Riding in The Weminuche Wilderness

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

With Summer visiting Colorado at last, it’s time to prepare your horse for the warm weather. Looking for places to ride? There are many national parks in Colorado that allow horseback riding. However, during this part of the year these places can quickly become crowded. Weminuche Wilderness is an unexpected gem for riders looking for an area free from tourists. Keep reading for a quick history of this unique Colorado wilderness area. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

About Weminuche Wilderness

The Weminuche Wilderness spans 499,771 acres. Also, it is the largest wilderness area in Colorado, covering an area approximately three quarters the size of Rhode Island. It is a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the area to safeguard a lasting resource of wilderness for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Congress designated the Weminuche as a wilderness area in 1975. The area was expanded by the Colorado Wilderness Acts of 1980 and 1993.

The Weminuche Wilderness stretches across the Continental Divide, which is the geological spine of North America, with its watersheds flowing to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Several peaks, including Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom, tower above 14,000 feet, while many others exceed 13,000 feet. Despite its average elevation of 10,000 feet, the Weminuche is a harsh terrain. Its ecosystems are also very delicate. Riders should be careful when disturbing the landscape of local wildlife. Make sure to plan your trip before heading out.

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