Rocky Mountain Region

What is Wilderness?

In 1964, the Congress of the United States took a far-sighted action by passing the Wilderness Act, legally designating certain federal lands as Wilderness. Congress preserved these lands: “…in order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States and its possessions, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition”. The Wilderness Act prohibits roads, mining, timber cutting and motorized vehicles in these areas.

Values and Benefits of Wilderness

Wilderness has many values. Recognizing these diverse and unique values opens a world of understanding about the natural environment. Preserving Wilderness may someday be seen through eyes of historians as the most important contribution societies can make to the health of the global environment.

General Information > Facts > Frequently Asked Questions > Listings > The Wilderness Act > What is Wilderness? 40th Anniversary of Wilderness > General Information Walk for Wilderness > Setup Your Own Walk > Rocky Mountain Region Locations Photo Gallery > Photos of Wilderness Areas

Maps, Brochures, Posters and other items > Brochures > Maps > Posters > Pins Wilderness Recreation Forums > Forums, Field Trips and Core Team Wilderness Training > Agendas and Forms Wilderness Stewardship Challenge Other Resources > Online Resources > Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center