A vast mountain and plateau forest in western Colorado spanning alpine wilderness, volcanic peaks, and the San Juan range.
Uncompahgre National Forest
Uncompahgre National Forest is a large U.S. National Forest in western Colorado, covering roughly 955,229 acres across parts of Montrose, Mesa, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Hinsdale, San Juan, and Delta Counties. The forest encompasses two major geographic zones: the arid Uncompahgre Plateau and the northern portion of the San Juan Mountains, creating a transition from high desert mesas to alpine summits above timberline.
Three designated alpine wilderness areas fall within its boundaries: the Uncompahgre Wilderness (formerly Big Blue Wilderness), Mount Sneffels Wilderness, and Lizard Head Wilderness. The forest's varied climate, sparse population, and abundance of sunshine have made it a destination for scenic driving, jeep and ATV touring, hiking, and sightseeking, with notable scenic byways including the Million Dollar Highway and the San Juan Skyway passing through or alongside it.
Uncompahgre is administered jointly with Grand Mesa and Gunnison National Forests as part of the GMUG National Forests, headquartered in Delta, Colorado. The forest plays an important role in preserving both the dramatic mountain scenery and the plateau ecosystems that characterize this part of the Rocky Mountains.
