BROWNS CANYON WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The Browns Canyon WSA contains very rugged topography, with many granite knolls and rocky outcrops, canyons, and gulches. Middle Cottonwood Gulch, Cottonwood Gulch, Spring Gulch, Sawmill Gulch, and Green Gulch drain east-to-west across the WSA. Vegetation includes pinyon pine and juniper, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, aspen, willow, cottonwood, rabbitbrush, blue grama grass, mountain muhly, Indian ricegrass, prickly pear cactus, cholla, yucca, and wildflowers. Fauna includes mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, red-tailed hawks, prairie falcons, and peregrine falcons. Majestic views of the 14,000-foot peaks of the Sawatch Range create a sense of vastness from the WSA, and outstanding opportunities for solitude are especially prevalent in the canyons and gulches. Activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and photography.

Visitation Information

The Browns Canyon WSA is located in Chaffee County within Browns Canyon National monument, approximately six miles south of Buena Vista and seven miles northwest of Salida. The primary trailhead is located near the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site along Chaffee County Road 300.

Visitor Advisory

Total Area: 7,451 acres

Elevation Range: ~7,400 to ~9,000 feet

BLM Field Office: Royal Gorge

Designated: 1980 (Wilderness Study Area)