West Elk Wilderness

West Elk Wilderness
IUCN category Ib (wilderness area)
Location	Gunnison County, Colorado, USA
Nearest city	Gunnison, CO
Coordinates	38°43′17″N 107°15′55″W / 38.7215196341°N 107.265293934°W[1]Coordinates: 38°43′17″N 107°15′55″W / 38.7215196341°N 107.265293934°W[2]
Area	176,412 acres (713.91 km^2)
Established	1964
Governing body	U.S. Forest Service

The West Elk Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located northwest of Gunnison, Colorado in the West Elk Mountains. The wilderness was established in 1964 and now protects 176,412 acres (713.91 km²) within the Gunnison National Forest. Elevations in the wilderness range from 6,800 feet (2,100 m) along Coal Creek to 13,042 feet (3,975 m) at the summit of West Elk Peak. The area supports large elk and deer populations and is busiest during the fall hunting season.^[3][4][5]

References

1. "West Elk Wilderness". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
2. "West Elk Wilderness". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
3. "West Elk Wilderness". Wilderness.net. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
4. "West Elk Wilderness". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
5. "West Elk Wilderness Area". Colorado Wilderness. Retrieved August 12, 2012.