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Platte River Wilderness

Platte River Wilderness mainly lies within the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming, but also includes a small portion within the Routt National Forest in Colorado. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is located on the Brush Creek/Hayden, Laramie and Parks Ranger Districts. The United States Congress designated the Platte River Wilderness in 1984 and it has a total of 23,492 acres. Colorado contains approximately 743 acres and Wyoming contains approximately 22,749 acres, and the average elevation is 7,700 feet.

The North Platte River features blue-ribbon trout fishing, as well as rafting and kayaking. North Gate Canyon is a popular white-water rafting section of water. Douglas Creek is noted for its excellent trout fishing opportunities, as well as hiking, backpacking and hunting. Dispersed camping opportunities are widespread and there are several campgrounds nearby, such as, Six Mile Gap Campground and Pelton Creek Campground.

The Douglas Creek Trail follows the creek for 9.5 miles through an open canyon with trailheads at both ends. You can hike a loop from the Pelton Creek Trailhead by exiting the Douglas Creek Trail to return via the Platte River Trail. Elk and deer find excellent winter habitat in this Wilderness area. Please visit Wilderness.net for more information.

Trails/Trailheads that access the Platte River Wilderness include:

Douglas Creek Trail
Pelton Creek Trailhead
Pike Pole Trailhead
Platte River Trail
Routt Access Trailhead
Six Mile Trailhead

General Information

Topo maps

Forest Service Topography Maps: These maps overlay Forest Service assets, such as roads, trails and campgrounds, on USGS's topographic maps. They are available for download by quadrangle.

Paper and digital maps

USGS Store: Offers a full, nationwide selection of National Forest, Ranger District, Wilderness and Specialty Maps for purchase online or by phone.

Motorized equipment and vehicles are prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles and carts. Wheelchairs are exempt.

Group size limit is 12 people with livestock combined.

Camping & campfires are prohibited within 100 feet, or more if posted, of all lakes, streams & trails to protect water quality. Thin soil & mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire & fires scar rocks & soil. Use of a stove, fire pan or existing fire ring is encouraged where fires are allowed.

Pets must be under voice control at all times.

Grazing stock must not be hobbled, tethered or picketed within 100 feet, or more if posted, of any lakes, streams or trails. This protects fragile vegetation & keeps lakes & streams clean.

Certified weed-free forage is required. Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw or mulch are allowed.

Permit is required for organized groups or commercial outfitters entering the Wilderness.

Short-cutting switchbacks on trails is prohibited.