Byers Peak Wilderness Area
Byers Peak Wilderness Area is a unique attraction just 35 miles from Winter Park. As part of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, Byers Peak Wilderness Area was established in 1993 to protect and manage the area in order to preserve its natural condition. With less than 9,000 acres in the area, it is an easy way to see a small, but unique area.
Despite, the seemingly small area of Byers Peak, there are a large variety of eco-zones to be explored there, from low lying lodgepole pine forests to alpine tundra 12,000 feet in elevation. In fact, half of the entire area consists of land above the tree line, which is the most unique attribute of Byers Peak Wilderness Area. Because of this fact, the Byers Peak area is said to have some of the best ridge hiking in the state.
There are 23 miles of trails, including the Byers Peak Trail, traversing North to South from Bottle Pass to Saint Louis Peak; just a 3 mile roundtrip hike entirely above the tree line, offering unobstructed views of the area. As you hike, keep your eyes peeled for wild animals. Byers Peak Wilderness Area has deer, elk, bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and moose.
Hiking is not the only draw to the area. Byers Peak Wilderness Area also has 2 glacial lakes, 3 major creek drainages, and 2 peaks over 12,500 feet. There are campgrounds located nearby if you looking for a nice area to set up camp for a night or longer.
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