Today is the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, a groundbreaking 1964 law that designated over 800 wilderness areas across the United States. These areas cover diverse ecosystems, from deserts to mountains, and they ensure that 111 million acres remain natural, free from development and human impact.
Certain activities, such as livestock grazing and sheep herding, are allowed in specific areas under carefully regulated conditions to minimize environmental impact. Herders may utilize horses and, in some cases, even motorized vehicles to manage their flocks. These exceptions acknowledge the historical uses before their designation as wilderness.
There are 39 wilderness areas in Colorado, including Flat Tops, Eagles Nest, Holy Cross, James Peak, Lost Creek, Sangre de Cristo, Comanche, and Collegiate Peaks.
