Raggeds Wilderness: Colorado's Rugged Backcountry
Explore Colorado's Raggeds Wilderness: A backcountry haven of jagged peaks, deep canyons, and pristine alpine beauty for adventurous souls.
The Raggeds Wilderness, nestled in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, is a 65,443-acre protected area known for its jagged peaks, deep canyons, and pristine backcountry. Established in 1980, it offers over 90 miles of trails for hikers and backpackers seeking solitude and challenging adventures amidst stunning natural beauty.
A brief summary to Ragged Wilderness
- Somerset, Colorado, 81434, US
- +1970-874-6600
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on this pristine wilderness area.
- Be prepared for challenging terrain and varying weather conditions, especially at higher elevations.
- Check current trail conditions and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Bring a map and compass, and be proficient in navigation, as cell service may be limited.
- If planning an overnight trip in popular zones, acquire permits in advance at Recreation.gov.
Getting There
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Driving
To access the Raggeds Wilderness, a good starting point is the town of Somerset, CO. From Somerset, drive towards Kebler Pass on County Road 12. Several trailheads provide access to the wilderness, including Erickson Springs Campground. From the campground, you can access the Dark Canyon Trail. Note that the road to Oh Be Joyful Campground, another access point, is steep and rough, and may not be suitable for low-clearance vehicles. There are no fees for entering the Raggeds Wilderness itself, but camping at designated campgrounds may require a fee.
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Hiking
Once you've reached a trailhead, the final approach is on foot. From Erickson Springs Campground, follow the Dark Canyon Trail. Be prepared for a challenging hike with significant elevation gain. The trail is well-maintained but can be muddy in places, especially after rain. Always carry plenty of water and be aware of the weather conditions. There are no mandatory access fees for hiking the trails, but dispersed camping is allowed with certain restrictions.
Discover more about Ragged Wilderness
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Crystal Mill
8.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Crystal Mill, a must-see gem in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Meridian Lake
16.0 km
Experience the serene beauty of Meridian Lake in Crested Butte, CO, a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Lower Loop Trailhead Parking
19.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Lower Loop Trailhead in Crested Butte, Colorado – your starting point for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Three Ladies Park
19.7 km
Experience the charm of Three Ladies Park in Crested Butte, a serene playground surrounded by stunning Rocky Mountain views, perfect for families and nature lovers.
Elk Mountain Lodge
19.9 km
Experience the enchanting Elk Mountain Lodge in Crested Butte, Colorado, where comfort meets adventure in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Soupcon Restaurant
20.0 km
Experience the culinary artistry of Soupcon Restaurant in Crested Butte, where French cuisine meets local ingredients in an intimate setting.
Kochevar's Saloon
20.0 km
Discover the charm of Kochevar's Saloon in Crested Butte, Colorado—a historic bar offering a perfect blend of local culture, drinks, and fun.
Margaux’s (SlapBurger)
20.0 km
Discover Margaux's (SlapBurger) in Crested Butte for mouthwatering burgers, chicken wings, and a vibrant bar scene in a stunning mountain town.
Bonez
20.0 km
Indulge in a flavorful fusion of Mexican cuisine and classic grill dishes at Bonez in Crested Butte, where every meal is a celebration of taste and community.
Mountain View Wear
20.1 km
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Public House Lofts
20.1 km
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Totem Pole Park
20.1 km
Experience the charm of Totem Pole Park in Crested Butte, a serene park featuring whimsical totem sculptures amidst lush landscapes and scenic walking trails.
Crested Butte, Colorado
20.1 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Crested Butte, Colorado, where stunning mountain landscapes meet vibrant local culture for an unforgettable getaway.
The Eldo Brewery
20.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Eldo Brewery in Crested Butte, where craft beer meets delicious food and live music.
Irwin Brewing Company’s Public House
20.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cinnamon Mountain
7.5 km
Hike to panoramic views from Cinnamon Mountain, a 13,336-foot peak in the heart of Colorado's stunning San Juan Mountains.
401 Trail
9.9 km
Experience world-class mountain biking on the 401 Trail, with breathtaking alpine views and vibrant wildflower meadows near Snowmass.
Gothic Natural Area
11.0 km
Discover Gothic Natural Area: a blend of history, science, and stunning Rocky Mountain scenery near Crested Butte, Colorado.
Washington Gulch
12.9 km
Explore Washington Gulch near Crested Butte: Hike scenic trails, discover wildflower meadows, and uncover the history of this Colorado gem.
Rustler Gulch
12.9 km
Discover Rustler Gulch: Hike through wildflower-filled meadows, past cascading waterfalls, and beneath towering peaks in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Gothic Mountain
13.3 km
Hike to the summit of Gothic Mountain for breathtaking views of Crested Butte and the surrounding Elk Mountains. A challenging climb with a rewarding panorama.
Judd Falls/Copper Creek Trailhead
14.5 km
Discover Judd Falls near Crested Butte: An easy hike to a stunning waterfall with breathtaking mountain views and vibrant wildflower meadows.
Snodgrass Mountain
15.9 km
Hike or bike through wildflower meadows and aspen forests with stunning views of Crested Butte's iconic peaks.
Kebler Pass
16.6 km
Experience Colorado's stunning fall colors and breathtaking mountain scenery on Kebler Pass, a seasonal scenic byway connecting Crested Butte and Paonia.
Maroon-Bells-Snowmass Wildnerness
17.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Colorado's Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: iconic peaks, pristine lakes, and unforgettable hiking adventures.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness - White River
17.9 km
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Snodgrass Trailhead
18.9 km
Hike or bike through wildflower meadows with stunning mountain views at this popular Crested Butte trailhead.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
19.6 km
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Crested Butte
20.0 km
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Crested Butte Land Trust
20.1 km
Conserving Gunnison Valley's vistas, recreation, wildlife, and ranching heritage for future generations. Explore protected lands!
Essential places to dine
Woodstone Grille
19.3 km
Experience local flavors at Woodstone Grille in Mt. Crested Butte - A cozy retreat offering delicious meals after your mountain adventures.
Highlife Crust & Crafts
19.3 km
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A Bar Above CB
19.4 km
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Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts
19.4 km
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billy barr
19.5 km
Discover Billy Barr in Crested Butte: where cocktails meet breakfast bliss in a cozy mountain setting.
Crested Butte Burger Company
19.5 km
Discover mouthwatering burgers and friendly service at Crested Butte Burger Company - your ultimate stop for delicious meals in Colorado's mountain paradise.
Iron Horse Tap
19.5 km
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José Crested Butte
19.5 km
Discover authentic Mexican cuisine at José Crested Butte - where every dish is crafted with passion and flavor in mind.
Butte 66
19.5 km
Experience mouthwatering grilled delights at Butte 66 in Crested Butte - where local flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Yukihana Sushi & Sake Bar
20.0 km
Experience the finest sushi and sake at Yukihana Sushi & Sake Bar in Crested Butte - where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
Miette
20.0 km
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Ryce Asian Bistro
20.0 km
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Breadery
20.1 km
Discover the delicious flavors at The Breadery in Crested Butte—where fresh ingredients meet cozy ambiance.
Butte Bagels
20.1 km
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The Hideout
20.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Chopwood Mercantile
20.0 km
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Big Al's Bicycle Heaven
20.1 km
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Crested Butte Angler: Fly Fishing Guides for the Gunnison River Drainage, Fly Shop, & Outdoor Store
20.1 km
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UNIQUE WEAR
20.1 km
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Lavish
20.1 km
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Colorado Mountain Love
20.2 km
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Pfister's Handworks
20.2 km
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Poohs Corner Inc
20.2 km
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Shades of Crested Butte
20.2 km
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Mountain Tops
20.2 km
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Vincent Cranberry’s Christmas Shoppe and Holiday Haberdashery
20.2 km
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Cottonwood Tees
20.2 km
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Zacchariah Zypp & Co
20.2 km
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Milky Way Boutique
20.2 km
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Casa Bella
20.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Anthracite Spirits Company Tasting Lounge
20.2 km
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Stark's Alpine Grill
29.6 km
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The Tavern Kitchen and Bar
29.6 km
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Zane's Tavern Snowmass
29.6 km
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NEST Bar & Grill
30.3 km
Discover the culinary delights of NEST Bar & Grill in Snowmass Village, where outdoor dining meets exquisite flavors in a stunning mountain backdrop.
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro Aspen Highlands
30.5 km
Discover exquisite Swiss cuisine amidst breathtaking mountain views at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro in Aspen Highlands, a top dining destination for tourists.
Three Peaks Bar & Grille
32.3 km
Experience the flavors of Colorado at Three Peaks Bar & Grille, where mountain views meet delicious local cuisine in the heart of Snowmass Village.
Black Saddle Bar & Grille
32.5 km
Discover a delightful culinary experience at Black Saddle Bar & Grille in Snowmass Village, where mountain views meet mouthwatering flavors.
Mountain Social Bar & Lounge
36.2 km
Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and culinary delights at Mountain Social Bar & Lounge in Aspen, Colorado's alpine paradise.
Shadow Mountain Lounge
36.2 km
Discover the upscale ambiance and exquisite drinks at Shadow Mountain Lounge, a must-visit bar in the heart of Aspen, Colorado.
The Wine Bar
36.4 km
Experience the best of wine and culinary delights at The Wine Bar, a cozy gem in Aspen, Colorado, perfect for your next dining adventure.
The Sterling Aspen
36.5 km
Discover nightlife at The Sterling Aspen, where exquisite cocktails and vibrant events create unforgettable evenings in the heart of Colorado.
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar
36.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aspen at Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar, where handcrafted cocktails and a cozy atmosphere await.
39 Degrees Lounge
36.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at 39 Degrees Lounge in Aspen, where expertly crafted cocktails meet delicious bites in a cozy setting.
Ponyboy Aspen
36.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aspen at Ponyboy, a cocktail bar with a creative drink selection and a lively atmosphere.
