Some of our trails in Eagle County fall under the definition of Wilderness. 

The legal definition of Wilderness stemmed from concern of the growing population of the United States post-World War 2. The “baby boom” during the 1950s and 60s as well as the increase in transportation systems emphasized a need for environmental protection and conservation. As America’s highway system grew, the concern for air and water quality led to the first format of the Clean Air Act (enacted in 1963). Public land designation had been introduced prior to the 60s with the creation of the National Parks System in 1916, National Forests, and primitive areas. 

Under President John F. Kennedy, he and his administration advocated for the passing of the Wilderness Act. After Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson would resume advocacy for an environmental act that would serve as the basis for the protection and conservation of American lands. The 88th Congress of the United States passed The Wilderness Act on September 3rd, 1964. 

Please note that the Wilderness Act of 1964 and previous legislation for environmental protection do not represent indigenous populations in the United States who had previously inhabited these spaces. Marginalized groups in the outdoors have not, historically, been represented by members of their communities nor have congressional acts recognized native peoples influence and connection to Federally protected lands. There is improvement in said recognition but please be mindful of the language used below. 

An Act: To establish a National Wilderness Preservation System for the permanent good of the whole people, and for other purposes. 

Definition of Wilderness: A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. An area of wilderness is further defined to mean in this Act an area of underdeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions and which (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation; (3) has at least five thousand acres of land or is of sufficient size as to make practicable its preservation and use in an unimpaired condition; and (4) may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. 

How are wilderness different from other areas?

There are over 800 wilderness areas throughout 44 states and Puerto Rico, covering almost 112 million acres. In Colorado alone, there are over 3.7 million acres of wilderness. The Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service all oversee and maintain these protected areas. The Holy Cross and Eagles Nest Wilderness both overlap Eagle County. 

In designated wilderness areas, the use of motorized equipment is prohibited. This also includes “mechanical transport.” Bikes are considered a form of mechanical transport thus prohibited in wilderness areas. These jurisdictions are included in the Wilderness Act.

While there is some debate about the use of chainsaws in wilderness areas, administrative use of chainsaws has been permitted only when there are navigational hazards. Cross-cut saws are typically used by sawyers when applicable. 

Please do not bring chainsaws-regardless if there is a spark arrestor or is electric-to wilderness areas. With our resources in multiple land agencies throughout the county, areas that require additional attention will be communicated to the FS, BLM, FWS, or NPS.

Has outstanding opportunities for solitude…

As written in the Wilderness Act, solitude is listed under the comprehensive definition of wilderness. Our reasons for recreation may vary but respecting the tranquility of these spaces connects with LNT Principle 7-Be considerate of others. We ask that you are mindful of this shared space and respecting others’ access to wilderness.     

Eagle’s Nest Wilderness Rules and Regulations

Holy-Cross Wilderness Rules and Regulations

“Untrammeled” Trailer