San Isabel National Forest
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area

The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness encompasses 168,000 acres and overlaps three National Forests: the Gunnison; the White River; and the San Isabel. The 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 and elevations range from 9,500’ to 14,000’+. Expansive alpine tundra, high lake basins, glacial river valleys and beautiful forests compose the landscape. As humans, we must minimize our impacts to help preserve this resource for present and future generations.

• Permits: All profit and non-profit groups of 10 or more are required to obtain a special use permit through the local ranger district office in advance of their trip.
• Group Size: Group size is limited to 15. Stock groups are limited to 25 with a maximum of 15 people.
• Weather: Weather patterns change quickly. Warm sunny days can turn into powerful electrical storms. Be knowledgeable of the sign of change and be prepared for cold temperatures, rain, and snow. Even in August!
• Trails: Please stay on the trails. Cutting switchbacks and avoiding wet and muddy sections can cause severe erosion and multiple paths. Peak climbers and cross-country travelers: Alpine tundra is very susceptible to damage. Walk on durable routes of rock or talus. In the spring, travel on snow and rocks, or plan your trip during drier conditions.
• Recommended Maps:
  National Forest Maps: San Isabel, Gunnison, White River
  Trails Illustrated Maps: Collegiate Peaks, Independence Pass, Pearl Pass
  USGS Quadrangles: Independence Pass, Mt. Harvard, Mt. Elbert,, Pieplant, Tincup, Winfield, Mount Yale, Harvard Lakes
• Trailheads:
  Highway 82 – So Fork Lake Creek; Sayers Gulch; No. Fork Lake Creek; Graham Gulch
  Clear Creek Rd (390) Colorado Gulch; Missouri Gulch; Pear Lake (Rockdale); So. Fork Lake Creek (Winfield) No. Fork Clear Creek
  Highway 24 – Pine Creek; Frenchman Creek; Three Elk