Colorado

COLORADO

In Colorado the Trust has protected more than

7,345 acres in 16 wilderness areas and 6 proposed wilderness areas
Adding 156 properties to public lands with 55 more properties waiting to transfer
Completing 1 wilderness area by removing the last remaining inholding

Within the high peaks and deep river canyons of Colorado’s 44 wilderness areas are some of the most most spectacular landscapes in the West. Within these wilderness areas are approximately 7,683 acres of private lands. They carry none of the protections of the surrounding wilderness and can be developed with mines, homes and resorts, and roads. Each one represents a tear in the fabric of wilderness protection.

The Trust was founded in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley to address these threats of development and create a better way for private landowners to convey their lands to public ownership to be protected for future generations. Thirty two years after the organization began, Colorado remains an important focus area of our work.

Tab Title

(2) HOLY CROSS WILDERNESS

(3) MAROON BELLS - SNOWMASS WILDERNESS

SNOWMASS FALLS RANCH

650 acres

The Trust is partnering with Pitkin County on this landmark conservation project to protect one of the largest remaining undeveloped private properties in the county. Pitkin County purchased the property for $34 M using Open Space funds, and the Trust is working to secure LWCF funding to add the majority of the property to the wilderness area. This is the 29th property protected by the Trust in Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness.

BUSHER CLAIMS

20 acres

This property sits on the slopes above the popular hiking destination of Cumberland Basin, below Pearl Mountain and Castle Peak. Its fragile high-alpine ecosystem provides important wildlife habitat as well as pristine viewsheds for recreationists.

recent success

COPPER GLANCE

10 acres

(4) RAGGEDS WILDERNESS

(5) FOSSIL RIDGE WILDERNESS

(6) COLLEGIATE PEAKS WILDERNESS

(7) SANGRE DE CRISTO WILDERNESS

(8) MOUNT MASSIVE WILDERNESS

(9) RED CLOUD PEAK & HANDIES PEAK WSAs

RED CLOUD 17

106 acres

Due to their close proximity to the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, a very popular OHV route that traverses 63 miles through the alpine, these 17 properties were at high risk of development.

SUNSHINE & WHITE CROSS CLAIMS

130 acres

Building off the success of the nearby Red Cloud 17 project, protecting these 14 additional properties will further help remove the high risk of development in an area popular for multi-use recreation.

EASTERN REBEL BOY

6.7 acres

Recently Completed Colorado Projects

Building impact across a landscape in the San Juan Mountains

June 15, 2026

Protecting the slopes of Colorado’s Mount Champion

May 19, 2026

Private inholding in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Protected

December 12, 2025

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In Colorado the Trust has protected more than

7,345 acres in 16 wilderness areas and 6 proposed wilderness areas

Adding 156 properties to public lands with 55 more properties waiting to transfer

Completing 1 wilderness area by removing the last remaining inholding

SNOWMASS FALLS RANCH

BUSHER CLAIMS

COPPER GLANCE

STRAEDER LODE

CROSS MOUNTAIN

SPOTTED TAIL

PANAMA PRINCIPLE LODE

BLANCA PEAK

CHAMPION MINE SOUTH