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Powderhorn Wilderness

Powderhorn, Colorado · Hinsdale County

The Powderhorn Wilderness now contains a total of 62,050 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Colorado. In 1993 the Powderhorn Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness,…

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38.13591, -107.14601
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About Powderhorn Wilderness

The Powderhorn Wilderness now contains a total of 62,050 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Colorado. In 1993 the Powderhorn Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities. How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply. Leave No Trace principles: Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Click here for additional regulations or contact the agency. Contact Information: GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT

How to Get There

From Salida, CO to Gunnison Field Office 1).Turn right onto US-50 W/?W Rainbow Blvd. Continue to follow US-50 W 3.9 miles 2). Turn right onto US-285 N/?US-50 W (signs for Gunnison/Buena Vista/Leadville) Continue to follow US-50 W. 60.4 miles 3). Turn left onto 11th St. Destination will be on the left 0.4 miles

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Powderhorn Wilderness

Heading to Powderhorn Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Powderhorn Wilderness?

No central reservation system listed for Powderhorn Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13197) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Powderhorn Wilderness?

From Salida, CO to Gunnison Field Office 1).Turn right onto US-50 W/?W Rainbow Blvd. Continue to follow US-50 W 3.9 miles 2). Turn right onto US-285 N/?US-50 W (signs for Gunnison/Buena Vista/Leadville) Continue to follow US-50 W. 60.4 miles 3). Turn left onto 11th St. Destination will be on the left 0.4 miles

How do I contact Powderhorn Wilderness?

You can reach the park at phone: 970-642-4940.