Wilderness Guidelines
1. Maximum party size is 25 heart beats, this is
a maximum of 15 people and includes pets
and stock. Larger groups tend to do significant damage to trails and campsites.
2. Locate campsites, campfires and recreational stock at least 100 feet from lakes,
streams and trails. Vegetation and soil adjacent to lakes and streams are sensitive to
disturbance. Camping away from trails adds
to a visitor’s sense of solitude.
3. All dogs, except for working stock dogs,
guide dogs or dogs used for legal hunting,
must be restrained on a leash and or under
direct verbal control of the dogs’ owner or
handler at all times. All pets must be on a
leash in the Oh-Be-Joyful drainage. Pets are
not a natural part of the wilderness and their
presence can disrupt wildlife.
4. No motorized vehicles, motorized equipment, motorized boats or other forms of mechanical transport, such as mountain bikes,
within the Wilderness is allowed.
5. Landing of aircraft or dropping of materials,
supplies or persons from aircraft is prohibited.
6. Stay on the trail when possible. Shortcutting switchbacks creates a path which
channels water and accelerates erosion.
7. Pack out everything you bring in and any
other trash you may find along the way.
8. Use pack stoves, especially in areas of
heavy use. If a campfire is necessary, make
a small fire without rocks around it. Make
sure your fire is dead out and erase all signs
of fire when you leave.
9. Bury human waste at least 100 feet from
lakes and streams and 6 inches deep in the
soil so it will decompose naturally.
10. Wash at least 50 feet from lakes and streams
and use biodegradable soap.
The Raggeds Wilderness encompasses almost
65,000 acres on the Gunnison and White River
National Forests. Elevations within the Wilderness range from 7,000 to over 13,000 feet. Over
90 miles of constructed trails are available for
both foot and horse travel through sometimes
rugged terrain. Weather for the area can vary
greatly; but generally you can expect cool mountain climate with scattered rain showers throughout the summer months. Normally, the Raggeds
Wilderness Area is snow free from July to September, but conditions depend on the elevation
and amount of snowfall each winter. Lower elevations from around 7,000 to 8,500 feet may become snow free by early June, but some creek
and river water levels tend to be high. The annual precipitation varies from 25” to 40”. Some
points of interest in the Raggeds are Dark Canyon, Ragged Mountains, Marcellina Mountain,
Mount Justice, Treasury Mountain and Oh-BeJoyful Pass. Wildlife includes elk, mule deer,
black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, snowshoe hares, Golden Eagle and other small species. Streams are inhabited by native cutthroat,
rainbow, brook and brown trout.
Ruby Anthracite Creek
The Raggeds Wilderness Area
For further Information write or call us at:
Gunnison National Forest
Paonia Ranger District
P.O. Box 1030
403 N. Rio Grande Ave.
Paonia, CO 81428
(970) 527-4131
White River National Forest
Sopris Ranger District
P.O. Box 309
620 Main Street
Carbondale, CO 81623
(970) 963-2266
For any questions or comments please contact:
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre,
White River National
& Gunnison National Forest
Forest Supervisor’s
Supervisor’s Office
Office
2250 Highway 50
P.O. Box 948
Delta, CO 81416
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
(970) 874-6600
(970) 945-3229
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Sopris Ranger District
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Paonia Ranger District
Personal Safety is a constant consideration in the
Wilderness. Wilderness users face inherent risk of
adverse weather conditions, isolation, physical hazards, and lack of rapid communication. Listed below
are some important safety concerns:
Giardia is a microscopic organism found in water
which can cause diarrhea, nausea, weakness and a
fever. Chorine and Iodine are effective, but boiling
your water for 5-10 minutes will kill the organism.
Hypothermia is a lowering of the body’s core temperature which can lead to death. Symptoms include
shivering, tiredness, slurred speech, and disorientation. Prevention—Keep the victim warm and dry and
give hot liquids if possible. Do not give the victim
any alcoholic beverages, get professional medical
assistance immediately.
This map is not intended for use as a trail map. US
Geological Survey 7 1/2 minute topographic maps
show the level of detail needed for wilderness travel
use. You can buy these maps at most sporting goods
stores or directly from USGS at:
US Geological Survey
Denver Federal Center
P.O. Box 25046
Denver, CO 80225-0046
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The following maps cover the Raggeds Wilderness:
Chair Mountain, Marble, Paonia Reservoir, Marcellina Mountain, Oh-Be-Joyful, Snowmass Mountain
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Principles of Leave No Trace:
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
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The Raggeds Wilderness Trailheads
1. Raspberry
2. Yule Creek
3. Anthracite
4. Horse Ranch Park
Emergency Contacts: Delta County Sheriff’s
Department: (970)874-2000, Gunnison County
Sheriff’s Department: (970)641-8000, or 911.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race,
color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual
orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any
public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative
means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA;s TARGET
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice & TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider & employer.
Raggeds Wilderness Area
All motorized and mechanized equipment
is prohibited by law in Wilderness Areas.
This includes but is not limited to:
bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles,
ATV’s, hang gliders, drones, chainsaws,
game carts, and wagons.
Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
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Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
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Travel Responsibly
Respect the Rights of Others
Educate Yourself
Avoid Sensitive Areas
Do Your Part
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Raggeds Wilderness Regulations
Large groups cannot exceed 15 people per group with a maximum combination of people and stock not to exceed 25 per
group. Please do not short cut switchbacks in the trail.
Camp at least 100 feet from all lakes, streams, and National
Forest System Trails. There is a 14 day camping limit.
Campfires should be at least 100 feet from all lakes, streams,
and National Forest System Trails and are not allowed at
or above tree line.
If planning to highline or hobble your pack or saddle animals, do
so at least 100 feet from all lakes, streams, and National Forest System
Trails. All hay and feed pellets must be certified weed free on all
National Forest Lands. Only tie horses to trees for brief loading and
unloading..
All dogs (except for working stock dogs, guide dogs, or dogs used for
legal hunting) must be restrained on a leash and/or under direct verbal
control of the dogs’ owner or handler at all times. Dogs must be
leashed in the Oh-Be Joyful valley.
