Colorado

The Handies Peak WSA is located in Hinsdale County, 10 miles southwest of Lake City. The Handies Peak WSA includes multi-colored rock strata, numerous drainages, glacial cirques, diverse vegetation, and vast, open vistas. The namesake of the WSA, Handies Peak, rises to 14,048 feet elevation and is the highest point of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management outside of Alaska. The WSA includes 12 peaks over 13,000 feet, three alpine lakes, and three major canyons with streams. The geomorphology shows a variety of volcanic, glacial and Precambrian formations. Scenic quality is outstanding due to the high alpine mountainous landform. Vegetation consists mainly of mixed spruce, fir, aspen, alpine grasses, sedges, and forbs. Fauna includes elk, deer, black bear, various small mammals, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain climbing, and photography.

When Open? Area Acres Operated By
Year-round; 24 hours a day 15,803 acres Bureau of Land Management:
Gunnison Field Office
Dogs Allowed? Miles of Trail Max/Min Elev (ft)
Dogs allowed - must be on leash in developed areas 30 9,430ft - 14,050ft

Handies Peak WSA Trail and Map Finder

Area Hiking Trails:
1 - American Basin Trail
2 - Cataract Creek Trail #7475
3 - Cuba Gulch Trail #9477
4 - Grizzly Gulch Trail
5 - Jones Mountain Trail
Area Hiking Trails:
1 - American Basin Trail
2 - Cataract Creek Trail #7475
3 - Cuba Gulch Trail #9477
4 - Grizzly Gulch Trail
5 - Jones Mountain Trail
6 - Silver Creek Trail
7 - Sloan Gulch Trail
8 - Snare Creek Trail
Area Trailheads:
1 - American Basin Lower Trailhead
2 - American Basin Trail
3 - Cataract Creek Trail #7475
4 - Cuba Gulch Trail #9477
5 - Jones Mountain Trail
6 - Silver Creek Trail
Area Campgrounds: