Description - The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness encompasses 167,994 acres in central Colorado. The headwaters of the Arkansas, Gunnison, and Roaring Fork rivers drain from the Continental Divide within this wilderness. Elevations range from 9,500 feet to eight peaks over 14,000 feet. Expansive alpine tundra, high lake basins, glacial river valleys and beautiful forests compose the landscape.
Attractions
- The Collegiate Peaks name comes from the many peaks within the wilderness named after famous universities. The headwaters of the Arkansas, Gunnison, and Roaring Fork rivers drain from the Continental Divide within this wilderness. Elevations range from 9,500 feet to eight peaks over 14,000 feet. Expansive alpine tundra, high lake basins, glacial river valleys and beautiful forests compose the landscape.
Recreation - Recreation opportunities in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness include hiking, backpacking, mountain climbing, fishing and horseback riding. TRAILHEADS
Leadville Ranger District:
*Highway 82- South Lake Fork; Sayers Gulch; N. Fork Lake Creek; Graham Gulch *Clear Creek Rd- Colorado Gulch; Missouri Gulch; Pear Lake; South Fork Lake Creek; North Fork Clear Creek *Highway 24- Pine Creek; Frenchman Creek; Three Elk MAPS: The following maps cover different portions of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. They can be purchased at district offices or outdoor recreation shops.
National Forest Maps: White River, Pike-San Isabel, Gunnison USGS Quads (7 1/2 minute series):
Independence Pass, Mt. Harvard, Mt. Elbert, Harvard Lakes, Pieplant, Tincup, Winfield, Mount Yale, Aspen, Granite, Hayden Peak, Italian Creek Climate - Elevations in this wilderness area range from 9,500 to over 14,000 feet. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Lightning, rain, and snow are common in summer. Snow can occur in any month of the year in the Collegiate Peaks. Location -
The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness encompasses 167,994 acres and overlaps three national forests, the White River National Forest, Gunnison National Forest, and the Pike/San Isabel National Forest. The headwaters of the Arkansas, Gunnison, and Roaring Fork rivers drain from the Continental Divide within this wilderness. The peaks within this region make up a portion of the Sawatch Mountain Range, the highest in the state. Highway 24 provides access to the eastern section of this area. Highway 82 skirts the northern boundary of the wilderness; and Forest Roads 306 (Cottonwood Pass), 122, 209 and 742 provide access to the southern and western trailheads of the area.
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