West Elk Wilderness Area

This post is also available in: EnglishFrançaisDeutsch日本語

Located in the West Elk Mountains, the West Elk Wilderness Area is located northwest of Gunnison, and north of Crawford. The Wilderness Area presents a different geology from the West Elk Mountains. Made up of West Elk Breccia, which has resulted in the various rock formations within the Area. The West Elk Breccia can be seen above the Blue Mesa Reservoir (the Palisades) and the Castles.

USGS Topo maps link:

Established:  1964, expanded 1980

Acres:  176,412

Elevation:  6,800- 13,042 feet

Peaks:

West Elk- 13,042

Towns: Gunnison, Paonia, Crawford, Crested Butte

Hunting Areas: 53, 54

Links:

Camp: GMUC National Forest, Paonia RD

Basecamp Crested Butte Link