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West Elk Wilderness in Gunnison | Map and Routes

Wetland · Pond

4.7 (7 ratings)

Discover the natural beauty of West Elk Wilderness in Gunnison, United States, as you embark on an unforgettable walking or hiking adventure. With a sprawling 176,505.8 acres of pristine wilderness, ...

Discover the natural beauty of West Elk Wilderness in Gunnison, United States, as you embark on an unforgettable walking or hiking adventure. With a sprawling 176,505.8 acres of pristine wilderness, this park offers an array of trails suitable for all skill levels. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the park's diverse routes cater to various preferences and abilities. From the breathtaking vistas along Castle Creek Trail to the serene ambiance of Zigzag Trail, there's a trail for every walking or hiking enthusiast to explore and enjoy. For walking and hiking enthusiasts, West Elk Wilderness provides a plethora of options to satisfy your craving for outdoor activity. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Cliff Creek Trail, a 9.7-mile route that promises a rewarding journey through stunning landscapes. If you're in search of a shorter but equally enchanting experience, the Sun Park Trail offers a 2.2-mile escape into nature's tranquility. With a total of 12 well-maintained trails, ranging from 1.6 to 10.5 miles in length, the park invites walkers and hikers to indulge in an array of captivating terrains and captivating views. Whether you're an avid hiker or a casual walker, West Elk Wilderness in Gunnison, United States, awaits your exploration. As you plan your adventure, consider downloading the Pacer Pedometer app for valuable information about the park's routes and additional insights to enhance your outdoor experience. Get ready to embark on an enriching journey as you discover the wonders of West Elk Wilderness, where every step unveils a new facet of nature's splendor.

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Walking and Hiking in West Elk Wilderness

West Elk Wilderness in Gunnison, United States, offers an exhilarating experience for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse terrain, this park is the ideal destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor adventure. The park's essential amenities, including parking lots, ensure convenience and accessibility for visitors. ...

West Elk Wilderness in Gunnison, United States, offers an exhilarating experience for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse terrain, this park is the ideal destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor adventure. The park's essential amenities, including parking lots, ensure convenience and accessibility for visitors. Whether you are an avid hiker or a leisurely walker, the West Elk Wilderness caters to all levels of outdoor activity enthusiasts. The park's extensive trail system provides a range of options, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks, allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace. As you traverse the park's picturesque trails, you'll encounter breathtaking vistas, serene woodlands, and an abundance of wildlife. The West Elk Wilderness in Gunnison is truly a haven for anyone seeking to connect with nature and indulge in the joys of walking and hiking.

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Essential Amenities in West Elk Wilderness

Parking lot

Best Walking Routes in West Elk Wilderness

#1 - Soap Creek Trail 443
(1 review)
Length: 10.5 milesEst. Time: 3h42m
#2 - Castle Creek Trail 441
(1 review)
Length: 6.1 milesEst. Time: 1h52m
#3 - Beaver Creek Trail 464
(1 review)
Length: 8.3 milesEst. Time: 2h38m
See All Routes

West Elk Wilderness Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
tlr
2
PacerPal
2
E
1
4rjdr
1
5
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Needle Rock Instant Study Area
Big Mine Park
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Raggeds Wilderness
Town Park
Rainbow Park
West Tomichi River Park
Meadows Park
American Legion Memorial Park

FAQs About West Elk Wilderness

Where is the best place to walk in West Elk Wilderness?

According to the Pacer community, some of the best places to walk in West Elk Wilderness include the Cliff Creek Trail 840, Soap Creek Trail 443, and Rainbow Lake Trail 449, each offering picturesque views and diverse terrains.

How many routes are in West Elk Wilderness?

West Elk Wilderness offers a total of 12 routes for walkers and hikers to explore and enjoy, providing a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.

Which is the longest route in West Elk Wilderness?

The Soap Creek Trail 443 is the longest route in West Elk Wilderness, stretching for 10.5 miles and offering a rewarding hiking experience with stunning natural surroundings, as recommended by the Pacer community.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in West Elk Wilderness?

Yes, there are essential amenities available for walkers and hikers in West Elk Wilderness, including parking lots for easy access to the trails.

How accessible is West Elk Wilderness?

West Elk Wilderness is accessible for walkers and hikers, with designated parking lots to provide convenient access to the park's trails and natural areas.

What kind of sports can I do in West Elk Wilderness?

In West Elk Wilderness, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, walking, and exploring the natural beauty of the park.

What is the best season to hike in West Elk Wilderness?

The best season to hike in West Elk Wilderness is typically summer, from late June to early September. This is when the weather is generally milder and the trails are more accessible.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in West Elk Wilderness?

In West Elk Wilderness, hikers should prepare for a wide range of weather conditions. Summers are generally warm, but thunderstorms are common in the afternoons. Winters are cold and snowy, and spring and fall can bring rapid weather changes. It's important to be prepared for all types of weather when hiking in this area.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in West Elk Wilderness?

Hikers in West Elk Wilderness might encounter a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, black bears, mountain lions, and various bird species. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and practice proper wildlife safety measures while hiking in this area.

Last updated: Dec 1, 2024

Best Walking Routes in West Elk Wilderness

#1 - Soap Creek Trail 443
4 (1 review)
Length: 10.5 milesEst. Time: 3h42m
#2 - Castle Creek Trail 441
4 (1 review)
Length: 6.1 milesEst. Time: 1h52m
#3 - Beaver Creek Trail 464
4 (1 review)
Length: 8.3 milesEst. Time: 2h38m
See All Routes

Parks Near West Elk Wilderness

Needle Rock Instant Study Area
Big Mine Park
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Raggeds Wilderness
Town Park
Rainbow Park
West Tomichi River Park
Meadows Park
American Legion Memorial Park

Latest Check-ins at West Elk Wilderness

tlrOct 11, 2024
Oct 11, 2024Hiking
EJun 9, 2024
Jun 9, 2024Walking
rjdrOct 3, 2023
Oct 3, 2023Hiking
Jan 6, 2023
Jan 6, 2023Walking
PacerPalJul 25, 2022
Jul 25, 2022Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at West Elk Wilderness

RankingCheck-ins
tlr
2
PacerPal
2
E
1
4rjdr
1
5
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in West Elk Wilderness
#1- Soap Creek Trail 443
(1 review)
Length: 10.5 milesEst. Time: 3h42m
#2- Castle Creek Trail 441
(1 review)
Length: 6.1 milesEst. Time: 1h52m
#3- Beaver Creek Trail 464
(1 review)
Length: 8.3 milesEst. Time: 2h38m
#4- Coffeepot Creek Trail 456
(1 review)
Length: 8.7 milesEst. Time: 2h3m
#5- Zigzag Trail 601
(1 review)
Length: 1.6 milesEst. Time: 27m
#6- Coal Mesa Trail 451
(1 review)
Length: 5.8 milesEst. Time: 1h26m
#7- Cliff Creek Trail 840
(1 review)
Length: 9.7 milesEst. Time: 2h37m
#8- Beckwith Bench Trail 845
(1 review)
Length: 3.7 milesEst. Time: 1h24m
#9- Sun Park Trail 444
(1 review)
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 37m
#10- Curecanti Trail 870
(1 review)
Length: 9.4 milesEst. Time: 2h32m
#11- Lion Gulch Trail 536
(1 review)
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h38m
#12- Rainbow Lake Trail 449
(1 review)
Length: 9.4 milesEst. Time: 2h41m
#13- Sink Creek Trail 861
(1 review)
Length: 5.6 milesEst. Time: 1h25m
#14- Elk Basin Trail 854
(1 review)
Length: 6.4 milesEst. Time: 1h2m
#15- Kaufman Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 8.1 milesEst. Time: 2h34m
#16- Sheep Lake Trail 848
(1 review)
Length: 1.6 milesEst. Time: 27m
#17- Through Line Trail 860
(1 review)
Length: 13.1 milesEst. Time: 3h39m
#18- Soap Basin Trail 442
(1 review)
Length: 7.5 milesEst. Time: 2h18m
#19- Curecanti Trail 870
(1 review)
Length: 2.5 milesEst. Time: 42m
#20- Peter Creek Trail 856
(1 review)
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 37m
#21- Mosley Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 30m
#22- Coal Basin Trail 859
(1 review)
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m
#23- Robinson Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.8 milesEst. Time: 48m
#24- Little Elk Basin Trail 892
(1 review)
Length: 5.9 milesEst. Time: 1h30m
#25- Sheep Lake Trail 551
(1 review)
Length: 1.6 milesEst. Time: 28m
#26- Hoodoo Gap Trail 877
(1 review)
Length: 3.4 milesEst. Time: 58m
#27- Sheep Lake Cutoff Trail 885
(1 review)
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m
#28- Trail 852
(1 review)
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m
#29- Navajo Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m
#30- East Soap Trail 535
(1 review)
Length: 4.6 milesEst. Time: 1h7m
#31- Curecanti Trail
(1 review)
Length: 10.5 milesEst. Time: 3h26m
#32- Little Robinson Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 1h52m
#33- Lone Pine Trail 862
(1 review)
Length: 4.3 milesEst. Time: 1h32m
#34- Cliff Creek Trail 840
(1 review)
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 23m
#35- Cliff Creek Cutoff 840.a
(1 review)
Length: 1.6 milesEst. Time: 27m

Photos of West Elk Wilderness

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