Mount Zirkel Wilderness - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in Routt county, Colorado. The area is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic views. There are several things to do at Mount Zirkel Wilderness, including hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching. Hiking trails wind through forests of lodgepole pine and aspen, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Campgrounds are available for those who wish to stay overnight, and fishing is permitted in most areas. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species such as the bald eagle, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. With its abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery, Mount Zirkel Wilderness is an ideal spot for a Colorado vacation.

Colorado's Mount Zirkel Wilderness is rich in history. The area now known as Routt County was originally home to the Ute people, who lived in the mountains for centuries before European settlers arrived. The first white explorers came to the area in the early 1800s, and a wave of homesteaders followed in the 1860s. These settlersnamed many of the region's peaks after their hometowns or favorite literary characters. Mount Zirkel, for example, was named after German scientist Karl Zirkel, who conducted pioneer research in petrology and mineralogy. As the settlement of Routt County grew, so did its reputation as a mecca for outdoor recreation. In 1964, Congress designated the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, ensuring that future generations would be able to enjoy its majestic peaks and pristine forests. Today, visitors come from all over to experience the beauty of this unique corner of Colorado.

Late summer and early fall offer the best opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Mount Zirkel Wilderness. The peak wildflower season generally lasts from July to August, and the autumn colors typically peak in September and October. 

1. Make sure you have the proper permits before entering the wilderness- you can self-register at the trailhead. 
2. Be aware of your surroundings and aware of any wildlife- stay on the trails to avoid disturbing the wildlife's natural habitat. 
3. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions- know the forecast before you go and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. 
4. Leave rocks and plants as you find them- do not pick flowers or collect rocks from the wilderness area. 
5. Respect private property- do not camp or hike on private property without permission from the owner. 
6. Do not build new trails or campfires- stick to existing trails and campsites to avoid damaging the wilderness area. 
7. Be considerate of other visitors- keep noise to a minimum and be respectful of other people's enjoyment of the wilderness area. 
8. Follow Leave No Trace principles- these principles help to minimize human impact on wilderness areas and include such things as packing out all trash, not building new fires, and respecting wildlife habitat. 
9. Pack for all weather conditions: The weather in Colorado can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for all contingencies. pack warm clothes even if you're camping in summer, and be prepared for rain or snow at any time of year.

1. Mount Zirkel Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in the state of Colorado. It covers a total of 355,000 acres of land.
2.  The wilderness is named after the Mount Zirkel, the highest peak in the area.
3. The other notable peaks in the wilderness include North and South Diamond Mountains, East and West Pearl Mountains, and Mount Ethelton.
4. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails in the wilderness, as well as opportunities for backpacking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and bird watching.
5. Birdwatchers can also enjoy spotting a variety of different species in the wilderness area, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons. 
6.  Mount Zirkel Wilderness is accessible from several different trailheads, including Buffalo Pass Trailhead and Seedhouse Trailhead. 
7.  There are four major waterways that flow through the wilderness area: the Elk River, the Blue River, the North Platte River, and the Fraser River. 
    

It is said that it would take approximately two weeks to explore the entirety of Mount Zirkel Wilderness. 

To reach Mount Zirkel Wilderness in Routt county, Colorado, take Highway 14 West from the town of Walden for approximately 25 miles. Turn left onto County Road 4 and drive for about 6 miles until you reach the wilderness area. There are several trailheads along the way, so be sure to explore all that the Mount Zirkel Wilderness has to offer!

There is no entrance fee to explore this area. But there may be some other fees associated with this wilderness park. 

While the wilderness area is open year-round, there are certain times of year when it is particularly accessible. From mid-June to mid-October, the main trailhead is open from dawn until dusk.