WEST COLD SPRING WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The West Cold Spring WSA is in the western portion of the rugged, south-facing slopes of Cold Spring Mountain. This area is characterized by deep draws and canyons that have been cut through the O-Wi-Yu-Kuts Plateau, forming a series of plateaus and ridges along the northern margins of the Green River Valley. Vegetation consists mainly of sagebrush steppe and saltbush/greasewood, pinyon juniper woodlands, large old-growth mountain mahogany, oak scrub, limber pine, lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, aspen, and riparian vegetation along Beaver Creek Canyon and Spitzie Draw. Fauna includes fox, coyote, black bear, mountain lion, mule deer, elk, beaver, antelope, bighorn sheep, raptors and various songbirds, gopher snakes, and western diamondbacks. Trout are found in Beaver Creek. The area is known to possess historic and prehistoric cultural sites varying from Paleo-Indian to more modern Ute and Shoshone tribes. Activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, photography and enjoying our cultural heritage.

Visitation Information

The West Cold Spring WSA is located in Moffat County and extends into extends into Daggett County in Utah. It is located approximately 65 miles northwest of Maybell and 95 miles northwest of Craig.

Visitor Advisory

Total Area: 18,036 acres (14,836 Colorado; 3,200 Utah)

Elevation Range: ~5,749 to ~8,212 feet

BLM Field Office: Little Snake

Designated: 1980 (Wilderness Study Area)