Uncompahgre Wilderness

The Uncompahgre Wilderness totals 102,721 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness area is located in the state of Colorado. In 1980, the Uncompahgre 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.

Leave No Trace

The seven standard Leave No Trace principles differ in different parts of the country (desert vs. the Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. 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. Learn more about additional regulations or contact the agency.

Contact Information:

BLM GUNNISON FIELD OFFICE
2500 E. New York Ave.
Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-642-4940

USFS GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT
216 N Colorado Street
Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-0471

USFS OURAY RANGER DISTRICT
2505 S Townsend
Montrose, CO 81401
Phone: 970-240-5300

Office hours: 8 AM to 4:30 p.m. MON-FRI