilderness. If you have any questions about Wilderness Areas contact THE TRAILHEAD.

Buena Vista is fortunate to nestle between the Collegiate Peaks and Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Areas. Both offer opportunities for multi-day backpacking loop and one-way trips (contact THE TRAILHEAD for information about shuttle services). Camping in Wilderness Areas is, by definition, dispersed camping.

In addition to the Leave No Trace ethics, specific regulations were instituted to protect the Collegiate Peaks and Buffalo Peaks wilderness ecosystems. These include:

• No motorized or mechanical equipment, including bicycles, motorcycles, chainsaws, and hang gliders, are allowed in any wilderness or wilderness study area.
• No camping or fires within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and developed trails.
• Party size is limited to a combination of 25 people and livestock, and no more than 15 people. Permits are needed for groups of 10 or more people.
• Move camp frequently to avoid overusing an area. Maximum stay at any one site is 14 days.
• Dogs or other pets must be on lead at all times. This is to prevent disturbance to wildlife, people, and their property, and to protect the pet.
• Hitching, tethering, or hobbling any pack or saddle animal within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or Forest Service maintained trails is prohibited. Tethering or tying to live trees is prohibited.
• Do not use or transport unprocessed stock feed into the wilderness. Use only weed-free hay. This is to prevent the introductions and spread of noxious plants that can seriously interfere with natural plant communities.