North of Crest Butte and south of Carbondale is the Raggeds Wilderness, with 65,000 acres of pristine backcountry.

Two 9” billies were harvest by rifle and a nanny and billy were taken by bowhunters over the last couple of years. Over 90 miles of trails allow for foot or horseback travel. Backcountry travel can be difficult, and weather conditions can change drastically here.

Mountains reach over 13,000 feet on the summit of Treasure Mountain. Anthracite and Crystal River lead to the North Fork of the Gunnison at Paonia and Roaring Fork River at Carbondale. Dark Canyon, Buck Creek Basin, Paradise Basin and North Pole Basin help create a very rugged, but scenic landscape.

Broad alpine basins under 13,000 feet are typically covered with wild flowers, lichens, grasses and moss. Below timber line, thick stands of spruce, fir and pine cover the north facing slopes. Lower ridges and creeks offer aspens, ponderosa and lodgepole pines, spruce and meadows.

Grand Mesa National Forest, Gunnison National Forest and White River National Forest have thousands of acres of public lands. Colorado Route 133 connects to County Road 77 leading to Forest Service 795. Coal Creek and Colorado Route 133 Forest Service Road 12 heads up to Munsey Creek and Dark Canyon Trail. County Road 3 reaches the mountain community of Marble along Crystal River. Over 90 miles of constructed trails are available for both foot and horse travel through some rugged terrain. Weather for the area can vary greatly but generally you can expect cool mountain climate with scattered rain showers throughout the summer months. Provided by National Forest Service.

A number of state and national forest improved campgrounds can be found in this area. The communities of Delta, Crested Butte and Carbondale provide an assortment of motels, cafes, medical facilities, restaurants, gas and diesel. Paonia, Hotchkiss and Marble offer limited cafes and gas.