The Flat Tops Wilderness has different rules than a regular trail

North of the Colorado River, Garfield County reaches up into the Flat Tops, a high country of broad plateaus, cliffs, lakes, and streams. Part of it is the Flat Tops Wilderness, managed by the White River and Routt national forests.

Designated wilderness is national forest land, but it is held to a stricter standard. The idea is to keep these places wild, so the rules are different from a regular forest trail. Bikes and other mechanized travel are generally not allowed. Group sizes are limited, and there can be rules about where and how you camp and use stock animals. Motor vehicles stay out.

This is not meant to discourage a visit. Hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and hunting all happen here. It is meant to set expectations: the way you would use a wilderness area is not the way you would use a developed campground or a forest road.

Before a trip into the Flat Tops, the practical move is to check the current rules and any seasonal restrictions for the specific area you plan to enter, since they can vary.

For the occupancy and use rules and current conditions, check the White River National Forest pages for the Flat Tops Wilderness.