The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Powderhorn Wilderness Area is composed of over 62,000 acres and is located 10 miles from Lake City in Colorado. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) owns and manages the majority of the wilderness, particularly the northern 75 percent, while the southern area is designated as part of the Gunnison National Forest.
The Powderhorn Wilderness Area is known for its scenic landscape since the San Juan Mountains, Gunnison Basin, and Powderhorn Lakes are all located there. The highest elevations in the area rise to 12,600 feet, and snow is often seen covering the mountain peaks. Also found in this wilderness are the Cannibal and Calf Creek Plateaus, which are known for being home to one of the largest flat alpine tundras in the contiguous US.
This trail runs partly through the Powderhorn Wilderness Area and follows a rocky terrain. The trail is open to biking and ATV riding outside of the wilderness area only.
Length: 6.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Canon Infierno Trail follows along the edge of the Powderhorn Wilderness and leads trail users right to Devils Lake, where fishing is a popular activity. The San Juan and La Garita Mountain Ranges are visible from the trail as are herds of elk at all times of the year.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The North Calf Creek Trail is a popular trail for horseback riders through the Gunnison National Forest and Powderhorn Wilderness. Hikers can also enjoy the trail though since it follows along the banks of the scenic Calf Creek.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing is a popular activity in the Powderhorn Wilderness Area, and there are plenty of small lakes and reservoirs stocked in the Gunnison Basin. Devils Lake and the multiple Powderhorn Lakes are full of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and greenback cutthroat, as are the extensions of the Powderhorn Creek and Devils Creek. Boating is also possible with small, non-motorized watercraft in the lakes, but all boats have to be carried through the wilderness by hand since any motorized equipment or equipment with wheels is prohibited, including vehicles, carts, and wagons.
The Powderhorn Wilderness Area is located on the outskirts of the Colorado Rockies where there are many 14,000-foot mountains, and plenty of rock climbers come to climb those "Fourteener" mountains every year. However, this wilderness area is home to just as mountain peaks towering over 12,000 feet in elevation, and the region is less frequently visited than areas with Fourteeners, so it's the perfect hidden gem for climbers. Rock climbers are encouraged to travel through the Powderhorn Wilderness in pairs or groups and to follow climbing safety regulations to avoid emergencies, especially since the wilderness is vast and has no phone reception. Climbers are also advised to not disturb the tundra ecosystems on the mountain peaks since they are home to rare and endangered plant and animal species.
The Powderhorn Wilderness Area is home to many elk and mule deer, and species of flora like aspen, pine, spruce, and fir trees are abundant on the area's low mountain elevations. Moose, coyotes, mountain lions, and bears are seen less frequently, but they are still known to roam the flat areas. Beavers have been spotted building dams in the Powderhorn Lakes and Powderhorn Creek as well. If you'd like to come to the wilderness to view or photograph the wildlife, consider lounging by the forest edges and remaining as quiet as possible since the animals here are not used to seeing people often.
There are no benches, picnic tables, or shelters built within the Powderhorn Wilderness, but responsible picnicking is still allowed. Consider bringing your own blankets or camping chairs to sit on when you want to have a picnic in the area, and always clean up after yourself when you are done. Leaving even trace amounts of food behind can disturb the tundra ecosystem, especially on the mountain tops, so bringing trash bags and airtight containers is a must.
When you want to go RV camping with full water and electrical hookups, consider staying at a campground outside of the Powderhorn Wilderness Area. One option you have is Elkhorn RV Resort, which has RV-friendly campsites as well as cabins and shower facilities, all with free Wi-Fi. You may also like River Fork RV Park and Campground for its front-seat views of Lake Fork, a wide creek running through Lake City.
There are no organized camping areas within the Powderhorn Wilderness, but dispersed camping is permitted. RVs and vehicles are not allowed on the land, so only tent and backpack camping will be possible. However, this type of camping is free, and you are allowed to camp at Powderhorn Wilderness Area for up to 14 days at a time.
If you plan on camping in the Powderhorn Wilderness, be sure to bring everything that you will need for a primitive experience. Camping here does not include water or electrical stations, so you will need to bring things like drinking and washing water, batteries and battery-operated equipment, and firewood and fire starters. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
There are seven Leave No Trace principles that include planning ahead, camping on safe surfaces, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting the wildlife, and being considerate of other campers and visitors.
From Lake City, Colorado, take CO-149 north for about 10 miles. From there, the entrance to the Powderhorn Wilderness Area will be located on the right.
Ready to visit Powderhorn Wilderness Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
