FOR TRAIL USERS: IMPORTANT HUNTING SEASON INFORMATION...PLEASE CLICK HERE! 

The Dillon Ranger District is home to two designated Wilderness areas, the EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS and the PTARMIGAN PEAK WILDERNESS.

The term "Wilderness" generally means an area that is left undisturbed.  To retain the essence of the original Wilderness designation it became necessary to limit certain types of use in areas called Wilderness.  The limitations can be categorized into two areas of consideration, a)  causing unnecessary harm to the environment, and/or b) using mechanical means of transportation.   The following items are specific regulations which have been created to allow for the continuing enjoyment of anyone who wants a Wilderness experience, and to protect some of the most beautiful and scenic areas in Colorado, let alone Summit County:

GROUPS

Large groups tend to accelerate the deterioration process on trails and in dispersed campsites.  This is why the Forest Service asks that you NOT travel in groups larger than 15 people, and a maximum combination of 25 people and pack or saddle animals in any one group.

DISPERSED CAMPING

Camping, campfires and tethering stock near lakes and streams tend to damage the delicate eco-systems present near these uses.  This is why the Forest Service asks that you not camp, have fires or tether your stock within 100 feet of lakes and streams, or Forest Development Trails (FDTs).  Please check out the DISPERSED CAMPING and/or the BACKPACKING page(s) for further information.

DOGS

Many unrestrained dogs tend to harass and kill wildlife, as well as disturbing other people trying to enjoy their Wilderness experience.  If dogs are brought along on a wilderness camping trip they should be kept under control at all times to avoid frightening wildlife and other campers. This is why the Forest Service requires that you keep your dogs on a leash, not longer than six (6) feet, at all times while they are in a Wilderness area. 

Before taking your dog into any Wilderness area, please check out some important information by clicking on Spike.

TRANSPORTATION

Wilderness areas have been designated to provide a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, listen to the wind, and enjoying the forest instead of hearing the roar of a motor and looking at all the machines zip along, both motorized and non-motorized.  This is why NO MECHANIZED mode of transportation is permitted in Wilderness areas.  This list includes any motorized vehicle, airplanes, ultra-lights, bicycles, motor boats, or any form of motorized equipment.

LEAVE NO TRACE

In years past we spoke of the ability of man to survive the wilderness.  Now we speak of the wilderness as the land's capability to surviving man.  The best way you can help the land survive is to challenge yourself to make the least possible impact on the land.  CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON LEAVE NO TRACE.

The Friends of the Eagles Nest Wilderness is an apolitical nonprofit corporation (501(c)3) formed in May 1994 to raise in-cash, in-kind, and in-service goods to help the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest maintain the Summit County portions of the Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness areas.  The Eagles Nest Wilderness consists of 82,484 acres of Summit County while the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness has 13,175 acres.  They presently raise money through membership dues, donations and grants.  To view the Friends of the Eagles Nest Wilderness website please click on the logo below.

ENJOY YOUR WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE!!