It seems that many visitors experience our mountains without an understanding of what wilderness truly is. Wilderness is remarkably different than your typical open space public land! It is really cool to understand and appreciate the concept of wilderness. It helps you know what to expect. It guides you during your planning. Most importantly, it provides the opportunity to get the most out of your experience!
What is Wilderness?
"A wilderness in contrast with those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain."
“an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation”
“generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable”
“has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation”